UAE unveils National Net Zero by 2050 pathway at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh

 As part of its participation in the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh from 6th to 18th November, the UAE launched the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway, which sets the timeframe and identifies the mechanisms of implementing the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, introduced in October 2021.

The pathway defines the country’s climate ambition with an absolute emission reduction target of 18 percent compared to the UAE’s updated second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by 2030, 60 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2050, compared to 2019.

The strategy development comprises two phases. The first phase, completed in September 2022, defined the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway. This stage included benchmarking to identify best practices in the field in similar and developed countries, establishing an emission baseline, assessing the impact of existing national strategies (energy, water, demand management, waste, industry) on emission reduction until 2050, developing a model for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conducting modelling exercises, compiling a list of priority mitigation measures, and formulating scenarios for achieving net zero.

Using the most advanced methodology, several scenarios have been considered for the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway. The scenario that has been selected represents a diversified and balanced pathway. It entails an accelerated implementation of economically viable mitigation measures with a focus on promoting a green economy and driving a shift to green industrial development, which enhances exports and protects key established industries (aluminium, steel, cement, and oil and gas). Therefore, this option strikes a balance between environmental and climatic impacts on the one hand, and socio-economic impacts on the other hand. It is also expected to meet the requirement of keeping global warming below 2°C, ideally within 1.5°C — the main target of the Paris Agreement.

As part of this scenario, the UAE will adopt several measures to mitigate climate change, such as increasing the share of clean energy in its energy mix and scaling up the use of clean electricity in various sectors, including heavy industries.

The National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway will enhance transparency and increase the UAE’s chances of success in achieving the national target of limiting global warming within 1.5–2°C in line with the Paris Agreement.