• Zeyoudi stresses the need to accelerate international efforts to achieve the terms of the Paris Agreement and sustainable development goals • Guterres hails the efforts of UAE and praises its prominent role in combatting climate change The UAE has stressed the need to accelerate global efforts to ensure that the terms of the Paris Agreement on climate change were implemented without further delays. This was conveyed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, in his speech to the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Katowice, Poland, on December 12. Delegates from more than 190 countries and territories were part of the audience at the event that aims to formulate the rules to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

His Excellency met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the conference and discussed the challenges posed by climate change and ways of cooperating in the effort to stem it.

On his part, the UN Secretary-General praised the UAE's prominent role in combatting global warming and its efforts globally in supporting initiatives to reduce the consequences of climate change.

In his speech, His Excellency pointed out the importance of experimenting with implementing models that have proved successful in reducing the effects of climate change, across several sectors; adopting renewable and clean energy projects and expanding the dissemination of solutions through effective initiatives internationally.

The UAE has adopted a series of ambitious visions and strategies, including the UAE Vision 2021, to promote sustainability. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 seeks to bring the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50 per cent, while the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE streamlines the concept of climate change mitigation and adaptation across the government and private sector.

The Minister said: "The UAE has supported these strategies and plans with robust and long-standing initiatives on the ground such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Abu Dhabi Solar Power Plant.  We are currently in the process of assessing the adaptability of our environmental and economic systems to climate change impacts in a bid to boost their efficiency.  We are about to issue the first law on climate change."

He added: “The UAE has also – through its government and semi-government entities – helped deploy renewable energy solutions across the world. The work of the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, which allocates millions of dollars to execute renewable energy projects that help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the Caribbean island countries, testifies to the country’s efforts.

In early 2018, we launched the Climate Project on a global scale with the objective of positively influencing 10 million people around the world through raising awareness and helping them become resilient to climate change impacts.”

The Minister pointed out that the impacts of climate change, highlighted in previous cycles, were growing in intensity and frequency, and adversely affecting the lives of millions of people.

He said: “The warning signs are becoming more evident and dramatic – the devastating forest fires, droughts, floods, and hurricanes are now the norm rather than the exception across the globe. Such climatic catastrophes reaffirm to the international community that we were not blowing the matter out of proportion when we warned against the considerable risks that climate change poses to human lives and property. They also make it very clear for world nations that they have no choice but to intensify their efforts to cut down carbon emissions and expedite climate adaptation measures, both at home and abroad.”

Dr Al Zeyoudi concluded his speech by inviting the delegates to attend the upcoming edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability in Abu Dhabi, in January. The annual global platform will bring together thousands of world leaders, businesspeople and experts to engage in high-profile conferences, exhibitions and activities aimed at identifying innovative solutions to global sustainability issues, with climate change at the forefront.

The Minister met with Armenian Minister of Natural Protection Arik Gregorian on the sidelines of the conference. They discussed ways on how Armenia could make the best use of the UAE experience in protecting biodiversity and achieving the sustainability of natural resources.

In a separate meeting with Sim Kessler, Estonian Minister of Environment and Chairman of the fourth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEA4), Dr Al Zeyoudi discussed the main proposals and themes to be addressed at the event to be held in March.

He also met with the head of Pakistan delegation and Advisor to the Pakistan President on Climate Change, Malik Ahmed Khan. They discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in various environmental fields.