A multi-pronged approach – involving both the public and private sectors – is needed to achieve the UAE’s Net Zero goal by 2050, an industry leader underscored during the ‘Journey to Net Zero Forum’ organised by Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
“The journey to Net Zero is one of the most critical challenges of our time and demands a collective effort and a shared vision to prioritise the health of our planet alongside the growth of our economies,” Eugene Mayne, founder and group CEO of Tristar, said during his keynote address in front of senior executives across various sectors, including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, waste management, transport, tourism and green project finance.
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“The journey to Net Zero is not just a destination, but a commitment to safeguarding our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous world for all,” he added.
Mayne also said: “Net Zero doesn’t mean eliminating all emissions. Instead, it’s about reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and offsetting any remaining emissions through actions like reforestation or technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage.”
“This balance is crucial because the excess greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are the primary drivers of global warming, leading to more frequent and severe climate events,” he underscored.
According to UN Climate Action, “global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Currently, the Earth is already about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45 per cent by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050”, when there is only a residual amount of carbon emission that can be absorbed by nature.
Seven key strategies
Mayne identified the following seven key strategies that would drive climate action.
- Decarbonise energy – There should be a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
- Electrification of transport – The transportation sector must shift to electric vehicles, while improving public transportation and developing infrastructure for cycling and walking.
- Make industries green – Innovations in materials, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies will be key, as well as adopting practices where waste is minimised, and resources are reused.
- Sustainable agriculture and land use – Promote sustainable agricultural practices, protect forests, and restore degraded lands. A shift to plant-based diet can also contribute significantly to reducing emissions.
- Effective carbon capture and removal – This can be achieved through natural methods, like reforestation, and technological methods, such as direct air capture and storage.
- Behavioural and societal changes – Encourage sustainable consumption patterns, reduce waste, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
- Promote circular economic model – Eliminate the linear model following a ‘take, make, and waste’ approach. Promote circular model that gives emphasis on reduce–reuse–recycle to keep resources sustainable.