By Manos Raptopoulos, President, SAP EMEA South
Shortly before this year’s Cop28 opened in the UAE, it was announced that 2023 is on track to become the hottest year on record. We are at the halfway point from 2015’s commitments to decarbonisation by 2030. There is still much to do: while the number of companies expressing net-zero targets has jumped considerably, only 4 per cent meet the stringent criteria laid out by the UN.
Not only do we need business leaders to recognise the urgency of reducing their emissions for planetary health, but we want them to recognise the massive business opportunities in sustainable business transformation and the low-carbon economy.
Among the cross-cutting themes for this year’s Cop is technology’s leading role in solutions that will help us stay on course with the Paris trajectory. I can attest that technology is a significant catalyst for decarbonisation across company operations and supply chains.
There is evidence that many businesses already recognize this link. A recent SAP survey found that 98 per cent of UAE companies surveyed report that environmental issues inform their strategic and operational decision-making. Moreover, almost 60 per cent began initiating environmental data collection within the past five years, while more than 70 per cent of UAE companies plan to increase their investment in sustainability strategies over the coming three years.
SAP’s message to the global business community on how technology will drive decarbonisation and create opportunities is three-fold.
Better data will lead to a better understanding
Sustainability data has become increasingly critical in decision-making. But the way carbon emissions, for example, are accounted for today is largely based on estimates and guesswork. Companies need actual data to better understand their supply chains’ impact and, in turn, help communities adapt to the powerful impacts of climate change.
The science shows we need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. That requires ambitious policies that support private sector investment and technological innovation. SAP is bringing our tools, energy, and commitment to these two weeks in Dubai to help shape a lasting result in decarbonisation.
Companies must start treating carbon like money
Today, most companies still use averages and estimates to calculate their emissions. We need to quickly begin using actual, verifiable and auditable carbon emissions data. Carbon accounting has not yet matched financial accounting in terms of complexity, maturity and regulatory standards. After all, financial accounting has had more than 500 years to evolve, while carbon accounting is only 25 years in the making with the release of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in 1998.
By calculating and sharing more precise emissions data across a company’s entire operation and supply chain, companies will over time be able to sync their emissions data with their financial data in a ‘green ledger’. This will allow them to more accurately report on their actual emissions, make decisions for lower-carbon products and processes, and build strong business cases for further climate-action investments.
Decarbonisation requires collaboration
Finally, companies and their suppliers must collaborate across their supply chains so they can share standardised carbon emissions data. Not only is it critical for the accurate accounting of Scope 3 emissions, often the largest share of a company’s overall footprint, but companies can better identify where opportunities exist for industry regulation to support bolder climate action policymaking.
Using just better data is not enough to achieve net-zero emissions. No company can take on the decarbonisation challenge alone. This collaboration includes using new energy sources and reducing material use and waste.
SAP is aligned with chief executives representing 12 million employees and US$4 trillion in revenues urging world leaders at Cop28 to lead by example. We’re asking governments to scale up investments in renewables while streamlining permitting and regulatory processes - and leading by example by ensuring government procurement practices become far more sustainable.
SAP is a signatory of the Global Renewables Alliance, which comprises more than 200 organisations calling for a Cop28 target that would triple renewable energy consumption to 11,000 gigawatts by 2030. We also support the New Delhi Declaration, which calls for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. In addition, we’re committed to The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), which seeks $100 trillion in private-sector investment to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century.
While we’re calling for global leaders to set far more ambitious climate targets, we also need governments to enable consistent and comparable climate-related disclosures at a global level and simplify carbon disclosure and reporting frameworks so that they encourage more transparency while eliminating inefficiencies.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
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MATCH INFO
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
Read more about the coronavirus
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Results
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
Winner: Secret Advisor, Tadhg O’Shea, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Plata O Plomo, Carlos Lopez, Susanne Berneklint.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Mohammed Al Attas
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The years Ramadan fell in May
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The%20Color%20Purple
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The five pillars of Islam
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
More coverage from the Future Forum
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
