UAE climate envoy: participation in US summit shows our commitment to tackling climate change

The UAE's Special Envoy for Climate Change said the country's participation in US President Joe Biden’s climate summit underlines its commitment to tackling the issue.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber said that the event "is a key milestone in the international climate space and strengthens momentum towards the United Nations Climate Change Conference (Cop26) this November in Glasgow".

The event, being held online on Thursday and Friday, features 40 world leaders discussing the climate challenge, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, leading the summit for the UAE.

Mr Biden initiated proceedings by announcing that the US will aim for a 50 per cent to 52 per cent cut in carbon emissions over 2005 levels by 2030.

Dr Al Jaber, meanwhile, outlined how the UAE was ramping up efforts to fight climate change.

"Due to early investment and policy choices, the UAE now enjoys the lowest-cost solar power in the world, enabling further competitiveness in our industries and services," Dr Al Jaber said.

"We are also investing in new zero-carbon fuels, including hydrogen that shows promise as an energy source of the future," he said.

Themes of the summit include how to create new technologies to reduce emissions and how to jump start private and public sector finance to drive the net-zero transition.

Dr Al Jaber also hinted at a major global new partnership focusing on research and investment on agriculture and food systems.

Saying it would be announced shortly, the partnership will aim to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions in the sector.

Dr Al Jaber recently hosted US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry and Cop26 president Alok Sharkma in Abu Dhabi for the Regional Climate Dialogue event. The talks concluded with 11 countries pledging to do even more to stop temperatures rising.