In a significant move, climate ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
They stress the importance of encouraging efforts to triple global renewable energy production through existing targets and policies. Additionally, they aim to achieve a similar percentage in other low-emission and zero-emission technologies, including emissions source control and removal techniques, aligning with national circumstances by 2030.
This commitment was outlined in the closing statement released on Sunday after a ministerial meeting on climate change held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Climate Week in the Middle East and North Africa.
The statement expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the Climate Week in the Middle East and North Africa and for hosting this ministerial meeting. It also extended thanks and congratulations to the Arab Republic of Egypt for its successful hosting of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh. The ministers look forward to another successful meeting in the United Arab Emirates.
Furthermore, the statement strongly supports the United Arab Emirates’ hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28). The conference will focus on four key pillars, including accelerating a just and responsible energy transition and emissions reduction before 2030, reshaping climate finance through fulfilling existing commitments and establishing a new framework for financial alignment, prioritizing nature, people, and livelihoods in climate action, and mobilizing efforts for an inclusive COP.
The ministers also emphasized the need to adopt a gradual approach to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, including emission reduction, based on realistic foundations that consider different national circumstances. They acknowledged the importance of various available solutions and technologies, including the circular carbon economy approach, socio-economic development, market maturity, and the promotion of more efficient solutions that align with diverse national conditions.
The statement reinforced the principles of climate agreements, particularly the principles of fairness and common but differentiated responsibilities, taking into account each party’s capabilities, within the context of differing national circumstances. It emphasized the right of developing countries to sustainable development and economic diversification, considering the impacts of climate response policies.
The ministers highlighted three equally important core pillars of energy transformation: energy security, economic development, and climate change. This commitment aims to achieve a logical and practical energy transition in line with global climate goals.
In summary, the GCC nations are making significant strides in aligning their climate policies with global agreements and sustainability goals, reflecting their commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change while ensuring economic growth and energy security.
