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UAE to Announce New National Climate Plan Before COP29

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to unveil its updated national climate strategy under the Paris Agreement before the COP29 climate summit in November. The new plan, known as the "nationally determined contribution" (NDC), will outline the country's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 2025 to 2035, according to Sultan Al Jaber, the president of last year's COP28 summit in Dubai.

By submitting its NDC ahead of the February 2025 deadline, the UAE aims to be among the first major emitters to do so, hoping to inspire other countries to follow suit. Al Jaber highlighted the importance of viewing NDCs not just as obligations but as opportunities for fostering economic growth, creating green jobs, and securing a sustainable future.

Significance of NDCs in the Global Climate Fight

NDCs are the cornerstone of the Paris Agreement, serving as each nation's roadmap for emissions reduction. They are essential for keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Countries are required to submit new and more ambitious NDCs every five years, making the upcoming round of NDCs the first test of commitments made at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.

While many oil, gas, and coal-producing nations did not address the phase-out of fossil fuels in their previous NDCs, the UAE's updated plan is expected to take a stronger stance. Al Jaber, speaking at a meeting alongside the presidents of Dubai's COP28, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the upcoming COP in Belem, Brazil, stressed that these climate strategies should be seen as platforms for growth rather than burdens.

However, advocacy groups like Oil Change International have raised concerns. They recently reported that the combined oil and gas production of the UAE and other past and future COP host nations is set to increase by 33% by 2035, potentially conflicting with global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence.

As the UAE prepares to present its new climate plan, the international community will be watching closely to see how it aligns with the broader goals of the Paris Agreement and the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.