Emirates Nature-WWF and partners conclude Target Climate workshops
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 07, 2020: In line with its commitment to building a sustainable future, Emirates Nature-WWF, along with its strategic partners, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and HSBC Middle East, successfully wrapped up the Target Climate Initiative.
Garnering the support of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Dubai Chamber, the project aimed to advance the capacities and knowledge of companies and organisations across various sectors in developing greenhouse gas inventories for their operations, and accordingly identifying opportunities for emission reductions and building a ‘community of practice’ on climate action in the UAE. These efforts will support the country’s transition towards a green economy and low-carbon development.
A total of 110 participants across 84 corporations from several emirates in the UAE joined the series of online workshops and dedicated sessions on the development of carbon management tools. The Target Climate Initiative succeeded in raising awareness about climate change science and action, highlighting the role corporations play in tackling carbon mitigation, developing capabilities in estimating their carbon footprint as well as identifying solutions to reduce emissions. Through a guided toolkit and resources, corporations were encouraged to adopt strategies that will allow them to reduce their GHG emissions.
Eng Fahed Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector at MOCCAE, said: “Transitioning to a green economy makes environmental and economic sense, as it helps strike the necessary balance between economic growth and preserving the country’s environment and natural resources. The shift is projected to boost the UAE’s GDP by 4-5.5 percent and create 160,000 new jobs by 2030.”
He added: “We are pleased to partner with Emirates Nature-WWF and HSBC on the Target Climate Initiative to bring more businesses on board. Such endeavours go a long way in making this transition as seamless and effective as possible, and ensuring that the country is on track to meet its sustainability and climate goals.”
Commenting on the success of the Target Climate Initiative, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General at Emirates Nature-WWF, said: “It brings me great pleasure to conclude the Target Climate Initiative alongside dedicated partners, including MOCCAE, HSBC, EAD and Dubai Chamber. It is because of our joint efforts and long-term partnerships that we were able to support the UAE in achieving its green economy goals. Corporations are one of the significant contributors to GHG emissions globally, and must take immediate action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. This project has proven that with combined efforts and a shared goal, great change can be accomplished. I urge large corporations, public and private entities to start today by joining our Community of Practice and utilising the tools made available on our online platform, and to participate in driving the transformation of business operations towards a prosperous, green economy.”
Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO & Head of International, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, said: “HSBC has laid out an ambitious plan to prioritise up to US$1 trillion in financing and investment by 2030 that supports the transition to a net zero global economy. Our partnership with the Target Climate Initiative is another important part of our commitment to supporting customers and communities as we collectively work towards building a thriving low-carbon economy and a resilient future for society.”
The National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050 seeks to develop the green economy in the country and enhance its sustainability efforts to preserve its environment for future generations. Aimed at advancing economic diversification, creating jobs and reducing GHG emissions, the National Climate Change Plan’s Private Sector-Driven Innovative Diversification Program sets the dual goal of supporting the ‘greening’ of existing industries and the creation of new green industries.
Emirates Nature-WWF, along with its partners, strives to roll out the learnings and ongoing efforts of the Target Climate Initiative across public and private sector companies in support of the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030.
Advocating for sustainable development, Emirates Nature-WWF continues to actively engage with governmental and private sector partners to develop effective strategies and approaches with the goals of mitigating climate change, tackling environmental risks and creating opportunities to involve customers, investors and employees in the fight against climate change. Corporations looking to learn more about the ‘Community of Practice’, gain insights and develop their climate action plans can reach out to Emirates Nature-WWF by visiting its website.
