United Arab Emirates

Sep 22

Core analysis conducted and presented by Ayshka Najib and Sarah Alherthey of UAE in August, 2021.

Executive Summary

The United Arab Emirates (UAE is a country in the Middle East and North Africa located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula with an estimated population of 9.89 million .The UAE is recognized as a non-Annex 1 country by the UNFCCC and therefore is not legally obligated to have binding emission reduction targets. However, the country have chosen to take action to cut their carbon emissions. UAE was the first among the middle eastern nations to submit its INDC in 2015 and in December 2020, UAE became one among 11 countries to have submitted their second NDC.

In terms of emissions, the highlights from the NDC consist of the 235% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target by 2030 as compare to business as usual (BAU) figures with the base year of 2016 and the UAE’s National Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for 50% of renewable and nuclear energy installed electricity capacity by 2050. Although these show progress from the INDC, the NDC is lacking net-zero targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Additionally, the update NDC also makes a reference to women, youth and civil society as “cross-cutting enablers” that will guide UAE’s climate engagement. The NDC acknowledges the need for youth involvement in climate action and young people to become active environmental leaders by listing several programs focused on building youth capacity on climate, sustainable energy and natural resource management. It also recognizes women as key players for climate action however it does not include any further mention of gender equity, vulnerability index of women in the emirates or programs to equip young girls. In terms of civil society engagement, the analysis shows the lack of clear statements regarding the roles that civil society plays in its climate policies and actions.which is a reflection on the lack of NDC-update participation process where civil societies are provided with the necessary resources to be effectively engaged.

The analysis concludes with recommendations for NDC enhancement that include the need for clear KPIs and roadmaps that outline short-term goals and targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and plan to phase out fossil fuels that are consistent with restricting warming to 1.5 degrees C globally. Moreover, the NDC also has space to explore emission trading schemes (EST).

With respect to women and girls, UAE needs to better integrate gender equity into its NDC planning and implementation and exhibit the co-beneficial steps taken to address the climate crisis and gender equity.

As for the youth population, It is recommended that UAE facilitates spaces for youth to be involved in international negotiations such as COP, pre COP, COY, etc. and equip the youth of UAE with the toolkits needed to be active in these discussions. The NDC can also better highlight how UAE plans on implementing standardized Climate Change Education (CCE) that is available to all school-age children regardless of how they are schooled and is representative of UAE’s unique cultural practices, geography and economy. The NDC also lacks clarity on how it is going to ensure that free, credible, and impartial climate science data is accessible to everyone. Lastly, it is vital to have a legal framework that recognizes climate-related NGOs and enable them to access more diverse funding sources; and engaging NGOs in policy development and implementation in order to improve the role of civil society in climate action.

NDC Analysis

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates is a country in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula with an estimated population of 9.89 million (for the year 2020). As a federation of seven Emirates, the UAE develops and implements its climate and energy policies with the engagement of a range of actors, in line with the legal and executive jurisdictions and roles laid down in the UAE’s constitution. The UAE Council on Climate Change and Environment, an inter-ministerial, inter-Emirate governance body ensures alignment across federal and Emirate-level policies and interventions. At the federal level, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCE) and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure are two key entities engaged in the implementation of climate and sustainable energy plans.

According to UNFCCC’s Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) assessment the UAE is classified among the categories of countries with the highest rate of vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change in the world. This will result in warmer weather, less precipitation, droughts, higher sea levels and more storms. The consequences of these impacts are intense on infrastructure, human health and natural habitat, which affect various development sectors and policies including socio-economic, health and environment. Hence concerted efforts need to be made at the level of the UAE’s seven Emirates to enhance quality of life and protect the environment.

2. Position in the International Environmental Context

The UAE continues to make several international efforts to address climate change and be a key partner. After being the first Middle Eastern nation to sign the Paris Accord, the UAE was also the first country in the region to submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) in 2015. It is one of just eleven countries globally to have submitted its second NDC.

In accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UAE is a non-Annex 1 country (Countries that are not included in Annex I of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and that therefore do not currently have binding emission reduction targets.), and not obligated to reduce its emissions. However, the UAE has chosen to implement actions to slash its carbon emissions. In addition, the UAE is committed to expanding the role of low-carbon technologies in the economy and investing in renewable energy and nuclear power.

Further underscoring the UAE’s commitment to global cooperation on climate, the UAE is home to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization that promotes sustainability. It is the first international organization with global membership to be headquartered in the Middle East.

3. Overview on UAE’s INDC

The original Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) submitted by UAE on 22nd October, 2015 is a five page document which highlights two goals; economic diversification that will yield mitigation and adaptation co benefits, consistent with the approach adopted under Decision 24/CP.18 and to increase clean energy to 24% of the total energy mix by 2021.

3.a Emissions

The UAE’s INDC does not provide an economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target. Instead, it describes several measures targeting all sectors of the economy, without presenting abatement targets in terms of emission reductions. Despite the development of renewable and nuclear energy projects, emissions from electricity generation are expected to increase to 2030 due to a continued expansion of fossil fuel-based sources of electricity. In line with its energy strategy, which projects coal reaching a 12% share of total electricity generation in 2050, in May 2020 the UAE completed the first unit of its inaugural 2.4 GW coal-fired power plant. The 2,400MW Hassyan clean coal power station is an ultra-supercritical (USC) power plant being developed in Saih Shuaib, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The USC technology enables the power plant to run at a higher steam temperature and pressure than traditional coal-fired plants, improving the plant efficiency and decreasing stack-emissions. The project also features a carbon capture-ready design. The program aims to produce 61% of the energy from gas which is inconsistent with the need to phase out coal from electricity production in the Middle East by 2034 in order to limit warming to 1.5°C.

3.b Adaptation actions with mitigation co-benefits :

The UAE has developed initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategy Plan and National Policy on Climate Change Adaptation to mainstream climate change adaptation in its environment management activities under the original NDC.

3.c Innovation and research :

The UAE has invested heavily in graduate education for sustainable energy development such as establishing the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Dubai Centre of Excellence for Innovative Energy and Water Solutions and the Solar Innovation Center under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. The Zayed Future Energy Prize further supports innovation, and is considered as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of clean energy development.

4. Overview on UAE’s NDC

The updated NDC is a sixteen page document submitted to the UNFCCC on 30th December 2020 that reflects enhanced ambition including a 23.5% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target by 2030, economic diversification, adaptation actions with mitigation co benefits and domestic enablers which includes women and youth involvement in climate action, sustainable finance, technology development and innovation. The time frame and period of implementation ranges from the start of 2021 to the end of 2030.

4.a Emissions

The country aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions to about 240 million tonnes by 2030, down 22.5 per cent compared to the business as usual figure of 310 million tonnes.The BAU uses the year 2016 as a reference point and does not take into consideration the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth. The UAE could strengthen its target by reflecting recent policy developments beyond 2016 and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in its BAU scenario. The NDC mentions some of the policies and strategies that underpin the 2030 targets such as the UAE’s National Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for 50% of renewable and nuclear energy in installed electric capacity by 2050, while substantially reducing final electricity demand. Although nuclear energy has a low lifecycle emissions, the most pressing environmental issue when it comes to nuclear power is the waste it produces. There are a few types of radioactive material produced throughout the lifecycle of a nuclear power plant, most notably uranium mill tailings and used reactor fuel. If these aren’t handled and disposed of carefully, they pose many human and environmental health consequences.When big economies such as Germany, Japan, Italy and more are taking measures to phase out nuclear powered energy this is also something that the UAE needs to take into consideration. This strategy also plans for 12% of coal and 38% of natural gas-based capacity, which is inconsistent with the need to reach net-zero CO2 emissions globally by 2050.

The UAE’s NDC currently does not include a net zero target. The UAE has issued a 2017–2050 National Climate Plan, but it does not include an emissions reduction target, nor does it refer to long-term mitigation actions beyond the electricity sector. Thus in comparison to other NDC’s UAE’s NDC lacks Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The NDC also has space to explore emission trading scheme (EST) structures.

4.b Gender

The NDC briefly mentions the initiatives taken to increase engagement of women in climate decision making and governance. A key initiative that the NDC mentions to amplify women’s participation in climate action is Mubadala’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), which brings together women professionals in climate, energy and sustainability, by facilitating growth for women professionals through training and networking opportunities.There have already been several WiSER forums held across the world to promote the role women play in industries related to sustainability and clean technologies. These forums provide a platform for free and open dialogue, where women in the industry can engage with each other on issues of career and corporate mobility, gender equality, and entrepreneurship. The NDC however does not include any further mention of gender equity, vulnerability or programs to equip young girls. Even the National Climate Change Plan (NCCP) has no mentions of women or girls. Instead UAE elaborates on gender equity and further initiatives to involve women and young girls in its 2030 SDG Agenda. The Agenda highlights the formation of the Gender Balance Council whose mandate is to enact a framework to consolidate the efforts to improve gender equality across government entities and drive efforts to evolve and enhance women’s role as key partners in building the future of the country.

4.c Youth

With over half of UAE’s population being under the age of 30, the need for youth involvement in climate action is crucial. The updated NDC recognizes this and mentions continuing to invest heavily in youth development and their engagement on climate issues by the launch of initiatives such as Emirates Youth Climate Strategy in 2018, Youth Circle events on climate and sustainability, and eco-tourism camps, and the Masdar Youth for Sustainability Platform, launched in 2020, supports the UAE’s knowledge-economy transformation by enabling young people to become active environmental leaders through mentorship and engagement opportunities. Additionally, more than 180 young citizens have graduated from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) ongoing Carbon Ambassadors Program since its inception in 2014. The Program focuses on building youth capacity on climate, sustainable energy and natural resource management. The country’s National Climate Change Plan also highlights the need for capacity building on technical, managerial, and vocational skills to prepare the youth for greener roles and responsibilities in the future.

4.d Civil society involvement

Local communities are the ones who suffer from the impacts of climate change. They are key actors in the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures and to prevent irrevocable loss and damage. Civil society engagement is, therefore, vital to elaborate international commitments that are grounded in people’s realities. The NDC does not have any clear statements regarding the roles that civil society plays in its climate policies and actions. It simply indicates that the country's climate engagements are guided by “cross cutting enablers” such as “public awareness”. This is further elaborated in the NCCP stating that the MOCCAE will lead the awareness raising and communications campaign, by bringing together the most relevant and appropriate partners and stakeholders, including government entities, industry, private business, the community, NGOs, academia, youth groups, and media. UAE’s NDC takes a top down approach to civil society inclusion since they are not included in the drafting process. There is a lack of participatory NDC-update process in place where civil societies are provided with the necessary resources to engage in them. NGOs play a key role, as they link the local with the national level, thus the government should increase the platforms to support NGOs to better empower the civil society.

4.e Sustainable finance :

The NDC recognizes sustainable finances as a key player for building a competitive green economy. According to the NDC report, the Abu Dhabi Global Market Sustainable Finance Agenda was published in January 2019, to set a roadmap to develop a sustainable finance hub in the UAE. This was followed by the adoption of the United Arab Emirates' Guiding Principles in Sustainable Finance, a voluntary framework to encourage UAE’s financial firms to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG)considerations in their business. The report also talks about the Dubai Green Fund and the Green Bond Program which was launched by the emirates of Abu Dhabi in 2020.

5. Progress made from INDC

In its first NDC, the United Arab Emirates did not have an emissions reduction target, only a clean energy target for 2021. As such, the 2030 emissions reduction target in the second NDC represents clear progress compared to the previous one.
Stronger call for the need to divest finances to the green energy field and a range of green finance instruments and initiatives have been developed and adopted since the INDC.
The INDC did not have any references to women, young girls or youth. Although it is quite vague, the updated NDC has better inculcated the roles of women and youth in climate action.
The UAE also wants to increase capacity for carbon capture, use and storage, for which the country set up the region’s first commercial-scale network to speed up technology introduction.The Al Reyadah Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) is a commercially self sustaining project with no governmental subsidies. The Al Reyadah Project includes capture, transport, and injection of up to 800,000 tonnes per year of CO2 (processed at the required specifications and pressure). Investments of more than $40 billion means that clean power capacity in the UAE has increased significantly. In 2015, it was just over 100 megawatts, but is now 2,400MW and should reach 14,000MW by 2030. Hence the updated NDC does a better job at inculcating a circular carbon economy (CCE) which is an integrated and inclusive approach to transitioning toward more comprehensive, resilient, sustainable, and climate-friendly energy systems that support and enable sustainable development.

6. Recommendations

6.a Gender equality

UAE needs to better integrate gender equality into it’s NDC planning and implementation. They are currently not transparent about the extent of involvement of women in drafting the NDC’s. The NDC also lacks data on how women and girls of the emirates are vulnerable to the climate crisis and the steps UAE is taking to address this as well improve gender equality.

6.b Youth participation and Intergenerational equity

The UAE needs to facilitate spaces for NGOs involved in international negotiations such as COP, pre COP, COY etc. and equip the youth of UAE with the toolkits needed to be active in these discussions. The process of taking youth delegates to international negotiations can be more transparent and accessible. Furthermore the NDC can also better highlight how UAE plans on implementing standardized Climate Change Education (CCE) that is available to all school age children regardless of how they are schooled and is representative of UAE’s unique cultural practices, geography and economy. The NDC can also be more clear on how it is going to ensure that free, credible, and impartial climate science data is accessible to everyone.

6.c Civil society inclusions

A 2017 study by the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) revealed that more than 40 per cent of the UAE’s population lack knowledge about climate change, global warming, and how human behavior contributes to environmental harm. Although UAE’s NDC mentions public awareness as one of the “Domestic enablers” it gives little to no data on the pathway to raising public awareness. There is a lack of short term plans to tackle the issue. Instead of distant and vague goals we need more clarification on how UAE plans to raise public awareness and monitor the progress.

Moreover, the activities of civil society organizations in the environment field are mainly centered on greening projects, clean-up campaigns, workshops and seminars, conferences, training, and public lectures. Many of the NGOs in the UAE region face problems such as a lack of funds and volunteers, especially young volunteers. Some NGOs also have a lack of understanding about their role in civil society and public perception that the government alone is responsible for the well-being of its citizens and residents. These obstacles hinder their ability to carry out their mission effectively and achieve their environmental goals. As such, environmental NGOs have not been very effective in lobbying for their causes.Hence there’s a need for a legal framework to recognize NGOs and enable them to access more diverse funding sources; high-level support/endorsement from local figureheads; and engaging NGOs in policy development and implementation.

References

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