Latest news with #30thUNClimateChangeConference


Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE delegation participates in High-level Energy Transition Dialogue in Brussels
A UAE delegation, headed by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the High-Level Energy Transition Dialogue, hosted by the Presidency of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in partnership with the International Energy Agency at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. The high-level meeting came as part of global efforts to prepare for COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil. It served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on accelerating the implementation of the outcomes of COP28 and COP29 and achieving global energy transition goals — including doubling energy efficiency and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. Addressing an audience of energy ministers and senior officials, Al Olama said, 'At COP28 in Dubai, the international community reached an important milestone: the UAE Consensus. This outcome marked a turning point in how the world approaches the energy transition—not merely as an environmental necessity, but as an economic, social, and development imperative. "Building on this momentum, COP29 in Azerbaijan reaffirmed global commitments to scaling up clean energy investment and facilitating credible transition pathways. It emphasised the vital role of finance, technology transfer, and regional cooperation as core enablers. The Global Stocktake, launched at COP28, continues to serve as a critical benchmark for delivery, and the next step is to begin turning that assessment into meaningful action.' He added, 'For the UAE, the energy transition is not a distant goal—It is a national priority already in motion, driving real change on the ground. Our updated UAE Energy Strategy 2050 strikes a deliberate balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability. It establishes clear targets for clean energy deployment, deep decarbonisation across sectors, and—crucially—bold and achievable improvements in energy efficiency improvements in energy efficiency. "We recognise that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as set out in our national pathway, cannot be achieved by renewables alone. Energy efficiency is not an add-on, or good to have, but rather a core pillar of the transition. It is the lowest-cost, highest-impact lever we have—and a key enabler for all other technologies and solutions.' Moreover, the UAE delegation participated in the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organised by the International Energy Agency in partnership with the EU Commission. At the conference, Al Olama continued, "In the UAE, we see energy efficiency not only as a tool for decarbonisation, but also as a powerful lever to strengthen our economy. We are supporting industries and enterprises to reduce costs, improve energy security, and enhance operational performance. These efforts help attract investment, support high-quality job creation, and foster innovation and competitiveness across key sectors. However, challenges do remain. Despite its clear economic benefits, the pace of progress is often constrained by barriers such as limited access to finance, low awareness, misaligned incentives, and high upfront costs—particularly in emerging markets. "This is precisely why the UAE announced its intention to establish the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA) during COP29 in Baku, in support of the UAE Consensus and the global goal of doubling the energy efficiency improvement rate, from the historical average of 2 percent to over 4 percent annually by 2030. Today, we are proud to officially launch GEEA here in Brussels, reaffirming our commitment to placing energy efficiency at the forefront of the international energy and climate agenda. This effort comes at a critical moment, as we are currently off track, the global energy efficiency improvement rate remains below 1.5 percent annually, and at this pace, we will fall short of achieving our decarbonisation and net-zero targets.' He noted that as founding Chair and Secretariat of GEEA, the UAE is working closely with partners to move from advocacy to implementation—by scaling technical cooperation, mobilising finance, and enabling the design and delivery of national and sector-specific efficiency strategies. He extended an open invitation to all governments, private sector entities, financial institutions, and civil society organisations to join the Alliance—to contribute expertise, to align efforts, and to accelerate global progress on energy efficiency. On the sidelines of his engagements in Brussels, Al Olama held several bilateral meetings to promote GEEA and drive the global energy transition agenda. These include meetings with Stefani Sannino, Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European External Action Service; Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission; Ben Copp, Director-General of the Office of Energy Efficiency at the National Resources of Canada; Jan Dusík, Deputy Director-General for Climate Action at the European Commission; Masanori Tsuruda, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry; and Anders Hoffmann, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities. WAM


Al Etihad
12-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE delegation participates in High-level Energy Transition Dialogue in Brussels
12 June 2025 14:11 BRUSSELS (WAM) A UAE delegation, headed by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the High-Level Energy Transition Dialogue, hosted by the Presidency of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in partnership with the International Energy Agency at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, high-level meeting came as part of global efforts to prepare for COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil. It served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on accelerating the implementation of the outcomes of COP28 and COP29 and achieving global energy transition goals — including doubling energy efficiency and tripling renewable energy capacity by an audience of energy ministers and senior officials, Al Olama said, 'At COP28 in Dubai, the international community reached an important milestone: the UAE Consensus. This outcome marked a turning point in how the world approaches the energy transition—not merely as an environmental necessity, but as an economic, social, and development imperative."Building on this momentum, COP29 in Azerbaijan reaffirmed global commitments to scaling up clean energy investment and facilitating credible transition pathways. It emphasised the vital role of finance, technology transfer, and regional cooperation as core enablers. The Global Stocktake, launched at COP28, continues to serve as a critical benchmark for delivery, and the next step is to begin turning that assessment into meaningful action.'He added, 'For the UAE, the energy transition is not a distant goal—It is a national priority already in motion, driving real change on the ground. Our updated UAE Energy Strategy 2050 strikes a deliberate balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability. It establishes clear targets for clean energy deployment, deep decarbonisation across sectors, and—crucially—bold and achievable improvements in energy efficiency improvements in energy efficiency."We recognise that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as set out in our national pathway, cannot be achieved by renewables alone. Energy efficiency is not an add-on, or good to have, but rather a core pillar of the transition. It is the lowest-cost, highest-impact lever we have—and a key enabler for all other technologies and solutions.'Moreover, the UAE delegation participated in the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organised by the International Energy Agency in partnership with the EU the conference, Al Olama continued, "In the UAE, we see energy efficiency not only as a tool for decarbonisation but also as a powerful lever to strengthen our economy. We are supporting industries and enterprises to reduce costs, improve energy security, and enhance operational performance. These efforts help attract investment, support high-quality job creation, and foster innovation and competitiveness across key sectors. However, challenges do remain. Despite its clear economic benefits, the pace of progress is often constrained by barriers such as limited access to finance, low awareness, misaligned incentives, and high upfront costs—particularly in emerging markets."This is precisely why the UAE announced its intention to establish the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA) during COP29 in Baku, in support of the UAE Consensus and the global goal of doubling the energy efficiency improvement rate, from the historical average of 2 per cent to over 4 per cent annually by 2030. Today, we are proud to officially launch GEEA here in Brussels, reaffirming our commitment to placing energy efficiency at the forefront of the international energy and climate agenda. This effort comes at a critical moment, as we are currently off track, the global energy efficiency improvement rate remains below 1.5 per cent annually, and at this pace, we will fall short of achieving our decarbonisation and net-zero targets.'He noted that as founding Chair and Secretariat of GEEA, the UAE is working closely with partners to move from advocacy to implementation—by scaling technical cooperation, mobilising finance, and enabling the design and delivery of national and sector-specific efficiency extended an open invitation to all governments, private sector entities, financial institutions, and civil society organisations to join the Alliance—to contribute expertise, to align efforts, and to accelerate global progress on energy the sidelines of his engagements in Brussels, Al Olama held several bilateral meetings to promote GEEA and drive the global energy transition agenda. These include meetings with Stefani Sannino, Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European External Action Service; Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission; Ben Copp, Director-General of the Office of Energy Efficiency at the National Resources of Canada; Jan Dusík, Deputy Director-General for Climate Action at the European Commission; Masanori Tsuruda, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry; and Anders Hoffmann, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities.


New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia sets bold climate goals as Anwar urges global cooperation ahead of COP30
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is firmly committed to tackling climate change, setting out the nation's goals to cut carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. He also said that global cooperation and equitable climate financing are essential ahead of COP30. "I emphasised the need for global cooperation and fair climate finance, particularly for developing nations, leading up to #COP30 in Brazil," Anwar said in a social media post today. World leaders are set to gather in Belém this November for COP30, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference. Marking a decade since the Paris Agreement, the summit will provide a crucial platform to accelerate climate action as nations confront rising global temperatures and growing pressures to meet emissions targets. Anwar said he took part in a virtual climate dialogue last night with 16 other heads of state and government. "We exchanged views, shared best practices, and discussed pathways for stronger climate commitments," he said. The dialogue, co-chaired by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, focused on preparations for COP30. Additionally, Anwar said Malaysia, as Asean chair in 2025, will lead efforts to drive regional climate action and position the bloc as a hub for sustainable investment. "As Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia is committed to spearheading stronger regional climate cooperation, championing a just and inclusive transition, and establishing Asean as a centre for green innovation and sustainable investment," he said. Although Malaysia's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, the nation remains highly vulnerable to severe impacts from climate change. A joint report by the World Bank and Bank Negara Malaysia warned that climate change could reduce Malaysia's production by 9 per cent and shrink its GDP by 8.4 per cent by 2030, driven by natural disasters and shifting weather patterns that threaten agriculture.


Fox News
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Daniel Turner: These Big Climate Change Summits Have Always Been About Hypocrisy
Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future Daniel Turner joins Fox Across America With Jimmy Failla to share his reaction to the absurd measures being taken in Brazil as the country gets set to host the 30th UN Climate Change Conference with the Conference of the Parties. 'This is one of those things that if it was a skit on Saturday Night Live when the show used to be funny, or if you read it in the Babylon Bee, you would think it's a joke. The next big climate summit, you know, Cop 26, Cop 27, you've heard those names. The next one is COP 30, and it's going to be in Brazil. And to really get into the spirit of a climate summit, they wanted to host it deep inside the rainforest. And to bring 40,000 people deep inside the rainforest. They are plowing a 40-yard wide, eight mile stretch of the rainforest to build a road, to bring in 40,000 people. So think of how long eight miles is. Newark Airport from Midtown Manhattan is less than eight miles. Eight miles is a long stretch of land for it, for 40 yards wide, to just plow over all of the trees and the wildlife and the flora and fauna and endangered species. Also that these climate yahoos can say, look at us inside the rain forest.' Jimmy and Daniel also discuss a few other examples of brazen climate change hypocrisy. Listen to the podcast to hear what else they discussed!
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest cleared for climate summit highway in Brazil
Tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest are being paved over in Brazil to make way for a new four-lane highway ahead of an upcoming climate summit. Belém, which is set to host the 30th UN Climate Change Conference with the Conference of the Parties (COP30), has already begun clearing the forests in preparation for hosting more than 50,000 people this November, the BBC reported Wednesday. Though the state government hopes the new highway will ease traffic issues ahead of the summit, there have been some growing concerns. Wildlife veterinarian and researcher Professor Silvia Sardinha warned that there was a "loss" from deforestation since animals "will no longer be able to cross to the other side too, reducing the areas where they can live and breed." Un Brushes Off Concerns About Upcoming Climate Summit's 'Huge Carbon Footprint' "We are going to lose an area to release these animals back into the wild, the natural environment of these species," she told the BBC. Read On The Fox News App Adler Silveira, the state government's infrastructure secretary, insisted to the BBC that the new highway would be a "sustainable highway" and an "important mobility intervention." He also said there would be wildlife crossings for animals in the area. Locals themselves had mixed reactions to the development, with some claiming "there will be no benefits" to the new highway, while others said the city "as a whole is being improved." According to the BBC, the state government of Pará, where Belém is located, has been planning on constructing a highway known as "Avenida Liberdade" since 2012, but the project has repeatedly been "shelved" because of environmental concerns. In addition to the new highway, Brazil's federal government plans to expand its airport and construct a new 500,000-square-mile city park. Fox News Digital reached out to the Pará state government for a comment. In an email, the COP30 summit told Fox News Digital the organization was "solely focused on climate negotiations and does not oversee matters related to infrastructure." Despite thousands of acres of rainforest being torn down, one of the core topics that the COP30 summit aims to address is the "preservation of forests and biodiversity," with Belém being the first COP summit held in the Amazon. In a letter published on Monday, COP30 president-designate André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago also touted the upcoming summit as a way to support forests and reverse deforestation. Governments Gather To Discuss Strategies To Protect Amazon Rainforest: 'We Are Accelerating Climate Change' "When we get together in the Brazilian Amazon in November, we must listen to the latest science and re-evaluate the extraordinary role already played by forests and the people who preserve and rely on them," he wrote. "Forests can buy us time in climate action in our rapidly closing window of opportunity. If we reverse deforestation and recover what has been lost, we can unlock massive removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while bringing ecosystems back to life."Original article source: Thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest cleared for climate summit highway in Brazil