UAE Leaders Urge Unified Public-Private Effort to Reach Net Zero by 2050

Achieving Net Zero by 2050 requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors, according to Eugene Mayne, Founder and Group CEO of Tristar.

Speaking at the ‘Journey to Net Zero Forum’ organized by Khaleej Times on Tuesday, Mayne emphasized that the road to Net Zero is not about eliminating all emissions but reducing them as much as possible and offsetting the remainder through actions like reforestation and advanced carbon capture technologies.

“The journey to Net Zero is one of the most critical challenges of our time and demands a collective effort and a shared vision to prioritize the health of our planet alongside the growth of our economies,”

Mayne stated during his keynote address. He underscored that this journey is more than a mere destination; it is a commitment to safeguarding the environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous world for future generations.

To achieve Net Zero, Mayne highlighted seven key strategies that must be implemented across various sectors:

1. Decarbonising Energy: Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
2. Electrification of Transport: Shift the transportation sector to electric vehicles, improve public transportation, and develop infrastructure for cycling and walking.
3. Greening Industries: Innovate in materials, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies, while adopting practices that minimize waste and reuse resources.
4. Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use: Promote sustainable agricultural practices, protect forests, and restore degraded lands. A shift towards plant-based diets can also significantly reduce emissions.
5. Effective Carbon Capture and Removal: Implement natural methods like reforestation and technological methods such as direct air capture and storage.
6. Behavioural and Societal Changes: Encourage sustainable consumption patterns, reduce waste, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
7. Promoting a Circular Economy: Transition from a linear ‘take, make, and waste’ model to a circular model that emphasizes reducing, reusing, and recycling to maintain resource sustainability.

Mayne’s remarks highlight the complexity and urgency of the climate challenge, calling for a multi-pronged approach involving all sectors of society to meet the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero target by 2050. The forum, attended by senior executives from various industries, emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation in driving climate action.

News Source: Khaleej Times