GENEVA, 27th June, 2019 (WAM) — The UAE economy is less than 20% dependent on fossil fuels, reflecting the best model in the Gulf, said Professor Dr. Petri Talas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization. In the region and elsewhere, this trend points to a reduction in dependence. When it comes to success in mitigating the effects of climate change, energy derived from fossil fuels is vital as countries follow the example of the United Arab Emirates and start replacing fossil energy sources. With climate friendly resources.
He added – in statements to the Emirates news agency WAM, on the occasion of the country’s hosting of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) later this year – that the global economy is aware that climate change represents a major economic problem and could pose a major risk to the global economy. Affirmed. Over the next ten years, if we fail to mitigate climate change or adapt actions.
On the part of the World Meteorological Organization, Prof. Talas explained that this is the way to host the International Panel on Climate Change and to provide the annual report on the state of the climate, which confirms that the indicators so far are negative. The world has recorded a significant increase in the rates of warming, and an acceleration in the melting of ice, and the rise in sea levels has doubled in the last twenty years, and the world has begun to see a significant increase in climate disasters and climate events such as heat waves in Europe, Asia and the Americas, and floods and tropical cyclones that inundate Pakistan. We have never seen anything like Southeast Africa before.
Apart from that, Professor Talas pointed out that the organization is monitoring more challenges in terms of water availability, droughts, forest fires, etc., all of which have a very negative impact on human life, and ultimately, the clear effects of climate change are already there, but the good news is that electric cars, with their low cost of batteries A clear vision emerges on how to tackle this problem, such as price and other means.
The world is already moving to find a solution, but it is not yet fast enough to limit global warming, maintain an average of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to 2 or 2.3 degrees, and reach the target, he said. He warned that the world will face many more problems and challenges if he does not hurry to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement.
Regarding the UAE’s hosting of the Summit of States Parties on Climate Change later this year and the need to be a Gulf state and a world leader in clean energy, he said he was pleased that the International Secretary-General would visit Abu Dhabi twice this year and meet Industry Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The organization said it was pleased and had very fruitful meetings with Minister of Industry Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who is designated as the President of COP28.
Professor Talas confirmed that the summit saw a common and already good understanding of the organization’s desired goal. He pointed out that there will be other meetings and working groups in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the conference at the end of September. Better rates of greenhouse gases to depict what might happen in the future with climate events, drawing more attention to issues such as climate adaptation, early warning services and monitoring.
He emphasized that the organization is very happy with the steps taken by the UAE, which is investing heavily in clean energy and other projects that support the organization’s approach to tackling climate change issues. Headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the most important organization in this field.
The secretary-general of the international body hoped to see more countries move towards investing in clean and renewable energy sectors, like the UAE.
Asked what the UAE can contribute by hosting the upcoming climate summit, the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization said he is very confident in bringing the views of the participants closer together to achieve the desired goal. The climate problem is well understood by the UAE and its neighbors and other countries, which is part of the solution to the problem by changing their energy systems by following the UAE’s example in dealing with activities that use fossil fuels. In systems that use climate-friendly energy .. stressing that this also represents an opportunity for good projects, investment opportunities and orientation that can help the UAE and other countries.
Professor Petri Talas said the action to be taken at this summit could represent a turning point in addressing the climate change problem and accelerate the transition to climate-friendly solutions in many areas, such as the energy or energy sector, transport, industry or food supply.
He stressed that there are great opportunities in these sectors, and what the organization hopes to achieve is the conversion of energy systems to renewable energy, which will help encourage and motivate countries in the UAE conference, especially as it has changed. One of the first countries in this field.
Professor Talas pointed out that the biggest ambition was to succeed in achieving the Group of Seven and EU pledge to keep temperatures below 1.5°C in Glasgow two years ago, which was particularly important for reaching the target. The well-being of the planet’s population, global economy and atmosphere.
He said that the UAE is currently at the forefront of environmental protection efforts and how this will contribute to the success of the conference. The Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization said that the UAE has succeeded in changing the economic structure. A small percentage of dependence on fossil fuels makes the UAE an example. An example that other similar countries can follow and follow, especially as the UAE uses its resources to promote the use of renewable energy, which is very high. The organizers welcomed.
On what the summit might come out of, the World Meteorological Organization’s secretary-general said the organization hopes to reach a more ambitious agreement to mitigate the effects of climate change at the summit hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
He said the achievement of early warning systems that reduce significant damage caused by climate events is strongly encouraged on the part of the organization.
Professor Talas said the third initiative the organization is putting on the table, in addition to biosphere monitoring systems, new ways of monitoring greenhouse gases, through ground stations and satellites, is considered the most important.
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