Abu Dhabi Leads MENA Region with Advanced Climate Transparency Framework
Abu Dhabi Leads MENA Region with Advanced Climate Transparency Framework
Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a groundbreaking move, making Abu Dhabi the first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) on a subnational level. This follows the national launch of the framework by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) last year.
What is the Enhanced Transparency Framework?
The ETF, established under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, ensures countries report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and track their progress towards their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These NDCs are commitments made by nations to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change based on their specific circumstances and goals.
Abu Dhabi’s Climate Goals and Digital Innovation
Building on its 2023 Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, EAD has started implementing a subnational ETF. This system, which connects with the national framework, will monitor Abu Dhabi’s progress and support its ambitious goals:
- Cutting GHG emissions by 47 million tonnes by 2030 (compared to 2016 levels).
- Reducing emissions by 22% by 2027, also based on 2016 levels.
A state-of-the-art digital platform will support the ETF system, ensuring timely, accurate data collection with minimal human intervention. This platform will help monitor emissions from key sectors, including:
- Industry
- Agriculture and land use change
- Energy
- Waste
Leadership in Action
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the importance of accurate data in achieving Abu Dhabi’s climate goals. “Using advanced technology, we aim to measure and manage emissions effectively. This system is a vital tool for meeting our commitments and supporting the UAE’s global climate leadership,” she stated.
EAD will work closely with stakeholders from the four monitored sectors to ensure smooth data submission using a user-friendly digital tool.
UAE’s Global Climate Commitment
The data collected through the Abu Dhabi ETF will feed into the UAE’s national system, helping present progress on NDCs to the global community. This initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s leadership in addressing climate change through collective efforts, advanced technology, and transparent reporting.
