The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has submitted its updated climate action plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), to the United Nations.
The UAE's plan aims for a 47% reduction in emissions by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, the country is focusing on investments in renewable energy sources and advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies.
However, critics argue that the plan fails to address the issue of fossil fuel production. It is projected that the UAE will increase its fossil fuel output by a third by 2035, and emissions from its fossil fuel exports are three times higher than its domestic emissions.
Climate advocates are calling for more decisive action from countries with significant fossil fuel reserves. They expect upcoming NDCs from countries like Colombia and the UK to include measures to halt oil and gas expansion.
All signatory countries of the Paris Agreement are required to submit more ambitious NDCs every five years. The ongoing discussions and negotiations leading up to the next COP meetings will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of global climate action and the role of fossil fuels.