UAE Sets Ambitious 47% Emissions Reduction Target by 2035

As COP29 kicks off in Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set a bold climate commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 47% by 2035, using 2019 levels as a benchmark. This new target elevates the UAE’s previous goal of a 40% reduction by 2030, signaling a reinforced commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The UAE is the first major emitter to update its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the February 2025 deadline, spotlighting its proactive approach to climate action as global leaders convene.

The UAE’s updated NDC includes substantial, sector-specific reduction targets across key areas of the economy. Buildings are set for a 79% reduction, bringing emissions down to 15 MtCO2eq, while waste is targeted for a 37% decrease, reducing emissions by 1.8 MtCO2eq. The industry sector is expected to cut emissions by 27%, aiming for 68 MtCO2eq, with transport and agriculture pursuing reductions of 20% and 39%, respectively. By shifting from a business-as-usual approach to a base-year scenario, the UAE’s plan offers clearer, more accountable metrics to track emissions progress.

Despite these ambitious targets, the UAE’s ongoing investments in fossil fuels have sparked debate. The UAE national oil company recently committed $17 billion to offshore gas projects, and fossil fuel production is expected to grow through 2030. Critics argue that the country’s reliance on oil and gas could undermine its climate goals, especially as the NDC excludes emissions from exported fuels. However, the UAE continues to invest in renewable energy, advancing its solar, waste-to-energy, and nuclear energy capacities to support a cleaner transition.

This year’s COP29 conference places the UAE’s climate commitments under a global microscope. As the Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the UAE’s sectoral approach to emissions reductions is poised to influence international dialogues on balancing ambitious climate goals with economic realities. COP29 will test the UAE’s commitment to these new targets and set the stage for ongoing discussions on decarbonizing fossil-fuel-dependent economies.