Oil-rich UAE orders emissions monitoring in new climate law

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🗞️ Driving the news: The United Arab Emirates has enacted a new climate law mandating emissions monitoring for companies, marking a regional first
• The regulation compels both public and private entities to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions or face fines up to two million dirhams (approx. $545,000)

🔭 The context: The UAE, among the world’s leading oil exporters, has faced scrutiny for balancing fossil fuel interests with its climate ambitions
• Hosting COP28 in 2023 elevated its global climate profile, and this legislation follows its pledge to cut emissions by 47% from 2019 levels by 2035, and to reach net-zero by 2050

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Mandatory emissions monitoring introduces accountability and transparency, laying a foundation for credible decarbonization pathways
• It also signals a potential shift in the Gulf region, where energy-producing states have lagged in climate regulation
• However, the law’s effectiveness hinges on the UAE setting specific reduction targets, particularly for carbon-intensive sectors

⏭️ What's next: The law’s rollout will require companies to establish robust emissions tracking and reduction systems, with enforcement mechanisms likely tested in the coming months
• Attention will turn to how rigorously the UAE applies the law and whether it introduces sector-specific caps or targets
• The move could prompt similar legislation in neighboring Gulf states, especially as global climate scrutiny intensifies

💬 One quote: "By institutionalising emissions monitoring and climate adaptation, the UAE is setting a compelling example for countries across the region." — Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director, Greenpeace MENA

📈 One stat: The UAE aims to cut its emissions by 47% from 2019 levels by 2035, according to its latest climate roadmap

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