Category: Environment

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Asia News Environment India News

Cyclone Biparjoy to make landfall today

People being evacuated from villages to shelter in view of the impending Cyclone Biparjoy, at Jakhau in Kutch on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

Under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, high tidal waves hit Gujarat on Thursday….reports Asian Lite News

As cyclone Biparjoy has hit several parts of Gujarat, Kachchh’s Mandvi, on Thursday, witnessed rough sea conditions and strong winds.

Earlier, the Indian Meteorological Department, on Sunday, gave a cyclone alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat. The department issued the alert: “Cyclone alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coast: Yellow message, ESCS BIPARJOY over East-central Arabian sea, at 1730 IST of 11th June near lat 18.6E and long 67.7E, likely to cross between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by noon of 15th June”.

Also, under the influence of the cyclone, high tidal waves hit Gujarat, on Thursday. According to the IMD, VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy is to cross Saurashtra & Kutch & adjoining Pakistan coasts b/w Mandvi & Karachi near Jakhau Port by the evening of June 15.

Amreli, June 14 (ANI): A team of 108 along with Pipavav Marine Police conduct a rescue operation of a pregnant woman who was bought to Pipavav port jetty via boat from Shiyalbet, in Amreli on Wednesday. All boat services have been stopped to go to Shiyalbet, only emergency boat service has been started. (ANI Photo)

In addition to this, ahead of the cyclone, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed in the state, on Wednesday.

“NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in Kachchh’s Mandvi and Naliya town which is likely to be affected as cyclone BIPARJOY is getting closer”, said Naliya Police sub-inspector VR Ulva.

The weather department also mentioned the chances of heavy damage in the Arabian Seas.

“There is a possibility of heavy damage due to the cyclonic storm BIPARJOY”, said IMD. Also, authorities, on Tuesday, shifted around 30,000 people from coastal areas to temporary shelters considering Biparjoy’s possible landfall near Jakhau’s port in Gujarat’s Kutch district.

“Because of the cyclone, Mandvi and Naliya are declared hotspots. We have made the public aware of the disaster The SDRF team is deployed for Ghnateshwar, Rajkot. The NDRF team has been deployed. The teams will be in direct contact with the DSP and SP Vaghela of Naliya Police. We will remain on alert and run the rescue operation as and when needed”, said Ulva, Police Sub-inspector, Naliya.

Damage expected over 7 districts of Gujarat The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that damage is expected over Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh and Rajkot districts of Gujarat on June 15.

The IMD further predicted that sea condition will be phenomenal over northeast Arabian Sea till June 15 evening and rough to very rough over adjoining east central Arabian Sea during the same period.

“Along and off Saurashtra and Kutch coasts the sea condition is likely to be very rough till June 14 evening and high to phenomenal thereafter till June 15 evening and would improve thereafter,” said IMD while issuing storm surge warning for Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagarh and Morbi districts.

“The astronomical tides along these districts could be up to 3-6 meters in different places and damage expected in these districts on June 15,” said an IMD official.



The IMD further predicted that the intensity of rainfall would increase with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar and heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places over Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts of Gujarat.

“Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over remaining districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat region on June 15 while light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over north Gujarat and adjoining south Rajasthan on June 16 and southeast Rajasthan and adjoining North Gujarat region on June 17,” said the IMD official

ALSO READ: Cyclone Biparjoy poses threat to Sindh’s coastline

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-Top News Environment World News

World Bank President welcomes private sector in climate fight

Ajay Banga, the World Bank’s new President made a pitch for scaling up private sector participation….reports Asian Lite News

Ajay Banga, the World Bank’s new President, called for the private sector to play a larger role to help emerging countries in their battle against climate change in his first interviews on Sunday.

He argued that countries from countries — essentially of the developed world, the World Bank, philanthropies and multilateral development banks (MDBs) will not be enough to meet the requirements of the emerging markets to help them transition from fossil fuel to clean fuel.

“The only way forward is to find a way to get the private sector to believe that this is part of their future,” said Banga, who took charge on June 2 as the 14th President of the World Bank, to CBS news.

He spoke also to CNN and made a similar pitch for scaling up private sector participation.

“What I think we have to do is… to find ways in the MDB system to think of a different playbook — to take on the risks that they cannot take on,” he added.

Banga is the first Indian-American to hold this position and called himself “Made in India” in the CNN interview, when he asked about the need for someone other than an American should lead the World Bank, which has always been headed by an American in an unwritten agreement with Europe, which, in return, gets to name the head of the International Monetary Fund.

Banga said he was born and raised in India and worked in both the developed and developing world and, thus, embodies the kind of diversity people may want to see at the leadership level.

Developing and less developed countries have long argued that in order to transition to clean energy they need help in resources and technology from the developed countries who caused most of the global warming with large-scale and unregulated industrialisation. And a climate fund set up to that effect has fallen way short of the committed targets.

ALSO READ: US Vice President Harris calls on World Bank chief Ajay Banga

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-Top News Environment UK News

Britain set for scorching heat and volatile thunderstorms

heatwave.

The Met Office has issued a separate thunderstorm warning for Sunday. The thunderstorm warning for tomorrow is in place from midday to 9pm….reports Asian Lite News

Britain is set for more scorching heat after a record-breaking blast. The UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Saturday with Heathrow seeing temperatures as high as 30.5C.

The Met Office has forecasted a continuation of hot weather on Sunday and through next week. However, the UK will also be hit by thunderstorms on Sunday. There is one warning already in place until 10pm this evening.

The Met Office has issued a separate thunderstorm warning for Sunday. The thunderstorm warning for tomorrow is in place from midday to 9pm.

Sunday’s warning reaches across much more of the UK than Saturday’s warning with the majority of Scotland affected. Dan Stroud, a meteorologist for the Met Office, warned that thunder and showers are expected in the next 48 hours.

Stroud said: “On Sunday there will be a little bit more cloud, temperatures down a smidgen, but still 28C or 29C, sparking off a few showers and thunderstorm warnings. Early next week will be a continuation of hot weather. Monday there will be thunder [and] showers, but then the weather will try and settle down on Tuesday and mid-week. But it will maintain this well-above-average temperature. Most of the UK will meet heatwave criteria.”

Meanwhile, at least three guardsmen fainted in the heat during a military parade as temperatures in the UK hit 30C (86F) for the first time this year, while in the Scottish Highlands people were told to stay inside as firefighters tackled a wildfire.

More than 1,400 soldiers were reviewed by the Prince of Wales, who is honorary colonel of the Welsh guards. The event at Horse Guards Parade in central London on Saturday was a rehearsal for trooping the colour. Afterwards, Prince William tweeted that the troops had done “a really good job” in difficult conditions.

In the Scottish Highlands, people were warned to stay indoors on Saturday evening as firefighters tackled a wildfire near Inverness on what was the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland. A temperature of 26.7C was recorded in Auchincruive in Ayrshire and 23C in Inverness.

The Scottish fire and rescue service (SFRS) and Police Scotland advised people in the village of Daviot to stay inside and close all windows and doors to prevent inhaling smoke.

ALSO READ: Boris Johnson resigns as MP

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-Top News Environment USA

New York hits air pollution record; Governor says it’s ‘emergency’

An airplane flies over New York, the United States, on June 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui/IANS)

The crisis was caused by forest fires in Canada…reports Asian Lite News

As smoke continues to shroud parts of the north-eastern US, the nation’s financial and media capital has recorded its worst air pollution level, which Governor Kathy Hochul called it an “emergency”.

On Wednesday evening, at 7 p.m. (local time), New York was the city with the world’s worst air pollution, hitting 241 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), far higher than the 179 recorded by Lahore, which came next on the index.

On Thursday morning at 10 a.m., it continued to hold the record of the most polluted city with a reading of 182, according to IQAir, which monitors air quality around the world in real time.



“What we’re experiencing right now with the sub-standard air quality, (is) a crisis, it is also a dangerous situation,” Hochul said on Wednesday.

The crisis was caused by forest fires in Canada, which ironically celebrated Wednesday as Clean Air Day with the motto, “Clean Air Everywhere” while smoke streamed south towards its southern neighbour.

Describing the condition in New York, Hochul said: “The haze and the smoke from the fires, you could feel it even sitting indoors here, it’s clogging much of our air. In fact, it’s almost impossible to see the sunset or see the sky.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) tweeted: “It is recommended to limit time outdoors. Wearing a mask may help limit irritation for those suffering from respiratory illnesses. More smoke expected Thursday and Friday.”

In many places, the sky took on an eery orange glow prompting an NWS unit in New York State to tweet: “This is not Mars.”

“Sun is no longer visible, everything’s orange”, it said.

New York, with a population of about 8.5 million in the city and 20 million in the metro area, even shut its zoos and beaches because of the air quality, while schools in many surrounding cities and towns were ordered closed on Thursday.

Major sports events were postponed on Wednesday.

Flights to and from New York area airports were delayed because of poor visibility, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Speed limits were reduced on some highways around New York City because of low visibility.

Among hard-hit cities, Washington and Philadelphia issued Code Red alerts because of the air quality conditions.

Canada’s own cities were saved from the worst because of the wind directions.

Toronto recorded only 156 on the AQI on Wednesday evening.

ALSO READ: Pak-China nexus in Shaksgam Valley poses threat to India

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-Top News Canada Environment

Canada to host 7th Assembly of Global Environment Facility

Canada decided to host the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from August 22 to 26….reports Asian Lite News

As the world experiences the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canada continues to show leadership in advancing environmental action at home and around the world by bringing diverse partners together to find solutions for a healthy planet.

Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency, Harjit S. Sajjan, announced on World Environment Day, which was celebrated on June 5, that Canada will host the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from August 22 to 26.

After welcoming the world to Montreal, Quebec, for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in December 2022, a conference marked by historic progress on protecting nature globally and agreeing to biodiversity financing, Canada continues its leadership as the host of the GEF Assembly this summer.

The GEF Assembly, which meets every four years, is the global body that coordinates financing for international efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health.

This meeting will bring together environmental leaders from 185 countries, including government ministers and representatives of international organizations, businesses, academia and civil society, as well as facilitating engagement with and input from Indigenous Peoples, women and young people.

The meeting comes at a time of significant diplomatic momentum with the historic Global Biodiversity Framework deal reached at COP15 and the high seas treaty agreed on in New York City in March.

This momentum will continue to build at the GEF Assembly, during which a key expected outcome is the launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, a critically needed source of funding for the protection of endangered species and their ecosystems.

Its establishment could open new avenues for private sector and philanthropic support for nature. The GEF, based in Washington, was selected to manage this new fund at COP15.

Canada is a founding member of the GEF, Canada’s primary mechanism for helping developing countries address climate change. At COP15, Canada announced it would provide $219 million between 2022 and 2026 to the GEF’s eighth replenishment to support developing countries’ efforts to address global environmental challenges and meet their commitments under international environmental conventions.

Canada also committed $350 million in new and additional funding to support developing countries in conserving biodiversity and to support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

In June 2021, Canada also doubled its climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over five years (2021 to 2026) to support developing countries’ transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive sustainable development.

“On the momentous occasion of World Environment Day’s 50th anniversary, I am honoured to announce that Canada will be hosting the GEF Assembly in Vancouver,a Indo-Canadian Sajjan said.

“Canada believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity as the only way to build a more resilient future for everyone. Protecting our world’s nature, rivers, lakes, oceans and wildlife will ensure a healthy planet and healthy people. We look forward to working with international partners, Indigenous Peoples and youth to find innovative solutions to our shared environmental challenges and provide support to developing countries in their climate adaptation efforts.”

“We are delighted to be holding the Seventh GEF Assembly in Canada, whose steady leadership in environmental diplomacy has yielded enormous benefits around the world. This gathering of the GEF’s member governments and diverse partners gives us a unique chance to build on recent breakthroughs, including long-sought agreements on biodiversity and the high seas, and ensure that the urgent environmental challenges we face are addressed in an inclusive and integrated way,” GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodriguez said.

“This conference will serve as a platform to unite and inspire global leaders, experts and stakeholders. It provides an important opportunity for Canada to build on the momentum gained at COP15, where a historic agreement was reached to safeguard nature and halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Together, we will explore strategies, share best practices and forge partnerships to tackle the pressing environmental challenges we face and to promote the use of nature-based solutions in support of the poorest and most vulnerable countries impacted by climate change. By harnessing our collective strengths and empowering diverse voices, we can make a profound and lasting impact on our planet,” added Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Steven Guilbeault.

ALSO READ: Canada to put health warnings on individual cigarettes

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-Top News Environment UAE News

Dubai’s RTA urges emission reduction and eco-friendly mobility

RTA encouraged community groups to adopt healthier habits and educates them to use flexible mobility means during leisure and exercise periods….reports Asian Lite News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reiterated its keenness to engage in global events, notably celebrating World Environment Day by encouraging individuals to undertake initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly mobility.

RTA also encouraged community groups to adopt healthier habits and educates them to use flexible mobility means during leisure and exercise periods.

On the Day, which is celebrated annually on 5th June and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment, RTA, in partnership with Careem, announced the offering of Careem BIKE rides free of charge for customers at 186 docking stations across Dubai for an unlimited number of trips, provided the single trip does not exceed 45 minutes.

The offer will be valid on Saturday, 10th June, 2023 to mark the World Environment Day, celebrated on 5th June annually.

The initiative is an excellent model of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards fulfilling the directives of the government to transform Dubai into a bicycle-friendly city. It is also in line with RTA’s strategy and goals to assume a pioneering role under the sustainability framework by launching community initiatives in support of environmental issues.

Customers can avail of the free rides on Saturday, 10th June through the Careem app by selecting “BIKE” under the “GO” section on the home screen. Customers can choose the “One Day” pass and avail of a free ride using the code “FREE,” which would give them 24-hour access. Participants will be required to enter their card details but won’t be charged.

Careem BIKES are available at 186 stations across Dubai.

Since its launch in February 2020, Careem BIKE has displaced over 2.5 tons of CO2, the equivalent of 713 cars emitting CO2 throughout the year. Careem BIKE also aims to encourage more customers to use the service by providing companies with a sustainable solution to offset carbon emissions through purchasing employee or customer bulk subscriptions.

ALSO READ: UAE Ministers, Top Diplomats, Stars Attend Marriage at Lulu Family

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-Top News Asia News Environment

Study: Climate change threatens Pakistan’s agricultural yields

Pakistan could face mass hunger as land use for crops drops(IN)

The International Food Policy Research Institute in the study found that climate change is projected to cause a decline in Pakistan’s agricultural yields of up to 40 per cent by 2050…reports Asian Lite News

Women are regarded vital part of the agricultural sector in Pakistan. However, gender-based inequalities in Pakistan are huge such as land ownership, accessing inputs, extension and financial services, Pakistan-based The Nation reported.

The International Food Policy Research Institute in the study found that climate change is projected to cause a decline in Pakistan’s agricultural yields of up to 40 per cent by 2050, further exacerbating food insecurity for women, Sania Arif wrote in The Nation report. The agriculture sector of Pakistan contributes 18.9 per cent to GDP and employees 42.3 per cent of the labour forces, including women. According to the estimates, half of Pakistan’s population still lives in rural regions and directly rely on the agriculture, including production of wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, mangoes and dates, according to The Nation.

Still, Pakistan faces a huge food crisis due to rapidly increasing population and inadequate food productivity. Currently, Pakistan is ranked at 92nd position out of 116 nations in Global Hunger Index, as per the news report.

A report by IPCINFO, which carried out survey in districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh revealed that all these regions are facing high prevalence of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.

As per the news report, the floods in 2022 have made the situation worse as one-third region of Pakistan went underwater and caused 1,700 casualties and impacted around 33 million people. Pakistan requires USD 16 billion to recover. The report said, “Around 17 million women and children are at risk of preventable disease.”

Women are regarded key part of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. However, gender based inqualities in Pakistan are huge. Women are one of the most impacted by the 2022 floods as recounted in stories of various women, as per The Nation report.

According to farm worker Asmat Jaskani, the flooding destroyed wheat fields that used to provide her income. She said that the earning from the wheat crop after the floods is reduced to half. Jaskani stated that they are a family of 30 people in the house and don’t have savings from the harvest.

“After the floods, the earning from our wheat crop is now half, as we are thirty people in our house, and we don’t have any savings from the harvest, so how will we eat?,” The Nation quoted Asmat Jaskani as saying.

Sakeena Gadhi, another farm worker from Sindh, said that only one wheat crop is cultivated in their village and flood washed away our homes. She said that they have returned to their village after living in tents for 10 months and added that there is nothing left in the village.

As per the news report, there are hundreds of such stories in the flood-affected regions and the flood situation does not appear to get better as Climate Risk Country Profile, projections for Pakistan for the next 10 years suggest, “yield declines in many key food and cash crops, including cotton, wheat, sugarcane, maize and rice.”

It implies that Pakistan needs to work on emergency footings to counter the looming threat of food insecurity. One of the solutions for Pakistan to resolve the issue is to recognize women’s informal labour, Sania Arif wrote in the report.

According to analysts, it will be impossible for Pakistan’s government to address the serious issue without recognizing the women’s role and current plight, according to The Nation. A recognized, independent and government policy-supported model for women in the agricultural sector, in particular is the primary way to address the issue and tackle the problem of food insecurity. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan under Norway scanner

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-Top News Asia News Environment

Water Wars: Global Geopolitics Takes a New Turn

Increasing tensions over water resources point out to the emergence of a new dimension to the global geopolitics, adding to the regional and neighbourly rivalries, writes Asad Mirza

The recent border clashes between Iran and Afghanistan have a really dreaded portent for the future, both at the local and global levels, besides being a pointer to how we have managed our environment resources in a foolish manner.

As per reports from the Iranian Tasnim News Agency, deadly clashes broke out between border guards and the Afghan soldiers in the border area encompassing the Zabul district of Sistan and Baluchestan province on the Iranian side and the Keng district of Nimruz province in Afghanistan.

The deadly clashes resulted in death of two Iranian border guards in clashes with Taliban forces, while the Iranians, on their part, claimed to have killed 12 Taliban soldiers.

Perplexingly, the issue over which tensions between the two neighbours ran high is how to divide the waters of the Helmand River, which the two nations must share.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River.(credit: www.facebook.com/GrandEthiopianRenaissanceDam)



Iran accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand River to Iran’s parched eastern regions, an accusation denied by the Taliban.

China’s Xinhua news agency reported that Iranian MP Hossein-Ali Shahriari, who represents Zahidan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province, charged the Taliban government in Afghanistan with stopping up the flow of the Helmand River and storing extra water in the Kamal Khan Dam and other reservoirs. He complained that the Afghans have recently built new dams that are storing water that would otherwise have flowed to Iran.

Though this development might be a shocking news to many, however this is not a new phenomenon but was bound to happen not just between Iran and Afghanistan but amongst other countries too. Journalist Fatemeh Aman wrote a good summary of this conflict for the Atlantic Council, noting that drought and climate change have exacerbated the tensions over water sharing.

Both countries have built dams on the Helmand and irrigated off it, often to raise water-hungry crops not suitable to this arid environment.

6 border guards killed by ‘terrorists’ in Iran(twitter)



Fatemeh noted that Helmand is the longest river in Afghanistan, constituting over 40 per cent of Afghanistan’s surface water. With 95 per cent of the Helmand located in Afghanistan, it is a critical source of livelihood for the country’s southern and southwestern provinces. The river further flows into Iran’s arid southwest to feed the Hamoun wetlands on the Iranian side and lakes on the Afghan side, but damming, irrigation, and drought have partially dried these up, creating conditions for toxic dust clouds.

As per environmentalists, Iran and Afghanistan are projected to heat up faster than the world average, twice as fast, in fact. Already, poor water management and extra heat have had a devastating effect on the Helmand basin. Extra heat dries out the soil and contributes to more intense and more frequent droughts. It also causes greater and more rapid evaporation of water from lakes and rivers.

The water resources are critical for people living in the increasingly drought-prone Sistan and Baluchestan region; in addition the Sistan wetland ecosystem also supports flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds. And while the history of conflict over the Helmand River is long, the scenario is similar to conflicts over water in other regions of the world. Many social scientists foresee water wars as a result. This border clash is a small omen of bigger conflicts to come.

Tensions between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the latter’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Blue Nile River resources haven’t been resolved in years, with both Egypt and Ethiopia threatening a military response at various points.

Last year, Russian troops destroyed a Dnieper River dam that diverted water away from Crimea and into Ukraine. Armed groups in Mali, Somalia and beyond destroyed water infrastructure needed by civilians. Mexico, Chile, Israel and Palestine, Kenya and Peru – the Water Conflict Chronology database lists hundreds of conflicts over water in the modern era, as well as across history.

Journal Sustainability Times quoting UN Statistical Division’s data pertaining to 2019, reports that the number of water conflicts by different regions globally as of April 2022 runs up to more than 1100 conflicts.

Environmentalist Laureen Fagan in her report for Sustainability Times further quoted Dr. Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute in the US and author of The Three Ages of Water, as warning that the frequency of water-related conflicts has grown in the past two decades. That’s due to violence in the Middle East, growing disputes during severe droughts over access to water in regions like Indian subcontinent and ethnic and community confrontations in sub-Saharan Africa.



Fagan further referred to a February 2023 paper on the database, co-authored by Shimabuku and published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, saying that it’s the uneven access to fresh water around the world that makes it a strategic priority during conflict, as is the case along the Iran-Afghanistan border.

Gleick and Morgan are of the view that social, economic, and political challenges associated with freshwater resources pose a variety of severe risks to communities around the world, from water-related diseases, to crop failures, to ecological destruction, to actual violence, the risks and incidences of water-related conflicts in recent years, are on the rise, and the factors driving such violence appear to be worsening. We need to understand the root causes of water conflicts and more effective strategies for reducing their probability and consequences.

Increasing tensions over water resources point out to the emergence of a new dimension to the global geopolitics, adding to the regional and neighbourly rivalries.

Now indeed the time seems to be apt to work cohesively to find a collective solution to the global demand & supply and sharing of water resources, besides taking a conscious, serious and determined approach to care more for our environment instead of just hollow talks, which seem to have become the trend of most global environmental agencies and plans. If indeed we do not act even now, then it may be too late when the real wars due to scarce water resources start erupting across the globe.

(Asad Mirza is a delhi-based senior political commentator.)

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-Top News Environment UAE News

du sets its 2030 net-zero goal

The du climate action programme will establish a clear net zero carbon emissions road map for the company to advance its sustainability initiatives…reports Asian Lite News

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company (EITC), has committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions within its operations in the UAE by 2030 and Scope 3 by 2050.

The company will be focusing on key initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including improving energy efficiency and sourcing renewable energy.

The du climate action programme will establish a clear net zero carbon emissions road map for the company to advance its sustainability initiatives that have a positive human impact on future plans and operations.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said, “The UAE has been at the forefront of the global fight against climate change, taking proactive action to reduce the carbon impact of hydrocarbon emissions, leading the energy transition towards a more sustainable future. It is crucial for the private sector to take responsibility in environmental stewardship and play an active role in promoting sustainable development. Our net zero ambitions are aligned to support the UAE’s on reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, and are designed to not only benefit the environment but also create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for people in the UAE.”

du’s Sustainability Report 2022 provides information on du’s efforts to support three key sustainability objectives – to “make people and society happier”, “operate ethically and responsibly” and “deliver the benefits of our services to all”. These objectives are further split into various priority focus areas, corresponding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions involves replacing diesel-powered generators with hybrid- and solar-power alternatives.

At present, there are 200 sites equipped with smart hybrid power systems which run on the latest Lithium-Ion battery technology leading to 50 percent reduction of diesel consumption and carbon emissions.

Furthermore, du increased the number of solar-powered sites by 18 and it now has 78 sites which have zero carbon emissions. du has introduced a new concept by installing solar panels on mobile towers to allow excess energy to be fed back into the power grid – accelerating the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards a cleaner, greener planet. There are 10 of these systems in operation with 80 more towers set to be completed by the end of 2023 to take further steps towards mitigating climate change.

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-Top News Environment UAE News

‘Road to COP28’ inspires stakeholders, fuels climate action

Al Mubarak introduced the “Race to Zero” and the “Race to Resilience” global campaigns, and showcased the 2030 solution pathways and available projects as part of the COP27 Presidency…reports Asian Lite News

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said that the UAE has always been keen on adopting policies and initiatives that support and foster climate action, considering them a strategic priority in driving sustainable socio-economic development.

“The UAE Circular Economy Council’s Policies Committee continues its efforts, in collaboration with its partners in the government and private sectors, to fast-track the full implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031. These include 22 policies focused on four major sectors: sustainable transport, manufacturing, food, and green infrastructure, which will enhance national economy’s growth and competitiveness in accordance with the objectives of the 50,” he added.

This came during the “Road to COP28: Driving Collective Action in the UAE” event, which was hosted by Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, in collaboration with Dubai Chamber, aimed at exploring climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience and finance.

The event, hosted by the High-Level Champions and the Dubai Chamber, supported by the COP28 Presidency, brought together key segments of society to mobilise efforts for inclusive climate progress ahead of the UAE-hosted climate summit.

Al Marri further stated, “COP28, to be hosted by the UAE this year, will serve as a global platform that supports collective action to tackle climate change, reduce carbon footprint, achieve sustainable and comprehensive development, and create a better future for current and future generations. The event will also play a key role in promoting the UAE’s attractiveness for local and international investments in new economy sectors, particularly advanced technology, infrastructure, clean energy, and climate change.”

In her speech at the opening session, Razan Al Mubarak emphasised, “Facing an increasingly precarious future due to climate change and nature loss, it is the role of the High-Level Champions to underscore, on a global level, that comprehensive climate action is an all-of-society mandate. As hosts of COP28, the UAE has a unique opportunity to unite our community in pursuing a net-zero, climate-resilient, and nature-positive future.”

Al Mubarak introduced the “Race to Zero” and the “Race to Resilience” global campaigns, and showcased the 2030 solution pathways and available projects as part of the COP27 Presidency backed Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda. The “Road to COP28” event served as a platform for local businesses to understand how they can lead by example, particularly by committing finance, expertise, and resources to mitigation and adaptation projects.

For their part, the High-Level Champions are working closely with regional leaders to drive ambitious climate action, particularly in areas where it is needed most, and where adaptation to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and extreme heat are becoming more prevalent.

The UAE is continuing to strengthen its protected areas, foster sustainable agricultural practices, enhance environmental quality, and implement additional nature-based solutions. This commitment will help further ensure the environmental prosperity and sustainability of the UAE for future generations.

The High-Level Champions highlighted the importance of climate action including in hard-to-abate sectors such as the built environment, particularly relevant for rapidly developing countries such as the UAE.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated, “We recognise the crucial role businesses play in combating climate change, and remain committed to supporting local companies in achieving their environmental and climate goals. Our focus is on promoting sustainable business practices, encouraging green innovation, and advancing the development of a competitive, low-carbon economy. Through our activities, we will continue to support the drive to establish Dubai as a leading example of a net-zero, climate-resilient business community that is contributing to a better tomorrow.”

As the UAE advances towards a sustainable future, its businesses – ranging from startups to established enterprises – are making significant progress towards net-zero emissions.

The event demonstrated how local organisations are adopting innovative and ambitious solutions to reduce carbon footprints and showcase a strong commitment to sustainability as well as climate resilience.

Industries across the board are enthusiastically reimagining operations, investing in renewable energy, and adopting sustainable practices, thereby setting a regional precedent. This proactive approach not only validates the feasibility of a net-zero future but also highlights the economic opportunities that this green transition can yield.

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