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Category: Environment

  • COP28 prioritises food systems in climate action

    COP28 prioritises food systems in climate action

    The COP28 Presidency urged action to scale up food and agriculture innovation to drive both development and climate action, leveraging national and international mechanisms….reports Asian Lite News

    The COP28 UAE Presidency launched its Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda. This forms part of its continued work to define the COP28 Action Agenda leading into this year’s climate conference.

    The COP28 Presidency, represented by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead, called on governments to demonstrate leadership by signing the first-ever Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action during the Food Systems Summit in Rome.

    The Declaration invites national governments to align their national food systems and agriculture strategies, with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). It will also celebrate countries who are leading the way by putting food systems and agriculture at the heart of the climate process.

    In addition, the COP28 Presidency is calling on a diverse group of stakeholders in the food and agriculture sector to accelerate existing initiatives across food systems, agriculture, and climate action.

    The COP28 Presidency will bring together businesses, farmer and producer organisations, and other non-state actors to drive progress across production, consumption, food loss and waste. This partnership will work with over 15 leading CEOs and involve actors across every stage of the agriculture supply chain, from production to consumption and finance.

    As part of this collaboration, a flagship initiative was also launched to promote the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture in large food landscapes underpinned by procurement and investment commitments. This initiative will be co-chaired with the UN Climate Change High Level Champions, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

    In a joint session on Food Systems and Climate Action at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment, co-chaired by Almheiri and Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Almheiri highlighted the need to urgently increase the resilience of climate-vulnerable farmers and reduce food system-related emissions. She emphasised that the recalibration will also contribute to realising both the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

    “The COP28 Presidency’s commitment to prioritising food systems demonstrates a dedication to address pressing global challenges. By mobilising national leadership, engaging non-state actors, scaling innovation, and securing financing, COP28 aims to drive transformative change to secure a sustainable future for all,” the COP28 Food Systems Lead said.

    The announcement of the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda comes on the first day of the UN Food Systems Summit Stock Take Moment (STM) taking place in Rome this week, and underscores the essential elements required to both upgrade food systems and achieve climate objectives.

    The announcement follows the UAE Government’s recent commitments to accelerate action to reduce nationwide emissions by 40 percent by 2030, compared to business-as-usual scenario in its Third Update of its Second NDC. Ahead of the G20 Environment and Climate Ministerial, the COP28 Presidency calls on all Parties to consider raising their ambition through revised NDCs, by meeting historic commitments, such as the US$100 billion of climate finance, and delivering what is needed at COP28, including the funding and arrangements for loss and damage.

    Food systems are not only vital for meeting societal needs and enabling adaptation to climate impacts but are also responsible for significant global greenhouse gas emissions – representing up to 33 percent of total emissions according to the latest data. Current practices also contribute to loss of biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, consumption of 70 percent of freshwater, and can, in some cases, be associated with negative health impacts.

    The COP28 Presidency urged action to scale up food and agriculture innovation to drive both development and climate action, leveraging national and international mechanisms – including the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), the CGIAR and the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture. Working with partners, the Presidency will identify investment in a limited number of high-impact innovations, with a focus on smallholder and climate-vulnerable communities and producers.

    Advancements in traditional agricultural practices play a major role responding to the realities of climate change and upgrading food systems. Scaling up promising and appropriate technologies, techniques and innovations can help all actors in the global food system mitigate as well as adapt to growing threats from rising temperatures and climate shocks.

    To promote the Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda, the COP28 Presidency will work with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and a diverse set of partners, to build upon significant momentum and activities already underway at global, regional, and country level, adding to COP26, COP27, and the UN Food Systems processes.

    Urgently upgrading food systems to respond to climate impacts and keep 1.5°C within reach is a cornerstone of the COP28 agenda and its focus on sustainable growth, livelihoods and well-being.

    The COP28 Presidency also emphasised the importance of food systems and agriculture within the Global Goal on Adaptation, also mandated for adoption at COP28.

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  • G20 nations discuss disaster risk reduction

    G20 nations discuss disaster risk reduction

    Member NDMA Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said that the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting was aimed at fulfilling the criteria that were envisioned by the Sendai Framework…reports Asian Lite News

    Amid rising frequency of natural calamities, the G20 nations under India’s presidency discussed disaster risk reduction.

    Top officials said that after completing the initial meetings in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, the G20 Working Group commenced its third meeting in Chennai.

    India, under its Presidency of the Group of 20 nations, has constituted a first-of-its-kind Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group keeping in view the increasing frequency and severity of disasters that are wreaking havoc around the world,

    Speaking at the inaugural session, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi P K Mishra while highlighting the effects of climate change and related disasters listed out the forest fires in Canada, the resultant haze in North America, major cyclonic activity on India’s East and West Coast, unprecedented flooding in New Delhi (worst in 45 years), among others.

    “Climate change-related disasters are already here. These are enormous, interconnected, and affect everyone across the world. The ambition of this group should match the scale of the problem. We need a transformation of local, national, and global disaster risk reduction systems,” he said.

    According to Member Secretary of India’s National Disaster Management Authority, Kamal Kishore, the key focus areas of this group were ensuring early warning for all, investing in climate and disaster resilient infrastructure, improving financing framework for disaster risk reduction, improving systems for better post-disaster recovery, and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction.

    “Preparing for and working towards reducing the risk of disasters is the primary objective of India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and this activity is now being taken to the global stage and the exchange of ideas is being carried out with foreign counterparts,” he said.

    About the increased international cooperation in sharing sensor data and warnings on Tsunami, earthquakes, and cyclones, Kishore said that the observation data from various sensors were global public goods and such data was fed to global models and was useful to all nations.

    He also highlighted the need to improve the density of such networks, provide access to warnings and timely dissemination and the capability to act on the warnings.

    Member NDMA Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said that the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting was aimed at fulfilling the criteria that were envisioned by the Sendai Framework.

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  • Yamuna River surges, exceeds danger mark

    Yamuna River surges, exceeds danger mark

    The rise in water level yet again sparked concerns about the flood-like situation in the national capital and adjoining regions…reports Asian Lite News

    Yamuna River continued to overflow in Delhi with water level recorded at 205.45 meters at 7 am on Tuesday.

    The danger mark of the Yamuna River is at 205.33 meters. On Monday the water level in Yamuna was at 206.56 metres.

    Meanwhile, on Sunday, announcements were made by the administration to vacate low-lying areas near the floodplains.

    The rise in water level yet again sparked concerns about the flood-like situation in the national capital and adjoining regions.

    The river water level had been hovering around the danger mark of 205.33 metres for the last few days after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13.

    This surge in Yamuna’s water level is primarily due to the discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage caused by heavy rainfall in some regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

    After July 13, the Yamuna had been receding gradually after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters but there have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last two-three days. The water level dropped below the danger mark at 8 pm on July 18 after flowing above the threshold for eight days.

    Due to the increase in the water level of the river, several places in Delhi grappled with water-logging and flood-like situations.

    Meanwhile, Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday inspected the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and said that the Delhi government has made embankments and reinforcement at vulnerable spots to prevent flood water entering the water treatment plants.

    Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday and discussed with him the water level in the Yamuna River in the national capital.

    Light to moderate rain predicted

    Light to moderate rains were witnessed in parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, in the early hours of Tuesday.

    Amidst heavy rainfall in parts of the country, the India Meterological Department has issued alerts for Maharashtra, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season has caused flooding and significant property damage and lives in several parts of the country.

    The Met Department has said that Delhi can expect light to moderate rain on July 25.

    “For Delhi, we don’t have a significant rainfall warning but we can continue to expect high moisture and high temperature. Delhi also may get light to moderate rain. We don’t have any warning for Delhi but some rain will start from the night of July 25th,” said RK Jenamani, IMD Scientist.

    In Delhi, the Yamuna River remains in a state of overflow, with the current water level measured at 205.45 metres. (ANI)

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  • Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declares rain emergency

    Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declares rain emergency

    Pakistan Meteorological Department said several parts of Pakistan are likely to receive rain until July 26….reports Asian Lite News

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in Pakistan on Sunday declared a rain emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral after flash floods and torrential rain, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

    Heavy rain with strong winds and thunderstorms lashed parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, resulting in landslides and damaging infrastructure. The rain continued intermittently through the day, causing “large-scale devastation” in the district. The rain also resulted in flash floods in Chitral, which washed away bridges, roads, and livestock, according to Dawn.

    Pakistan Meteorological Department said several parts of Pakistan are likely to receive rain until July 26.

    Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department in a notification on Sunday said that the deputy commissioners of both districts had requested for an “emergency” to be declared in order to allow them to “launch immediate rescue and relief activities,” according to Dawn.

    The provincial government declared a rain emergency in the two districts with immediate effect. The government further said that the emergency will remain in place until August 15 for “provision of relief and restoration of damaged communication network and water supply.”

    Earlier on Saturday, Rescue 1122 District Head Hafeezur Rehman said that fresh rain spell caused devastation and killed five people. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in a report on Sunday said that four people had died in rain-related incidents in Mansehra.

    According to the report, road clearance activities were being conducted at five places in the Lower Chitral district that had been blocked since Saturday due to flash flooding, as per the Dawn report.

    The report said seven houses had been fully damaged during the past 36 hours while 67 houses were partially damaged. It further said that a school building was partially damaged while 47 cattle had perished.

    The PDMA said that the “vulnerable communities” have been evacuated to safer places and given food items due to a “very high” flood in Chitral River and the destruction caused in Lower Chitral.

    According to the report, non-food items have been dispatched for the impacted in Lower and Upper Chitral. The PDMA further said that eight water supply schemes in different regions of Upper Chitral were damaged.

    Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Interim Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan ordered the relief department and the district administration to remain on “high alert,” according to Dawn. He ordered the authorties to immediately begin relief and rescue activities and to ensure that aid was provided to the impacted people.

    As per the Dawn report, Mohammad Azam Khan directed the officials to move impacted people to safer locations. He assured that the provincial government will help them in “every possible way.” (ANI)

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  • IMD: Heavy rainfall to return in North India

    IMD: Heavy rainfall to return in North India

    Only east Uttar Pradesh is in IMD’s rainfall deficient category as it has received 29% below-normal rainfall during the same period…reports Asian Lite News

    After a brief respite from widespread disruption and flooding, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates heavy rainfalls to comeback in North India on Tuesday, July 25th.

    The IMD’s Sunday statement indicated an expected increase in rainfall activity over northwest India, with heavy downpours likely to occur in isolated areas across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant during this period of anticipated rainfall.

    Northwest India has recorded 40% more precipitation from 1 June to 23 July at 318.8 mm. However, only east Uttar Pradesh is in IMD’s rainfall deficient category as it has received 29% below-normal rainfall during the same period.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and enquired about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to recent heavy rainfall.

    The Home Minister also spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and discussed with him the water level in the Yamuna River in the national capital. Yamuna was flowing at 205.96 metres by 9 am on Sunday morning, which is further expected to rise to 206.7 metres by the evening. The water level in the Yamuna River has surpassed the danger level again.

    This surge in Yamuna’s water level is primarily due to the discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage caused by heavy rainfall in some regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

    Shah shared the information through his Twitter post soon after having a telephonic conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister and the Delhi LG.

    Amid the rain warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the Chamba district, the District Disaster Management Authority on Sunday issued an advisory for the citizens.

    The advisory said, “1. Avoid visiting hilly areas and places prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. 2. Avoid trekking amid the inclement weather. 3. In case lightning strikes, it is safe to stay indoors for minimum next 30 minutes. 4. Do not visit river areas. 5. Pay attention to the warnings issued by the weather department. 6. Request Gram Panchayat Chieves, private organisations, tourists, and trekkers to spread the word.”

    Notably, a total of 154 people have lost their lives due to the onset of the monsoon in the state since June 24, an official statement said on Saturday.

    Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) said that 15 people are missing and 187 people have been injured since the beginning of the monsoon.

    “So far Monsoon has claimed 154 lives since its onset on June 24 in Himachal Pradesh. Till now 15 people are missing and 187 people have been injured. In Himachal Pradesh, 592 houses have been damaged, besides 5265 houses partially damaged,” the  statement said.

    Meanwhile, the met office has issued a red alert for Gujarat and Central Maharashtra today as it expects these regions to receive extremely heavy rainfall of more than 204.4 mm. From Monday to Thursday, Central Maharashtra has been placed on orange alert as rainfall in seven districts including Palghar, Thane and Raigad are predicted to be between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm.

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  • UAE Minister thanks Modi for hosting G20 Energy Ministers’ meet

    UAE Minister thanks Modi for hosting G20 Energy Ministers’ meet

    The Turkish Deputy Minister further said: “It’s a good experience to be here in India. I think it’s very important for all the countries to be represented here in G20.”…reports Asian Lite News

    UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for hosting the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting in Goa calling the meeting “a very important one”.

    “A very important meeting and first I would like to thank the government of India and his excellency for hosting all of us. UAE is coming as a guest to the G20 and we have a very important role as well this year as we are hosting COP28 and discussing very important aspects of sustainability, transition in energy,” the UAE Minister of Energy said. Mazrouei said it is important to ensure that energy transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people.

    “We have to address one important element which is affordability and we need to make sure that the transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people, of not raising the energy prices on them. And we need to fight the emissions coming from fossil fuels, we need not target any type of fuel in my opinion. And fighting emissions and ensuring that we get to net zero on an emission does not mean that we need to eliminate any form of fuel,” he said.

    Speaking on PM Modi’s televised address during the meeting, he said: “It shows the commitment of India and the Indian people toward sustainability. India is embarking on a very rapid transition and ensuring that India not only handles the energy challenge of the future but is able to export hydrogen. I think that’s something that is very encouraging and we wish India and the Indian government and the Indian people all the success in the years to come.”

    The G20 Energy ministers met under India’s G20 Presidency, with the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ in Goa on July 22, 2023, with the aim to share, collaborate and build on the sense of responsibility and solidarity amongst the G20 members in accelerating the clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, following various pathways, as a means of enabling secure, sustainable, equitable, shared and inclusive growth.

    Turkey’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Ahmet Berat Çonkar called the G20 Energy Minister’s Meeting in Goa an important one, said “I think one of the most important issues in our agendas is energy. The sustainability of energy, renewable energy and the efficiency of using energy. So, we should focus more on this area and we should also focus on the fairness and justice part of the distribution of energy with affordable prices for our citizens. We need a lot of investments in our countries to reach our targets in renewable energy and the carbonization targets as well.”

    The Turkish Deputy Minister further said: “It’s a good experience to be here in India. I think it’s very important for all the countries to be represented here in G20.”

    The G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting brought together over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee countries, and several international organisations, as per a release by the Ministry of Power.

    Director General Energy Commission of Nigeria Joseph Sunday Olayande said the meeting “has given us an exposure to the dynamics of energy policy making in the international arena, so we are able to share the knowledge and experiences of other delegates and the ministers.”

    During the meeting, G20 Ministers responsible for Energy underlined the importance of ensuring that the growing global energy demand is matched by sustainable and affordable energy supplies.

    The ministers aimed to advance technological collaboration and cooperation among G20 members, other international partners and multilateral institutions to strengthen energy systems with a view to ensuring energy security and stabilising energy markets, read the outcome document of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting in Goa on Saturday.

    During the meeting, the ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining undisrupted flows of energy from various sources, suppliers and routes exploring paths to enhanced energy security and markets stability, including through inclusive investments to meet the growing energy demand, in line with our sustainable development and climate goals, while promoting open, competitive, non-discriminatory, and free international energy markets. (ANI)

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  • ‘India eyeing 50% non-fossil installed capacity by 2030’

    ‘India eyeing 50% non-fossil installed capacity by 2030’

    Prime Minister pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition….reports Asian Lite News

    Emphasising on India’s climate commitments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the country has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance.

    In a video message to the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India now plans to achieve 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by the year 2030. “No talk about the future, sustainability or growth and development can be complete without energy. It impacts development at all levels, from individuals to nations,” the Prime Minister said at the meeting that brought together ministers from the countries in the G20 grouping.

    He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

    “India is the most populated nation and the fastest-growing large economy in the world yet we are moving strongly on our climate commitments… We achieved our non-fossil, installed electric capacity target 9 years in advance. We have now set a higher target, we plan to achieve 50 per cent non-fossil installed capacity by 2030,” PM Modi said.

    The G20 Energy Ministerial meeting is being held under the chairpersonship of Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh. Earlier on Friday, Union minister Singh said that India has achieved its target of producing 43.6 per cent of its total energy through non-fossil fuel sources nine years ahead of the schedule of 2023.

    The Prime Minister pointed out that the world looks to the G20 countries to this group to advance sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transition and urged them to ensure that the Global South is not left behind

    “We must ensure low-cost finance for developing countries,” PM Modi said.

    “We must find ways to bridge technology gaps, promote energy security, and work on diversifying supply chains. And, we must strengthen collaboration on the ‘fuels for the future,’” he said.

    Meanwhile in his video message today, the Prime Minister said more than 119 million families in the country have got LPG connections in the last nine years. “We have also achieved the historic milestone of connecting every village to electricity,” he said.

    “In 2015, we began a small movement, by launching a scheme for the use of LED lights, this became the largest LED distribution programme in the world. Saving more than 45 billion units of energy per year,” the prime minister said.

    He said that India’s domestic electrical market, is projected to reach 10 million annual sales by 2030.

    “We have commenced the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol this year. Our aim is to cover entire country by 2025,” he said.

    The Prime Minister said that for decarbonising India is working on a mission mode on green hydrogen as an alternative.

    “The aim is to make India, a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives,” the PM said.

    The Energy Ministerial meeting was followed by the launch of the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre by the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh and the Global Biofuel Alliance by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh.

    Earlier on July 14, Power Secretary informed that the Energy Ministers from G20 member countries, nine invited countries and high-ranking officials from 14 international organizations will be part of the Ministerial meeting.

    In the lead-up to the Energy Ministerial Meeting, a two-day 4th Energy Transition Working Group meeting concluded on Thursday in Goa. (ANI)

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  • India commits to 50% non-fossil power by 2030

    India commits to 50% non-fossil power by 2030

    Prime Minister Modi said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance, reports Asian Lite News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India would achieve the target of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 as part of the stepped up war against climate change.

    Addressing the G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Goa via video on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance.

    He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

    “For decarbonizing India, we are working on a mission mode on Green Hydrogen as an alternative. The aim is to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. We are happy to share our learnings,” PM Modi said.

    India is the most populated nation and the fastest-growing large economy in the world yet the country is moving strongly on its climate commitments, the Prime Minister pointed out.

    PM Modi said that the world looks to the G20 countries to advance sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transition and urged the ministers to ensure that the Global South is not left behind.

    “We must ensure low-cost finance for developing countries. We must find ways to bridge technology gaps, promote energy security, and work on diversifying supply chains. And, we must strengthen collaboration on fuels for the future,” PM Modi said.

    “The High-level Principles on Hydrogen are a step in the right direction. Transnational grid interconnections can enhance energy security. We are promoting this mutually beneficial cooperation with our neighbours in this region. And I can tell you, we are seeing encouraging results. Realizing the vision of inter-connected green grids can be transforming,” the Prime minister explained.

    “It will enable all of us to meet our climate goals, stimulate green investment, and create millions of green jobs. I invite you all to join the Green Grids Initiative – ”One Sun, One World, One Grid of the International Solar Alliance,” he remarked.

    PM Modi also highlighted the fact that caring for the environment was part of India’s culture and traditional wisdom. He emphasised his vision of Mission LiFE which is a Lifestyle for Environment that will make each individual a climate champion and the fight against global warming a mass movement.

    “No matter how we transition, our thoughts and actions must always help preserve our ”One Earth”, protect the interests of our ”One Family”, and move towards a Green One Future.” PM Modi remarked.

    Highlighting the other measures that have been undertaken to reduce India’s carbon footprint, the Prime Minister said more than 119 million families in the country have got LPG connections in the last nine years. “We have also achieved the historic milestone of connecting every village to electricity,” he said.

    “In 2015, we began a small movement, by launching a scheme for the use of LED lights, this became the largest LED distribution programme in the world. Saving more than 45 billion units of energy per year,” the prime minister said.

    He said that India’s domestic electrical vehicle market is projected to reach 10 million units of annual sales by 2030.

    “We have commenced the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol this year. Our aim is to cover the entire country by 2025,” he said.

    Energy Ministers from G20 member countries, nine invited countries and high-ranking officials from 14 international organizations are attending the Ministerial meeting In Goa under India’s presidency.

    (India Narrative)

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  • Trade to have special focus at COP28

    Trade to have special focus at COP28

    The COP28 Trade Day will take place on December 4 at Expo City Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

    International trade is to be featured at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) for the first time when it convenes in the UAE in November and December. The UAE mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) made the announcement at the Committee on Trade and Environment, stating that trade will be subject to a dedicated day under the UAE’s COP28 Presidency Thematic Program – in particular its role as an enabler of climate-smart growth, including supply-chain resilience.

    This was then confirmed in a letter from Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate late last week.

    Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and the COP28 Presidency will co-lead the committee on trade for COP28 alongside the WTO Secretariat. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the World Economic Forum and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) have also all been invited to help shape discussions on trade during the COP28 Presidency Program.

    This alliance, a first in the context of a UN Climate Conference, was created to promote the use of trade and investment instruments to deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions. It also seeks to ensure open, equitable access to global supply chains, which will support small- and micro-enterprise growth around the world, especially in the global south.

    Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi said the inclusion of trade at COP28 demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to delivering actionable, real-world solutions. “As a global supply chain hub, the UAE understands how significant a role the international trading community can play in championing energy transition and delivering sustainable growth across the world.”

    “We are excited that COP28 will showcase the opportunities in the sector for future-focused thinking that can deliver a trading system that is smarter, faster and more inclusive – especially for SMEs and MSMEs across the developing world. From the development and deployment of new technology to building consensus for integration into global supply chains, the UAE welcomes the chance to lead this essential transformation of trade,” he added.

    WTO’s Director General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that trade ought to be an essential element in any climate-change conversation. “Trade has too often been the missing link when responding to the climate crisis, but for this year’s COP28, the UAE Presidency is ensuring trade is part of the agenda.”

    “As the only international organization dealing with the rules of trade between economies, we want to mobilize world leaders to unite in using trade policy and trade facilitation to scale up trade in environmental goods and services and to accelerate decarbonizing supply chains and making them more inclusive and more resilient to climate shocks,” she noted.

    Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate, further elaborated on the importance of this initiative, saying: “From the outset we have been clear that COP28 is focused on transformational change that cuts across sectors and societies. International trade, as a cornerstone of economic growth, jobs, and livelihoods, is an essential tool in accelerating climate action.”

    “It has the potential to unlock investments in emerging economies, to boost uptake of clean energy technologies, and to support green jobs and innovation. The inclusion of trade in the COP28 thematic programme is a deliberate and targeted effort to bring more stakeholders on board in our effort to fast-track climate action.”

    Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), believes the inclusion of trade at COP28 reaffirms the UAE’s unwavering commitment in shaping the future of global trade to achieve the sustainable development goals.

    “Leading up to COP28, Abu Dhabi is hosting the 8th edition of UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum, paving the way for policymakers to address challenges and reach agreements on priority issues in the global trade and investment which will feed into COP28 negotiations,” Al Zaabi added.

    Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, highlighted the development benefits of trade and how it can positively impact global commitments to carbon reduction and sustainability.“Trade can serve as a powerful catalyst for promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty. UNCTAD is delighted to collaborate with the trade, climate and environment communities at COP28 to achieve this goal, establish a multilateral trading system that contributes to combating climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution while identifying opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and entrepreneurship benefiting both women and youth, as well as micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises.”

    The COP28 Trade Day will take place on December 4 at Expo City Dubai.

    The UAE leadership has confirmed that COP28 will provide a critical opportunity to place the multilateral trading system at the heart of conversations about sustainable development and equitable, inclusive growth. As one of the world’s leading trade hubs, the UAE is keen to lead the conversations on introducing greater efficiencies, modern technologies and low-carbon solutions into global supply chains. The country will also host UNCTAD’s 8th World Investment Forum in October, which will be followed by WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in February 2024.

    The WTO Secretariat dedicated its 2022 World Trade Report to exploring the complex interlinkages between climate change and international trade. The report revealed how international trade and trade rules can make a positive contribution to addressing climate change.

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  • UAE stresses renewables in peacekeeping

    UAE stresses renewables in peacekeeping

    Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab emphasised the UAE’s commitment to partnering with the international community to ensure energy security and foster the energy transition…reports Asian Lite News

    A senior UAE delegation led an international discussion underlining the importance of incorporating renewable energy into peacekeeping operations around the world.

    The Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations in New York hosted the meeting on the key role of the UN’s Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) in peacekeeping operations.

    The meeting was one of several events held by the UAE government during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (UN HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which is organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and takes place from 10th-19th July at its headquarters in New York.

    Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN in New York, delivered an opening speech in which he highlighted the importance of ensuring energy security to aid stability and development around the world. He also emphasised the UAE’s commitment to partnering with the international community to ensure energy security and foster the energy transition to fulfill the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

    Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), also spoke during the meeting; alongside Mona Juul, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN; David Mozersky from the Powering Peace Initiative; Wilfried Biya, Permanent Observer of IRENA to the United Nations, Chief; Joanna Harvey, Chief of the Enviromental Section of the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Operational Support; and Lisa Buttenheim, Assistant Secretary-General for Support Operations at the Department of Operational Support.

    Participants described the incorporation of renewable energy in UN peacekeeping operations as a “major opportunity”. The energy transition will help promote development, peace, and security goals, while advancing global climate action, the meeting heard.

    Attendees also commended the UAE for introducing a Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day during COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December 2023. They stressed that the move adds a deeper human dimension to global climate action.

    Dr. Al Hosany underscored the significance of the Energy Compact on Renewable Energy for UN Peacekeeping, which was formally signed at the 13th IRENA General Assembly in January earlier this year, just two years after the concept was announced by the UN Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO), UN Department of Operational Support (UNDOS), IRENA, Denmark, Norway, and the UAE.

    The Compact commits UN members and partnering international organisations to advancing the use of host-country generated renewable energy in peacekeeping missions.

    Al Hosany said, “IRENA and the UAE share a long-standing commitment to accelerating the global energy transition in all contexts. Peacekeeping operations provide a crucial opportunity to enable host countries to deliver on their climate, development, peace, and security objectives, while at the same time building vital infrastructure required to fast-track the energy transition in frontline communities.”

    She added, “As the first country in the Middle East to launch a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE remains committed to helping all communities reduce their emissions and enabling sustainable development through the deployment of cutting-edge renewable and clean energy solutions.”

    Spearheaded by the UAE, the Energy Compact aims to accelerate the transition of UN peacekeeping operations towards the use of renewable energy through public-private partnerships and local capacity building, while simultaneously expanding the positive impact of global peacekeeping missions to further benefit host communities.

    The Energy Compact is a critical driver of the renewable energy transition in international peacekeeping operations across Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Mali, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Cyprus. It engages international organisations, various sectors, and stakeholders to push a seamless energy transition.

    Since its establishment in 2012, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) has served as the primary platform for the UN to discuss progress on the SDGs and has played a central role in monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    This year, the forum is held under the theme of “Accelerating the Recovery from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”. During the forum, there will be an in-depth review of SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17, focusing on various aspects of sustainable development related to water and sanitation (SDG 6), clean and affordable energy (SDG 7), resilient infrastructure and industrialisation (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17).

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