Empowering informed action: Your essential guide to climate change in the Arab world.
The Arabian Post’s Climate Action section provides a comprehensive platform for understanding and engaging with the critical conversations shaping the Arab world’s response to climate change.
A significant slowdown in wind power development is hindering the world's efforts to meet renewable energy goals, particularly as nations strive to cut carbon emissions in line with climate agreements. Wind energy, once seen as a pivotal solution to transitioning away from fossil fuels, is facing mounting challenges that threaten its viability as a cornerstone of the global energy mix.Despite the increasing urgency for green energy sources, the growth of wind power capacity has not kept pace with expectations. Several
A landmark agreement between the UAE and the Government of Rajasthan has been signed, marking a significant development in India's renewable energy sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves a massive ₹3 lakh crore ($36 billion) investment by the UAE, with the goal of developing 60 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in western Rajasthan. This venture is primarily focused on solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects, bolstering India's ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by
Hedge funds are increasingly betting against the renewable energy sector, raising concerns over the viability of green investments. As climate change initiatives gain momentum and governments around the world push for a transition to clean energy, a growing number of hedge funds are accumulating short positions, signaling skepticism about the sustainability and profitability of these sectors. This strategic pivot reflects a complex interplay of market dynamics, regulatory pressures, and broader economic factors impacting the future of renewable energy.A recent analysis
Global warming is reshaping ecosystems, with one of the more pressing concerns being its profound impact on aquatic environments. As water temperatures rise, fish diseases are proliferating at alarming rates, placing aquaculture and wild fish populations at greater risk. This issue, compounded by factors such as salinity and ocean acidification, has captured the attention of researchers worldwide, urging the need for strategic action in fisheries management.Researchers are increasingly identifying climate change as a major driver behind the spread of pathogens
Fertiglobe, a joint venture between Adnoc and OCI, has positioned itself for a significant expansion in long-term ammonia contracts following Adnoc's acquisition of a 25% stake from OCI. This move strengthens Fertiglobe's ambitions in the global clean ammonia sector, particularly amid rising demand for low-carbon solutions. CEO Ahmed El Hoshy, while highlighting the company’s ongoing contract negotiations, affirmed that the deal would unlock more opportunities for sustained ammonia supply agreements, driven by demand from sectors such as power generation, shipping,
Lake Shore India Advisory, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), has successfully raised $143 million in a green loan to expand its Viviana Mall in Mumbai. This move aligns with the growing trend of sustainable financing in the commercial real estate sector, with the funds earmarked for eco-friendly upgrades to the shopping complex, a critical step in enhancing its green credentials.The mall, situated in the city’s bustling Thane district, has been a significant player in the Indian retail
Lake Shore India Advisory, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), has successfully raised $143 million in a green loan to expand its Viviana Mall in Mumbai. This move aligns with the growing trend of sustainable financing in the commercial real estate sector, with the funds earmarked for eco-friendly upgrades to the shopping complex, a critical step in enhancing its green credentials.The mall, situated in the city’s bustling Thane district, has been a significant player in the Indian retail
Masdar and Iberdrola have successfully completed the installation of the final turbine for the Baltic Eagle wind farm, a significant offshore renewable energy project located in the Baltic Sea. This marks a major milestone in the 476 MW venture, which is set to enhance Europe's green energy portfolio.The project, a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi-based clean energy firm Masdar and Spain's Iberdrola, is part of the larger Baltic Sea offshore wind initiative aimed at boosting the region's energy security while
A coalition of eleven nations has committed to the Middle East Green Initiative, aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development across the region. This significant expansion follows a recent summit where leaders gathered to discuss collaboration on environmental issues, further cementing the initiative's role as a central platform for regional cooperation on sustainability.The Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Saudi Arabia, is designed to enhance cooperation among participating nations to combat climate change and promote green energy solutions.
Emirates Transport is set to embark on a pioneering initiative to pilot test hydrogen and electric vehicles as part of its strategy to transition toward sustainable transportation. This ambitious project aligns with the UAE's broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmental sustainability within the transportation sector. The initiative represents a significant step toward achieving the goals outlined in the UAE's Vision 2021 and the National Climate Change Plan.The pilot testing program aims to assess the viability and efficiency
Ardian, a global investment firm, is reportedly evaluating potential co-investment opportunities in the green hydrogen sector alongside two prominent players: Masdar and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. This collaborative venture could significantly impact the renewable energy landscape, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable investments as nations strive to meet climate goals.The interest in green hydrogen arises from its potential to serve as a clean energy carrier, pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. Unlike traditional
The Middle East saw an impressive surge in sustainable bond issuances, reaching a total of $16.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, according to S&P Global Ratings. This figure reflects the growing commitment of governments and corporations in the region to finance green initiatives and projects aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. Notably, the surge in issuances is driven by increased awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors among investors, leading to a greater emphasis
Executives in the Middle East are increasingly viewing climate change as a top priority, as highlighted by a comprehensive study examining corporate attitudes towards environmental sustainability. This shift is driven by the recognition that climate change poses significant risks to both the economy and the overall well-being of the region's populations. The study indicates that an overwhelming majority of executives believe that addressing climate issues is not only essential for corporate responsibility but also a critical factor for long-term business
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih revealed plans for the management of four Saudi airports by the private sector starting in 2025. Speaking at the inaugural Global Logistics Forum held at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh, Al-Falih emphasized the initiative's potential to enhance operational efficiency and boost the nation's logistics and transport sectors. This announcement is part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub.The decision aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals,
Dubai Airports is set to embark on an ambitious project to establish the largest rooftop solar panel installation at an airport worldwide. This initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to sustainability and aims to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The project is expected to generate approximately 25 megawatts of renewable energy, marking a significant stride toward the country's ambitious clean energy targets.The initiative is part of Dubai Airports' broader strategy to transition to renewable energy
A strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) and the French tech company Urbanloop has been established to explore sustainable and innovative urban mobility solutions in the UAE. This collaboration marks a significant step toward addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly transport options in one of the world's most rapidly urbanizing regions.ADT, known for its leadership in port operations and logistics within Abu Dhabi, is looking to leverage Urbanloop's cutting-edge technology to offer low-carbon, efficient transport alternatives. Urbanloop
Ambitious renewable energy goals set by the UAE have not only been met but are expected to be exceeded by 2030, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report highlights the nation’s strategic investments and policies that have accelerated the development of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. With a commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the UAE is emerging as a leader in the global transition
Etihad Rail has taken a bold step toward sustainable operations by initiating a solar-powered freight terminal at Ghuweifat. This project, developed in partnership with Emerge, marks a milestone in the UAE's commitment to green energy as part of the nation's broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By integrating solar power into its logistics network, Etihad Rail is redefining freight transport in the UAE with a focus on environmental stewardship.The Ghuweifat terminal, located strategically near the Saudi border, will
COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber has called on world leaders to fully implement the "UAE Consensus," a pivotal roadmap designed to accelerate climate action and socio-economic development. Addressing the Pre-COP29 session, Al Jaber emphasized the urgency of building on the achievements made at COP28 in Dubai and continuing the momentum at COP29 in Baku. His message centered on the need for nations to "unite, act and deliver" to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.The UAE Consensus, forged during COP28,
Jonathan Keyes has been appointed as the Head of Sustainable Finance for the Middle East by ING, the Dutch multinational banking and financial services corporation. This strategic move aligns with ING's commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting clients in their transitions toward more sustainable business practices. Keyes, who previously held the position of Global Head of Sustainable Finance at the bank's headquarters in Amsterdam, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of sustainable finance practices.The appointment comes at
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of green hydrogen production, with its Public Investment Fund (PIF) leading a $10 billion push into the sector. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is leveraging its renewable energy resources—chiefly solar and wind power—to establish itself as a major global player in the emerging hydrogen market.The Kingdom’s strategic shift towards renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen, marks a significant departure from its traditional dependence on oil revenues, which have historically comprised a
Escalating hostilities between Israel and Gaza are revealing not only humanitarian crises but also hidden environmental costs that threaten long-term climate stability in the region. As violence intensifies, the ecological impact exacerbates existing challenges posed by climate change, posing severe repercussions for both local and global environments.The ongoing conflict has led to extensive destruction of infrastructure, including water treatment facilities and waste management systems. These critical assets are essential for maintaining public health and environmental sustainability. As a result, wastewater
Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) has announced its plans to develop a new solar power project with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW), further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy. This venture aligns with Qatar’s broader push toward diversifying energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint as part of the national vision to achieve sustainability.With the global energy market pivoting toward renewable sources, QEWC’s announcement marks a significant step in meeting both domestic energy needs and supporting international
Gulf states are rapidly advancing their initiatives to produce low-carbon metals as the European Union prepares to implement its carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). This development represents a significant shift in the region's industrial strategy, focusing on sustainable practices to align with global decarbonization trends. The EU's carbon tax is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by imposing tariffs on imported goods that do not meet certain environmental standards, placing pressure on countries reliant on fossil fuels.The UAE, Saudi Arabia,