ABU DHABI // The UAE will add food security and youth engagement to its means of achieving its global warming goals at COP22, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said.
“Addressing food security is key in the next talks,” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. “During COP21, the question was what. Now it is how.”
At last year’s COP21 meeting, 196 countries agreed to make a binding deal to reduce their impact on climate change.
The UAE stepped forward with federal-level initiatives. Most recently, reducing vehicle emissions and sourcing 27 per cent of its energy from solar energy and waste took effect.
More national changes are expected to take place by 2020.
At COP22, the signatories to last year’s agreement will work on legally binding national initiatives proven to reduce climate change.
“The focus will be how to put last year’s agreement into implementable action, which is why the delegation includes not only the Government but the private sector and the youth,” said Shaima Al Aydarous, senior climate analyst at the ministry.
In partnership with the Emirates Youth Council, this year the Government plans to take youth delegates with them to work on climate change initiatives.
“The Government realises that the youth are integral in combating climate change and key in raising awareness,” Ms Al Aydarous said.
COP22 is the informal name given to the 22nd annual Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae