Second Nationally Determined Contribution of the United Arab Emirates.

This NDC is the second document presented by UAE reflecting the will of the Emirates to reduce the level of emissions in all sectors of the economy, in response to the directives of art. 4.4 of the Paris Agreement. The intention is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 23.5% by 2030, above all by continuing to pursue the policy of economic diversification. The main sectors affected by the interventions are (i) Energy; (ii) Industrial operations and product consumption; (iii) Waste; (iv) Agriculture; (v) Land use; (vi) Forestry.
Following the mitigation measures to be increasingly taken by the UAE: (i) increase the efficiency of energy consumption through regulatory measures, pricing signals as well as technology deployment, targeting to reduce energy consumption by 40% by the year 2050; (ii) periodic tariff reforms for residential, commercial, and industrial power consumption are being introduced to advance cost-reflective pricing and encourage energy conservation; (iii) oil and gas industry has been at the forefront of adopting efficient and climate-friendly industry practices. The oil and gas sector is also undertaking initiatives to power production facilities with cleaner energy, increase the efficiency of energy and water use, conserve freshwater resources, and recycle and reuse water; (iv) support sustainable transport and provide clean transport infrastructure and services. During the next decade, the UAE looks to capitalize on the opportunities being opened up by advances in electrification and automation of mobility; (v) proactive steps for increased waste management and treatment through regulation, technology, and consumer awareness; (vi) circular economy initiatives to transform waste from an environmental burden to an asset with economic value; (vii) integrated water management approach geared toward the prudent use of water and the minimization of environmental and social risks; (viii) initiatives to reduce water losses; (ix) along with the promulgation of green building and product standards, and the introduction of water tariff reform, government authorities have been implementing awareness campaigns to push for behavioral change amongst both residential and commercial consumers; (x) wastewater treatment and sanitation sector has witnessed significant advances over the last few years with the expansion of wastewater treatment capacity.
The UAE has conducted a systematic and participatory climate risk assessment as a basis for planning adaptation measures in four priority sectors: energy, infrastructure, health, and environment. For each sector, actionable adaptation plans are being developed to respond to identified high-priority risks. Measures being implemented and planned include physical safeguards such as engineered structures, technology systems, and ecosystem-based assets; risk management initiatives covering regulations, financial mechanisms, and early warning systems; knowledge development including data collection, research, and capacity-building; and enablers including broader policies that may not directly target adaptation but provide enabling conditions for enhanced resilience. The UAE Government is also enhancing the national capacity for climate risk insurance, working closely with the private sector. In order to address the challenges climate change poses for food production, the UAE is adopting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture methods, reducing food waste, and diversifying sources of food imports. The UAE is continuing to invest heavily in youth development and its engagement on climate issues. Similarly, efforts have been made to engage women in climate decision-making and governance.