Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 12, 2015: The countdown to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) is well underway, as the event is expected to kick off in Paris, France. Vital decisions are expected to be taken by the world leaders towards climate change that will shape the livability of our planet for the next decades and centuries. As the clock ticks down to the Paris talks, 2015 will be a pivotal year in determining the world’s commitment to achieve its freedom from carbon pollution.  

In order to fulfill emission reduction targets while simultaneously maintaining economic growth, economies will be required to shape its policies to encourage its citizen to adopt eco-innovative solutions. Transitioning to a green economy will include pioneering technologies and production methods, alternative and more balanced investment criteria, innovative project finance mechanisms, and more holistic lifestyles. 

Commenting on the topic Waleed Salman – Chairman of Dubai Carbon said “The climate conference in Paris later this year is of critical importance to mobilize low carbon economies. The UAE and more specifically the Emirate of Dubai is committed to shifting away from its dependence on fossil fuel towards an energy efficient, low carbon economy. Moving to a low carbon economy does not require a trade-off with economic growth. Production costs can be reduced with energy efficient solutions, while low-carbon technologies and innovative green services will bring net economic benefits: new jobs, cleaner air, better health and more energy security.”

On the path to sustainable development, Dubai has shown ambition and leadership in the region with the organization of World Green Economy Summit and the publication of the innovative State of Green Economy Report. Dubai is well placed to take this ambition further, given the fresh edition of the State of Green Economy Report 2016 will provide details and data on Dubai’s commitment to a strong and long-term low carbon focus.

“As part of a long-term sustainable goal, reducing carbon emissions, climate change and its impact on the environment has continuously been a priority subject in the UAE. The new edition of the report will elaborate on Dubai’s approach to transforming to a Green Economy by implementing sustainable measure across different industry verticals. Since its launch, neighboring countries have used the report as a guide to implement green initiatives to intensify the transformation towards a sustainable economy” commented Ivano Ianelli – CEO, Dubai Carbon

His Excellency Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy will present the 2016 report, which is to be released in late November 2015 during ‘Innovation Week’, at the climate change conference in Paris. It will highlight the green economy strategies adopted by Dubai’s main players along with international thought leaders, the United Nations network, and other environment agencies like the Climate Group, C40, and CTCN.

The State of Green Economy Report 2016 is divided into eight chapters that look at the power and resource consumption in Dubai at a foundation stage, covering green industries, climate change negotiations, clean energy, lifestyle and consumer choices, sustainable tourism, and, powering a green economy. It is being produced with the support of the entities that are leading the way in the emirate, including DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Municipality, EmPower, Dubal Holding, EnPark, DP World, Pagero and Laborlec and will be available from November 30th onwards