UAE To Introduce New Environmental Projects In Preparation For COP28

UAE leaders have approved 78 new environmental projects and initiatives in preparation for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November.

Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the approval of the environmental projects in an official statement at Zawya where he said, "Today, I chaired the Cabinet meeting in Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, where we adopted the reformation of the board of directors of the Emirates Investment Authority, chaired by my brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

"During the meeting today, we approved 78 environmental projects and initiatives implemented by the UAE in preparation for hosting COP28. We also reviewed the results and the achievements of the Emirates Council for Food Security, which included the 'Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate' initiative led by the UAE and the US," Sheik Mohammed also wrote.

The cabinet meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance and Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

The meeting paved the way for the approval of new initiatives to reduce carbon and regulate the use of solar energy products, sustainable tourism and other programs that support sustainable and environmentally friendly Emirati development, Khaleej Times reported.

"Today in the Council, we also reviewed the results and achievements of the Emirates Council for Food Security," Sheikh Mohammed also said in the report.

Earlier, the Emirates Council for Food Security established the Climate Change Impact Measurement System project as a response to the effects of climate change and global warming on food systems in the country. The project is in line with the Agricultural Climate Innovation Initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed during a leaders' climate summit in April 2019 led by the U.S. with the participation of leaders from 40 countries. The move is in support of the goals of the summit and aims to accelerate agricultural innovation to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on food.

The UAE leaders also approved the launch of DARAK, "a new housing platform that provides citizens with solutions, and exclusive offers and banking facilities at all stages of construction," the official statement read.