UAE To Track Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Air Quality With Integrated Emission Quantification Tool

Mariam Almheiri, UAE minister of climate change and environment, launched the Integrated Emission Quantification Tool on Tuesday, explaining that it will help track greenhouse gas emissions, air quality pollutants and mitigation efforts.

Almheiri said this is a milestone for the country's climate action initiatives, adding that this new tool is part of the UAE's National Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Transparency System, which was announced in 2021.

The MRV Transparency System reportedly highlights the country's commitment to transparency, accountability and action-oriented climate action strategies. Moreover, the system is a testament to the UAE's role as a global leader in driving climate action.

Almheiri noted that the UAE was the first Middle Eastern country to create an integrated system aligned with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement.

"This is an exemplary model of commitment and innovation in addressing the global challenge of climate change and a regional first in developing an integrated emissions registry," she said, as per WAM.

According to Almheiri, this advanced tool will help the UAE provide an estimated report on the emissions of greenhouse gases and air quality pollutants and track mitigation actions.

The minister explained that a roadmap was set during the first phase of the project, which was from March 2021 to December 2022.

The second phase, which is from 2023 to 2026, includes institutional arrangements, system design and implementation and an emissions inventory for greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.

The third phase of the project will include incorporating other components of the ETF, such as tracking the Nationally Determined Contributions, adaptation, finance and capacity building.

The National MRV Transparency System and the Integrated Emission Quantification Tool have been created after the engagement between experts on the technical design and usability of the tool. This project will ensure that the National Air Emissions Inventory is useful for both the public and private sectors to monitor and reduce air pollution.

The UAE hosted COP28 in Expo City Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 this year. During the summit, UAE-based entities launched various initiatives, signed multiple agreements and made pledges.

Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim Retail Group and its 16 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) partners pledged last week to work together on goals geared toward a sustainable future.

UAE also launched the Voluntary Recycling Credits (VRC) Initiative to take care of solid waste produced by individuals every year.

Moreover, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and French energy company ENGIE signed an agreement to find financial decarbonization solutions.