HIS MAJESTY King Hamad has announced a new national action plan, Blueprint Bahrain, to achieve carbon neutrality and tackle climate change effectively.
He said the plan would focus on three aspects – moving to a low-carbon economy, adapting to climate change and creating sustainable opportunities.
The King made the announcement during a speech at the World Climate Action Summit, part of the 28th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties To the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), in Dubai.
He highlighted Bahrain’s efforts including the launch of a $750 million climate technology fund, and the Safa carbon offsetting platform, the revenues of which will be directed to finance regional and international projects in the field.
He also invited top scientists and entrepreneurs to ‘come to Bahrain to innovate in energy solutions’.
“It is a pleasure to be with you today in this important conference, hosted and meticulously organised to the highest standards by the UAE, to follow up on our joint commitments and pledges to address environmental challenges threatening our climate security, and create a healthier world and a future in which humanity enjoys prosperity and sustainability,” His Majesty said in his speech.
“We all agree that the goal of improving the lives of societies by overcoming the effects of climate change is a long-term one, and one we will only be able to attain through collective co-operation to accelerate achievements and raise levels of preparedness, so that we can move together in the same direction towards targeted change.
“In this regard, Bahrain continues to implement its initiatives to contribute effectively to enhancing environmental security in the region and the world.
“It reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement and to continuing efforts to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2035, and to reach net zero in 2060, as announced at the COP26 Glasgow Summit.
“At this conference, we are announcing the National Action Plan, Blueprint Bahrain, to achieve carbon neutrality through three tracks: low-carbon economy, climate change adaptation, and creating sustainable opportunities in the new green economy.
“We have recently launched a national energy strategy and a $750m climate technology fund, in addition to the establishment of the Safa carbon offsetting platform, the revenues of which will be directed to finance regional and international projects in this field.
“We are pleased, here, to invite all interested scientists and entrepreneurs to come to our country – known for its integrated infrastructure, highly responsive systems, and skilled human resources – to innovate in energy solutions and their potential.”
The King asserted that the objectives of maintaining environmental security can only be achieved within a cohesive international community, in which the values of justice and shared determination prevail.
He hoped the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace would contribute to the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region and the world.
“We need to prioritise the urgent need for the Palestinian people to be guaranteed the most basic elements of a decent life, while eliminating the reasons for conflict, ending the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, and putting serious efforts into rebuilding Gaza in preparation for the establishment of their independent state in accordance with the two-state solution,” he said.
His Majesty expressed his deep appreciation for the UAE’s pioneering efforts to support international commitments to achieve climate goals, “so that our region can be at the forefront of dealing with global environmental challenges through policies that take into account all; do not exclude anyone, and do not focus only on one geographical region without considering others”.
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