UAE vows to make UN climate deal work

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment said the Paris Agreement between more than 170 countries sent a “united message”.

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NEW YORK // The UAE has vowed to make the Paris Climate Agreement, signed by more than 170 countries at the United Nations, work.

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, signed the pact on behalf of the UAE on Friday and later said the Paris Agreement, which was reached last December, sent a “united message”.

He said: “The UAE is proud to be here today to send a united message to the world. We will make the Paris Agreement work, and we will work individually and collectively to find the best courses of climate action.”

The Paris Agreement will govern climate action after 2020 and from next month, parties to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin the process of determining fair and innovative ways to help countries reach their climate goals.

Dr Al Zeyoudi spoke of the UAE’s strategies to protect its environmental resources, especially in relation to water and marine environment conservation, and he also signed a deal with Morocco to enhance cooperation on climate change issues and address global sustainability challenges.

The UAE delegation at the UN included Razan Al Mubarak, secretary general of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, who said: “Abu Dhabi has remained steadfast in its commitment to the development of its city and its people, and we remain dedicated to supporting this while protecting and preserving our natural heritage.

“We will remain an active, collaborative player in providing efficient access to reliable environmental data that will equip decision-makers with information that ensures that responsible, sustainable development is the way of our future.”

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