CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Tackling climate change

Published: 14 Apr 2025 - 08:29 am | Last Updated: 14 Apr 2025 - 08:29 am

Sustainable development and combating climate change are among the top priorities of Qatar. It was one of the first nations to ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1996. In September 2021, Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Plan, a strategic framework reflecting Qatar’s long-term sustainability goals and need to respond effectively to the climate crisis. An integral part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the plan sets out Qatar’s commitment to tackle climate change by diversifying the economy, building capabilities, and optimising the use of natural resources.  It establishes national climate targets to enhance climate resilience through more than 35 measures and over 300 adaptation initiatives focused on mitigation. In November 2024, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) launched its 2024-2030 strategy.  The strategy’s is based on four key pillars, with environmental sustainability and climate change as being the first focus. The second pillar centres on supporting research, innovation and digital transformation. The third pillar refers to strengthening environmental legislation and policies, adhering to sustainability standards and providing protection for ecosystems from cyber risks within the governance framework. The fourth pillar focuses on building sustainable institutional development. The National Climate Change Action Plan of Qatar aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 25%, equivalent to 37 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. It includes reducing emissions by between 13.8 and 16.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the oil and gas sector, between 5.1 and 6.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the energy and water sector, and between 3 and 3.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the transportation sector, and between 1.6 and 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the building, construction and industry sector. Besides, additional measures have been taken to achieve the reduction target of 8.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent from other sources. The measures include carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency programme, energy conservation in buildings, expansion of renewable energy projects, improving energy and water production efficiency, increased use of public transportation, environmentally friendly electric vehicles, and green building standards, among many others.