Global Climate News

The United States hosted a technical program on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) from March 3-5, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The event featured presentations and discussions on various themes including subsurface storage, site selection, injectivity challenges, and global CCUS implementation. Companies like Net Power, ExxonMobil, and Chevron participated, highlighting advancements in CO2 storage and utilization technologies. The program also included discussions on policy innovations for CCUS in India and a model for developing oil and gas regions globally, such as the Niger Delta.

Syria's energy sector is a key focus for the new interim government under Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The government is actively engaging with Arab neighbors, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and Turkish companies like TPAO and BOTAŞ, to revitalize oil and natural gas production. Reintegrating with the Kurdish-led SDF and AANES in North-Eastern Syria is also crucial for energy resource development. The World Bank estimates that Syria's GDP has contracted by 84% since 2010.

The UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi, hosted the 7th Annual Meeting of the Global Research and Expertise Network for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR-GREN) from January 20-22, 2025. Over 80 experts from 30+ countries participated, focusing on PPR control strategies and sustainable livestock protection. This event highlights ADAFSA’s commitment to international collaboration in combating animal diseases and supporting the global eradication of PPR by 2030.

The Abu Dhabi Government launched the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, investing AED13 billion through 2025-2027 to foster innovation and technology adoption. The strategy aims to achieve 100% adoption of sovereign cloud computing and digitization of processes, develop a unified digital ERP platform, and implement over 200 AI solutions. It is anticipated to contribute over AED24 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2027 and create more than 5,000 employment opportunities.

The European Parliament will debate the record high temperatures in 2024 and the need for urgent climate action. MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will also discuss advancing Europe’s fusion industry to increase energy independence and foster innovation.

Canadian PyroGenesis Inc. received a US\$1.28 million (CA\$1.85 million) payment from a Saudi Arabian client, Radian Oil and Gas Services Company, for seven Drosrite™ aluminum dross recovery systems. Three systems are fully operational at Ma’aden’s aluminum plant (a joint venture with Alcoa) in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia, and the remaining four are being delivered.

The article discusses how excellence and quality management are cornerstones of sustainable success. It highlights the importance of sustainability in achieving long-term success and minimizing environmental impact. Several excellence models (Deming Award, Malcolm Baldrige Award, EFQM Excellence Model) and quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, ISO 26000) are mentioned as frameworks for achieving sustainability.

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council reviewed and approved several initiatives focusing on customer experience, people of determination, and digital transformation. A AED13 billion investment in digital infrastructure aims to fully integrate AI into government services by 2027, contributing AED24 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP and creating over 5,000 jobs. The council also launched the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion.

UAE: The UAE President attended the opening ceremony for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.

UAE-based Wizz Air Abu Dhabi reported a 20% year-on-year growth in 2024, carrying over 3.5 million passengers and contributing 25% to Zayed International Airport’s point-to-point traffic. The airline carried over 1.2 million international visitors to Abu Dhabi, supporting the emirate’s tourism strategy and contributing to sustainable growth. Wizz Air also introduced new flight subscription models and expanded payment options.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued regulations on environmental violations and fines, providing a mechanism for reconciliation and appeal. The regulation allows for a 75% reduction in fines if violators commit to paying and correcting the violation. Appeals can be made within 60 days of notification. The regulation aims to promote environmental compliance across various sectors in Abu Dhabi.

The article discusses the geopolitical impact of the Western Hemisphere producing more oil than the Middle East, the role of energy in the Ukraine conflict, Europe's energy security challenges, the evolving relationships between the Middle East and Asia, and the implications of the energy transition amid US-China strategic competition. Experts highlight the increasing complexity of global business due to geopolitical rivalries and the need for companies to adapt to higher costs and risks associated with the energy transition.

UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are strengthening their green energy sectors. The UAE’s Al Dhafra solar power plant, the world’s largest, supplies electricity to nearly 200,000 households. Jinko Power plans to expand its business in the region. EDF Renewables plans to build 2 GW of renewable energy capacity annually in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Masdar plans a new $6 billion solar and battery facility delivering 1 gigawatt of clean power by 2027 and is expanding globally. In Saudi Arabia, JinkoSolar plans a manufacturing plant for N-type solar cells. In Oman, Shuangliang Hydrogen secured a contract for green hydrogen equipment for an ACME Group project.

The UAE has announced the world’s first large-scale, round-the-clock gigawatt renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. It combines a 5.2GW DC solar photovoltaic plant with a 19 gigawatt-hour battery energy storage system, delivering 1 gigawatt of renewable base load energy daily.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with the President of Tsinghua University, Professor Li Luming, to discuss strengthening academic collaboration. The meeting was also attended by several officials from the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Executive Affairs Authority.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University collaborated on a comprehensive coastal seabed survey using the marine research vessel Jaywun. This is part of ongoing environmental research and monitoring initiatives in Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) partnered with ne’ma to reduce food waste in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The agreement aims to drive transformative change, contributing to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and UN SDG 12.3. DCT Abu Dhabi will encourage sustainable practices, develop educational campaigns, and facilitate food redistribution. 89 kgs of food waste were diverted from landfill at the Retrofit Summit, creating 17.8 kgs of compost.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Discussions focused on energy security, clean energy cooperation (including the Lighthouse Initiative), and climate change mitigation. Agreements included collaborations in space exploration, and the adoption of the CLEAN initiative to reduce methane emissions in LNG value chains. The visit also involved discussions on various sectors, such as GX, AI, and e-sports.

The UAE, through the visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, emphasized empowering youth in promoting sustainable practices and developing climate solutions. The initiative focuses on leveraging AI and STEM skills to create sustainable solutions, aligning with the country’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

The UAE, through the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 summit, reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the global clean energy transition. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, organizations, and the private sector to achieve climate goals, including reducing emissions and advancing the circular economy. The summit included addresses from various heads of state on their respective countries’ climate action plans.