The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) efficiently hosted its 5th and last Panel Dialogue of the yr, underneath the compelling theme: “The Carbon Actuality: Understanding Market, Offset, Seize & Credit score.” The occasion, held at Dubai Chambers, convened a various meeting of sustainability consultants, policymakers, company leaders and college students to debate the evolving panorama of carbon administration, its challenges and the pathways to scalable local weather motion within the UAE and the broader area.
In her opening deal with, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi delivered a strong reminder of the pressing want to cut back international emissions by quoting UNFCCC Synthesis Report (2023) which requires a 43% discount by 2030 to remain on observe with the Paris Settlement. Highlighting this 12 months of Neighborhood, she emphasised that tackling the carbon problem is a scientific crucial and a collective duty, one which calls for collaboration throughout governments, industries and communities.
By combining modern carbon markets, cutting-edge applied sciences and unified neighborhood actions, we will create options which might be each efficient and inclusive, making certain that no neighborhood is left behind. This compelling deal with set the stage for a dynamic panel dialogue exploring the scientific, financial and social dimensions of carbon administration.
Following the opening remarks, the session showcased a strong and thought-provoking Inter-College Debate Competitors, reflecting EEG’s long-standing dedication to youth capability constructing and engagement in local weather literacy. College students debated the movement: “Carbon Offsets: A Credible Pathway to Internet Zero or a Local weather Loophole?”
Representing the Proposition, ‘The Philippine College Abu Dhabi’ argued that carbon offsets stay a vital software for reaching internet zero, providing versatile mechanisms for emission discount whereas incentivising climate-positive initiatives throughout the globe. Talking for the Opposition, ‘New Indian Mannequin College – Dubai’ countered that offsets danger turning into a “loophole” that delays deep decarbonisation, highlighting essential issues associated to influence integrity, measurement, verification and fairness. This dynamic youth section set an energising tone for the occasion, demonstrating the depth of understanding and keenness among the many subsequent era of local weather leaders.
The professional panel introduced collectively an distinctive group of regional sustainability leaders whose affect spans coverage, finance, know-how and local weather innovation. Serving as key drivers of the UAE’s local weather agenda, the audio system included Mr. Abdelmuti Ahmed Murad, Director of the Local weather Change Division on the UAE Ministry of Local weather Change and Atmosphere; Dr. Steven Griffiths, Professor and Vice-Chancellor for Analysis on the American College of Sharjah;
Mr. Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, Dubai; Ms. Carlina Marani, Managing Director at Accenture EMEA and Ms. Samantha Shin, Unbiased Local weather Finance and Coverage Advisor and Researcher.
Their collective experience ignited a compelling dialogue on the quickly evolving carbon panorama, delving into market credibility, efficient offsetting frameworks, the way forward for carbon seize and the essential function of finance and regulation. The exchanges have been dynamic and deeply participating, with every speaker providing sharp insights, evidence-based views and forward-looking suggestions. The panel examined the technical and financial dimensions of carbon administration and in addition underscored the urgency of inclusive, community-centred approaches that strengthen resilience and speed up the UAE’s transition in direction of a low-carbon future.
The dialogue on this panel was a vital step in advancing credible and inclusive local weather motion. By unpacking the complexities of carbon markets, offsets, seize and finance, we’re constructing pathways that assist cut back emissions and strengthen neighborhood resilience and long-term sustainability, mentioned Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder & Chairperson of EEG, who headed the session.
She added: “By bringing collectively consultants from authorities, trade, finance and civil society, this panel created a much-needed platform for trustworthy dialogue and knowledgeable collaboration—one that’s important for strengthening transparency, credibility and belief throughout the carbon ecosystem.”
Key insights underscored the indispensable function of sturdy coverage frameworks and information integrity, the necessity for collaborative public-private mechanisms to scale local weather investments and the significance of community-centred approaches that guarantee carbon initiatives ship real social and environmental worth. Specialists emphasised that transparency, capacity-building and long-term market stability are essential to unlocking significant emission reductions and enabling organisations to transition from ambition to measurable influence.
This impactful session was made potential via the valued help of its energetic board member; McDonald’s UAE, the Predominant Sponsor, whose unwavering dedication to EEG’s programmes and actions proceed to strengthen nationwide local weather dialogue platforms. Dubai Chambers, because the Venue Sponsor, offered an distinctive setting that elevated the professionalism and attain of the occasion, whereas Al Khoory, the Catering Sponsor, ensured seamless hospitality for all contributors.
The panel was additional bolstered by the continued partnership of EEG’s long-standing collaborators —the Emirates Inexperienced Constructing Council, the Clear Power Enterprise Council, the Swiss Enterprise Council and the CSR Companion – Arabia CSR Community. Their help displays a shared dedication to advancing environmental stewardship, selling knowledgeable local weather discourse and fostering cross-sector collaboration that drives significant and long-term influence.
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