Energy and Climate Initiative

The United Arab Emirates is set to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, in November 2023. More than 80,000 participants are expected to attend the summit due to be held in Dubai at what is a critical juncture in the effort to combat global warming. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change set the tone for the forthcoming summit with its recent dire warning that the world is running out of time to prevent the earth’s temperature from rising further to levels that would pose a threat to human life and the biosphere. Gulf Arab states are having to reconcile their need for hydrocarbon revenue with their particular vulnerability to the effects of climate change, including increasing temperatures, water scarcity and desertification, and biodiversity loss. At this pivotal moment for the region and the broader international community, AGSIW’s Energy and Climate Initiative explores Gulf energy and climate policies, technological advances, and pressing political, social, and environmental issues ahead of COP28.

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Is Riyadh’s Mukaab Compatible With Saudi Arabia’s Climate Ambitions?

It is difficult to reconcile Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainability with The Mukaab in its current form – but it’s not too late for a course correction.

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Fossil Fuels and the Gulf Energy Transition

While the global energy transition will present challenges for the Gulf Arab states, there are climate-compatible ways to use a significant portion of Gulf hydrocarbon reserves.

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U.N. Climate Report Sounds Alarm Ahead of COP28 in the UAE

As an oil producer seeking to lead the fight against climate change, the United Arab Emirates will have the difficult task of combining its dual roles and finding common ground to make COP28 a success.

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Sultan Al Jaber’s COP28 Appointment Captures Key Climate Trends and Fault Lines

Beyond the criticism of environmental activists and praise of supporters, the appointment points to Gulf efforts to address the regional dilemma posed by climate change, highlights UAE exercise of soft power, and underscores U.S.-UAE cooperation.

U.S. Leans on Economic Strategy to Achieve Geopolitical Ends in the Middle East and Asia

The United States is championing a new regional approach that aims to use economic diplomacy to bring key players in the Middle East and Asia closer and provide an alternative to Chinese initiatives.

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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.

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