New year, new steer

Welcome to this month's edition of The Climate Loop, where we serve up the latest climate news, trends, jobs, and events from across the Middle East.

This month, we're talking about Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, sustainable aviation fuel and climate-quitting.

Global News Headlines

• The Ozone layer is mending: According to a new UN report, human action to save the ozone layer has worked. In 1985, 46 countries agreed to phase out the use of harmful chemicals commonly found in spray cans, fridges, foam insulation and air conditioners. Since then, almost?99% of banned ozone-depleting substances have now been phased out and with that, the Antarctic ozone hole has begun to heal. A great example of what can be achieved when climate commitments are upheld.
• ‘Climate-quitting’ is catching on: A report by KPMG revealed that one in three young people have rejected a job over employers' weak ESG credentials. KPMG UK surveyed around 6,000 UK adult office workers, students, apprentices and those who have left higher education in the past six months on their attitudes to work. The findings highlight that almost one in two (46 per cent) want the company they work for to demonstrate a commitment to ESG, while one in five (20 per cent) have turned down a job offer when the company’s ESG commitments were not in line with their values.
• A warning about melting glaciers: A sweeping study of all the world’s glaciers outside of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets has found that nearly half of them will melt by century’s end, even if the world meets its most ambitious global warming goal. The?study, published Thursday in the journal Science, finds that even with just 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming above preindustrial levels, some 104,000 of the world’s more than 215,000 mountain?glaciers and ice caps?will melt, raising global sea levels by a little shy of 4 inches.

MENA Headlines

• ‘Year of Sustainability’: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability”. This initiative solidifies the UAE's commitment in addressing current challenges and promoting sustainable practices at an individual and community level. Notable examples include the "Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative", which details the country's commitment to promote environmental protection, and its efforts to create thriving communities ideal for living and working.
• Sustainability a key priority: Earlier this month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid?announced the UAE's five key priorities for 2023. The second of these pillars focuses on the environment and enhancing the UAE's sustainability. During the meeting, ministers also approved the National Strategy for desertification which will shape efforts to safeguard the country's natural resources until 2030. The framework includes 33 initiatives aimed at preserving ecosystems, improving the condition of arid and drylands, and mitigating the impact of climate change.
• Ban the bag: From January 1 2024, the UAE will impose a nationwide ban on single-use plastic. Plastic bags of any material or composition will be prohibited. It will also be prohibited to import plastic cutlery, drinks cups, styrofoam and boxes. The federal ruling goes further than new rules last summer in Dubai, which imposed a?nominal 25 fils charge?on plastic bags, and in Abu Dhabi, which?banned most plastic bags. The ruling contains exceptions that include plastic bags made from recycled materials. It also includes plastics required in goods that are exported abroad.
• A high turnout: This year’s Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week was one of the most well-attended in its history. The major event focused on advancing sustainability and addressing the global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. The week-long program included a range of activities, including conferences, exhibitions, and workshops, showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable technology and practices. Key topics included renewable energy, sustainable transportation, green building, and circular economy.

This month, Emirates operated its first demonstration flight using?fully?sustainable aviation fuel.?The Boeing 777-300ER?took off from Dubai International Airport,?flying for more than one hour over the Dubai coastline. The carrier said the move?supports "collective industry efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying?and help advance the UAE’s sustainability objectives".

Adel Al Redha, chief operating officer, said: “This flight is a milestone moment for Emirates and a positive step for our industry as we work collectively to address one of our biggest challenges - reducing our carbon footprint.

"It has been a long journey to finally see this demonstration 100% SAF flight take off. Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate a Boeing 777 powering a GE engine with 100% SAF. Such initiatives are critical contributors to industry knowledge on SAF."

Would you like your corporate’s sustainable efforts to be spotlighted? Email us with details of your impact at [email protected]

‘Cradle-to-crade: Remaking The Way We Make Things’ by Michael Braungart and William McDonough

"Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things" is a thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on sustainability and product design. The authors, Michael Braungart and William McDonough, challenge the traditional linear model of production and consumption, and propose a new approach that incorporates closed-loop systems, where waste becomes a resource for new production. The book is well-written and easy to understand, with practical examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed. The authors provide a clear vision for a future where sustainable design is at the forefront of innovation and progress. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the circular economy, product design, and the future of our planet.

Join our green book club! This February, we are reading ‘The Value of a Whale’.

• International Conference on Global Warming, Climate Change and Pollution Control, 17 - 18 Feb 2023, UAE
• The World Environment, Social & Governance Summit, 21-23 February 2023, Taj Dubai
• 13th Global Summit on Aquaculture & Fisheries, 23-24 February 2023, UAE

Join our Climate Club! If you’re an aspiring or practicing ESG professional, join us for coffee, collaboration and climate chats. Taking place 5pm on the last Friday of every month. More details to be announced soon!

Can't join us in person? Connect via our LinkedIn and Whatsapp Group.

The Climate Loop is a newsletter developed by Matcha, a Dubai-based creative impact studio specialising in green content, campaigns, consulting, CSR and?courses. Be sure to follow us for more updates on things going on in the region.