Politics

UAE Assessing Net-Zero Emissions Target Ahead of COP26

  • The U.K. and U.S. want more countries to set net-zero targets
  • No Mideast oil producer has committed to zeroing out emissions

An Emirati man stands at the oil terminal of Fujairah.

Photographer: KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

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The United Arab Emirates is assessing plans for a net-zero emissions target, a process that may not be finished in time for the COP26 climate talks.

While the country is considering such a goal, its extreme heat and dry conditions make reducing greenhouse gas emissions difficult because plenty of energy is needed for cooling and desalination, according to a senior Ministry of Climate Change and Environment official.