Saudi Arabia sets goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 | greenhouse gas emissions

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Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil exporters, has announced that it aims to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 and more than double its annual target for reducing carbon emissions.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement came in brief written statements at the start of Saudi Arabia’s first Green Initiative forum.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to reach net zero emissions by 2060 within the framework of the circular carbon economy program … while maintaining the Kingdom’s leading role in enhancing the security and stability of global oil markets,” Prince Mohammed said.

It comes just over a week before the start of the Cop26 World Conference in Glasgow that will attract heads of state from around the world to try to tackle global warming and its challenges.

Cop26 President, Alok Sharma, welcomed the news. “I hope this historic announcement… will stimulate the ambition of others ahead of COP26,” he wrote on Twitter. He said he looked forward to seeing more details about the Saudi plan.

Prince Charles warns of ‘dangerously narrow window’ for action on climate crisis – VIDEO

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said: “I welcome the announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the #NetZero goal. Countries will reach net zero through different paths, but the threat of climate change is global. Pledges from major fossil fuel producers, and their implementation, are vital to achieving international climate goals.”

Saudi Arabia is estimated to emit about 600 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, more than France and slightly less than Germany.

The kingdom’s exports of oil and gas form the backbone of its economy, despite efforts to diversify away from its dependence on fossil fuels for revenue. It resisted efforts to limit its investments in oil.

The country will aim to reduce its emissions, but will continue to pump and export fossil fuels to Asia and other regions.

Speaking at the event in Riyadh on Saturday, Prince Charles welcomed the goal but said there was a “dangerously narrow window” to speed up the work.

Citing experts, he said the UN Climate Change Conference should have Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with clear baselines in place.

The prince said the Saudi Green Initiative and the broader Middle East Green Initiative, which Riyadh will host on Monday, will help accelerate the progress that has already been made.

In a pre-recorded message, Charles said: “I was very touched to be asked to address this event opening the Saudi Green Initiative and Roadmap, which takes place at encouraging timing, just days before the G20 Summit in Rome and Cop26 in Glasgow.

“Cop26 is said to be the largest gathering of international leaders ever hosted by the UK. This reflects the fact that climate change and biodiversity loss are, at last, after a very long time, two distinct global challenges of paramount importance to the world.

Meanwhile, the ongoing pandemic has highlighted that human health, planet health and economic health are fundamentally interrelated.

“We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity in which to accelerate the green recovery, while laying the foundations for a sustainable future.”

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