The Middle East’s ‘moment of truth’

In his now famous address at Columbia University on December 2^nd, 2020, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres declared the world had come to a “moment of truth”, and that “Covid and climate have brought us to a threshold”. Calling for increased ambition towards carbon neutrality, greener investment, and urgent climate action, Guterres set the scene for a transformational year leading into 2021.

Whilst the climate outcomes of 2021 are open for debate, Guterres message carries strong resonance for the Middle East heading into 2022.

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference for 2022 (COP27) set to be held in Egypt, and COP28 confirmed for the United Arab Emirates in 2023, the world will shift its focus to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. With this, we can expect the spotlight to be held firmly on Egypt and the UAE as two of the GCC’s most advanced economies set the tone for discussions around energy transition, renewable energy targets, and advocate for the region on climate finance in a bid to showcase green credentials and nullify concerns about the region’s traditional reliance on fossil fuel economies, particularly the petroleum sector. Looking ahead 12 months from now, a hopeful outcome would certainly be countries remaining firm on their pledges and reinforcing beefed up national contributions to support net zero 2050 targets.

As a leading global environmental consulting firm, WSP is committed towards aiding clients on their journeys to mitigate the climate crisis and we are well positioned to advise our clients on their transition to a low-carbon economy. As 2022 gets underway, we’re helping clients and communities act now by accelerating change, putting climate at the forefront, keeping the 1.5°C target alive, and helping the region conquer its moment of truth.

If you’d like to join the conversation or find out more about WSP Middle East’s Environment & Sustainability Advisory, email May.Faraj@wsp.com