The Sultanate of Oman is focusing on the sustainability of natural resources and exploiting clean energy such as wind and solar energy to produce electricity, and is working to accelerate the pace of hydrogen production, in which it is investing more than $30 billion.

Dr Ghazi bin Ali al Rawas, Dean of Scientific Research at Sultan Qaboos University and member of the Steering Committee for Climate Change, explained that Oman’s policies to reach zero carbon neutrality by 2050 are underpinned by a commitment to environmental sustainability, carbon emission reduction, transition to clean energy use, and the adoption of green hydrogen.

He said Oman’s participation in the COP28 Summit, which opens in Dubai shortly, will highlight national efforts to mitigate climate change. Oman is taking part under the theme, “Oman’s Sustainable Future”, with preparations

Dr Saeed bin Mohammed al Sarmi, Climate Affairs Expert at the Environment Authority and member of the Steering Committee on Climate Change, noted that climate change is also occurring in Oman as evident from the rising frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones. Temperatures around the world are also rising, while rainfall levels are fluctuating. Therefore, a clear national plan has been developed to support climate mitigation and adaptation, he said.

Emission reductions are also being monitored to ensure there is no disruption to the national economy, and the transition towards a sustainable green economy is flexible and smooth, he said.

COP28 will be a decisive summit that will review targets set out in the Paris Agreement. National teams taking part in the Summit will focus on environmental performance, technical transformation, innovation, negotiation, media, and logistics. They are collaborating to ensure that all programmes align with Oman’s Net Zero 2050 target. (ONA)