Bahrain ‘making major progress towards green initiatives’
Bahrain yesterday said it is making significant progress towards green initiatives that mitigate climate change.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, underlined Bahrain’s commitment to supporting international co-operation as he yesterday attended, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted the role of innovation and technology in developing new and impactful green solutions which will benefit current and future generations.
He called for increased international co-operation to address climate change and highlighted environmental sustainability as a shared responsibility and a fundamental pillar of economic growth and development.
HRH Prince Salman commended Egypt for hosting the high-profile global event, which provides an opportunity for countries to share new thinking and reaffirm their commitment to global climate goals.
He noted the kingdom’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and emphasised that it is making significant progress toward its 2035 goals set at the Glasgow Conference in the United Kingdom (COP26).
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister said the kingdom has introduced various policies and programmes to help it reach its climate goals. This includes investing in carbon technologies and the National Afforestation Plan, which will double the number of trees in Bahrain and quadruple mangrove coverage. The kingdom planted 140,000 trees, exceeding its annual target, and met its annual goal to expand mangrove coverage.
HRH Prince Salman highlighted that the kingdom aims to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by investing in decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives and by doubling renewable energy, noting that Bahrain was able to increase its renewable energy sources by 40pc in the past year.
In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister referenced the kingdom’s commitment to developing advanced carbon capture, usage, and storage solutions.
He concluded by reiterating his best wishes for the success of COP27, which he hopes will contribute to international co-operation on climate change and enhance global growth and prosperity.
HRH Prince Salman, who was earlier welcomed on arrival by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, also held talks with global leaders on the sidelines of the conference.
He visited the Bahrain Pavilion and later attended a reception hosted by President Al Sisi in honour of the guests attending the climate talks.
