Introduction: (not exceeding 10% of the total words) – In this part will highlight the main concept of diplomacy role in climate change and why is it important for international relations. Because the definition of climate change is very broad we will only be focusing on energy stream. The main question will be answered in the research paper is can a major fossil fuel exporter like the UAE be able to have a leading role in climate actions? Can the UAE’s combine strong economic growth and limit climate change? Section 2: Historical timeline 2.1 UAE Historical timeline in climate change action (Describe each event briefly and the role diplomacy/ strengthening relation is important) – This section will describe the timeline of the UAE action in terms of agreements signed and highlighting the main events related to climate change action, example: – 1992 – UAE signing UN Framework convention on climate change – 1997 – UAE Ratifies Kyoto protocol – 1999 – UAE federal law issued 2.2 Mention the importance of attracting global organization and highlight projects taken place related to climate change (describe each project briefly and link it to the role of UAE diplomacy in that action or project and how is it helpful and integrated to climate change/ mention the global confidence the world put in the UAE in having a significant role in climate change actions) example: – 2009 – IRENA: UAE is selected to host IRENA (global trust and confidence in the UAE) – 2009 – UAE signs Copenhagen accord (UAE taking responsibility and commitments) – 2006 – Masdar renewable energy company is launched (local efforts and prove in taking a leading role) – 2016 – UAE ratifies the Paris Climate Agreement ( proves a global commitment) – 2017 – UAE launches the energy strategy 2050 targeting 50% clean energy. – 2020 – UAE inaugurate peaceful nuclear program to reduce power sector Section 3 Current situation analysis 3.1 Technical aspect: Describe the current situation and where the UAE stands today in the global indices, explain the technical aspect of the situation in the UAE as a country located in the middle east where the temperature is extremely high in the summer, we heavily rely on cooling the buildings all year long, meaning energy consumption is very high unlike western countries, Green housing gas emission are relatively different from one region to another. Global cooperation is a main factor in achieving the best results as the consequences of developed countries makes developing countries suffer in the long term and being challenges in meeting their needs of energy (example China as the biggest emitter of GHG should help poorer countries that are challenged in issues related to climate change like water scarcity; invest in projects to help other nations meet their demands) 3.2 Are we ready? The infrastructure for shifting to clean and renewable energy in the UAE might not be fully ready in the current time, but there are many initiatives the government is taking to reduce consumptions and alternate to clean energy such as the nuclear powers in Barakah and Mohamed bin Rashid Solar park. Even the western countries known as leaders in renewable and clean energy faced a crisis when fossil fuels was disrupted (detailed case study about the blockage of gas in Norway and Russia) to understand that even the western countries not ready yet for a world without fossil fuels. Section 4 UAE Leading by example: • Highlight the UAE Diplomacy in the latest achievements like hosting COP28 Abu Dhabi. Linking to several projects mentioned in the previous section to answer the research question that (the UAE as global oil exporter can take a global role in climate change), UAE is ready to host and lead on a global level through local and global initiatives. • R&D: Institution like Masdar can play huge role in future Research and development outcomes will aiming for maintain sustainable economic growth. • UAE has invested in many projects global to help other nations reduce their emissions and maintain sustainable development such as: – Nahave Hydropower project: Abu Dhabi fund for development signed 15 million $ loan agreement with Argentina to finance the construction of hydropower project aiming for feeding electricity to the national grid and supplying water to the residents. – Masdar investment in Australia (East Rockingham waste to energy project) aiming for processing around 300,000 tonnes of municipal and industrial wastes to power 36,000 homes and displace CO2 emission. Conclusion: Reaffirm the importance of global cooperation and diplomacy in the matter of climate change. Reaffirm the UAE commitments through the history and the global representation. A small and young country like the UAE has proven itself in short time leading this matter and creating a significant change in meeting the targets, reducing emission and help other nations reduces theirs as well. The UAE has considered diversifying the energy resources long time ago, believing that oil will fade one day and the world must be prepared for a complete shift by investing in R&D to be less vulnerable during crises and maintain strong sustainable economic growth.
