Sustainable development and combating climate change are among the top priorities of Qatar. The country is a signatory of many international charters and conventions on climate and environment protection. It was one of the first nations to ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1996.
In September 2021, Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Plan, a strategic framework reflecting Qatar’s long-term sustainability goals and need to respond effectively to the climate crisis. An integral part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the plan sets out Qatar’s commitment to tackle climate change by diversifying the economy, building capabilities, and optimising the use of natural resources. It establishes national climate targets to enhance climate resilience through more than 35 measures and over 300 adaptation initiatives focused on mitigation.
One of the initiatives is adopting alternative sources of clean energy. QatarEnergy has planned to build two solar power plants with the capacity of 5 gigawatts electricity in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan. Qatar seeks energy transition to achieve sustainable economic growth and reduction in carbon emissions.
QatarEnergy’s sustainability strategy includes capturing over 11 million tonnes of CO2 per annum in Qatar by 2035 and reducing the carbon intensity of Qatar’s LNG facilities by 35 percent and its upstream facilities by at least 25 percent, compared to previous targets of 25 percent and 15 percent, respectively.
Among Qatar’s many environmental initiatives is the campaign to plant 10 million trees by 2030. A number of plantation initiatives undertaken by Qatar, coupled with a comprehensive climate action plan, will help the country reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to Dr. Mohammad bin Saif Al Kuwari, adviser at the Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Other initiatives include sustainable cities, green transport, digital transformation and environmental research. Qatar is home to Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown, both smart and sustainable cities. These cities meet the highest environmental standards. Besides, the country has made significant investments in green public transportation and infrastructure projects. Sustainability is the core consideration in the design, preparation and delivery of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Stadium infrastructure was designed to consume 30% less energy and 40% less water during operations.
The nation supports global efforts to promote sustainability and contributed $100m to help small island developing states and least developed countries to address climate change and environmental challenges during the Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
