Dubai is gearing up to host the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2024, which will bring together leading international experts and specialists from various critical sectors to explore strategies for enhancing global efforts in advancing a green economy capable of adapting to climate change. The green economy not only improves the quality of life but also addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change and global warming.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) will host WGES 2024 on October 2-3, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The 10th edition’s theme is ‘Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress’. The summit will tackle eight key themes including:
Decarbonization and net-zero goals
The year 2023 was the warmest in history, reaching 1.64° C of global warming. Therefore, one of WGES 2024’s key discussion points is strategies for carbon capture and storage (CCS), case studies on practices for decarbonizing the economy, transitioning to low-carbon processes, and measuring and reporting carbon footprints.
The summit will also highlight raising the adoption and investments in renewable energy including solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear, along with green hydrogen. Moreover, it will tackle the development of energy storage systems and smart grids. Additional focus will be placed on the enablers of innovation in green energy.
Climate finance and the circular economy
WGES 2024 will discuss funding for climate resilience and adaptation and carbon pricing. Moreover, it will address the gap in funding capabilities and responsibilities of developed versus developing countries. Focus on initiatives regarding climate finance started during COP28 and their progress so far is evident in initiatives like the ALTERRA $30 billion fund.
The summit will also focus on the UAE Circular Economy Policy, encompassing sustainable manufacturing, green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and sustainable food production and consumption. It will also shed light on the shift from recycling to reusing, the creation of a circular economy for critical metals and e-waste, the role of regeneration in circularity strategies, and the importance of consumption habits in the circular economy.
Furthermore, it will hold discussions about global and local political issues relevant to climate action, including the ‘green backlash’ trends, resource security, lessons from COP28, and international cooperation on climate mitigation.
Technology and climate change
WGES 2024 will also highlight the opportunities of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology such as district cooling to tackle climate change. Besides, it will focus on youth participation in climate research, projects, and conversations to address the inter-generational gap in climate solutions.
Finally, it will tackle ways to meet the growing global agricultural needs, reducing emissions in a highly polluting food system, tackling food waste, and lessons on regenerative agriculture, food and water access, and security.
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