Programme focuses on three strategic clusters — economic growth, social development, sustainability, and infrastructure
The world has made great strides in setting targets to achieve the net zero goal, but it is still far away from showing real progress, said Silvia Rigato, Managing Director and Sustainability Leader, Accenture Middle East.
“At the current pace of emission reduction, the majority of companies will not be able to get to net zero by 2050. Only If every company doubles the pace of emission reduction from now till 2030, then 80 per cent of companies will be able to achieve net zero by 2050,” she said at The Journey to Net Zero forum hosted by Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
The forum was sponsored by sustainability partner Accenture, Gold Sponsor Trane Technologies, Silver Sponsor Fugro and supported by Clean Energy Business Council, Middle East Solar Industry and Energy Industries Council Mena. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy officially endorsed by the forum.
Rigato said companies need to set clear targets and action plans to move forward to net zero by 2050. “Leveraging digital technologies is going to be a key enabler for success. Collaboration with partners whether technology, consulting firms or NGOs will be extremely important. There is no single recipe for success. It is quite a complex problem to solve,” she said.
She stressed that there is no single solution to achieving net zero goals but collaboration and engaging the ecosystem.
In order to have the best credentials, Accenture has set goals for itself to be carbon neutral by 2025.
While speaking at a panel discussion at the forum, Alexis Lecanuet, senior managing director, Middle East Market Unit, Accenture, said the UAE is known for its long-term vision as well as early and fast adopter of technology that can have an impact.
“Fast adoption of cloud, AI technology is carbon efficient and starting point of any sustainability journey. Fast adoption of the metaverse helps create a more efficient physical world. On all those directions, the UAE has a very good starting point,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Programme focuses on three strategic clusters — economic growth, social development, sustainability, and infrastructure
The initiative will support in building a new generation of scientists, researchers and dreamers who will contribute to the Emirates' space programme
The group plans to forge more partnerships and support various climate action initiatives beyond COP28, with an aim to help the UAE meet sustainability goals
The true beauty of the emirate isn't in how the city looks but in how its people behave, said General Lt Al Marri
The new crackdown covers all areas in the emirate, with inspections running throughout the day
Authority received several reports from customers who fell ill after eating grilled chicken meals contaminated with salmonella bacteria
The domestic helpers had left charcoal burning overnight to heat their room
Hailing from the Indian city of Bengaluru, he is now running his online trading business in the emirate