The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tadweer have launched ‘Waste to Zero’, a global initiative to mobilize and advance waste decarbonization efforts, and to establish a circular economy platform. Roland Berger has been tapped as consulting and knowledge partner.
The new initiative comes in the run-up to COP28, which will kick off late November in Dubai, and forms part of the UAE’s ambition to play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable future.
‘Waste to Zero’ aims to drive decarbonization in the waste management sector, which is estimated to account for between 3% to 5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The initiative will “create a platform for dialogue, raise awareness, unlock financing, and drive actionable solutions through the adoption of practical and technological solutions.”
Commenting on the launch, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change & Environment, said: “Through ‘Waste to Zero’, we will mobilize global efforts to adopt practical solutions in the waste management sector to achieve sustainability and increase its contribution to reducing emissions.”
The Minister added that the initiative will also augment the UAE’s standing in the sustainability landscape. “The UAE is keen to play a stronger role in driving global climate action by reducing emissions and contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement, mitigating climate change effects and protecting the planet. Our partnerships with major players are a key pillar in delivering the UAE;s climate commitments and achieving Net Zero by 2050.”
With “key players”, Almheiri in this case is referring to Tadweer, which is Abu Dhabi’s national waste management company, and Roland Berger, one of the world’s leading strategic consultancies (with German roots).
Ali Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer, commented: “Together with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Roland Berger, we look forward to inspiring change and creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
The Middle East Managing Partner of Roland Berger, Hani Tohme, added: “Through this initiative, we aim to highlight the importance of finding solutions to the decarbonization of the waste management sector, which is one of the major sources of global emissions, and to empower economies to make the most of their resources.”