ENVIRONMENT SECURITY ‘KEY’: Bahrain vows commitment to green initiatives

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to achieving regional and global environmental security.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in furthering regional development and environmental protection, as he took part in the Middle East Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh yesterday.

It was hosted by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Launching the summit, the Saudi Crown Prince said the initiative aimed to secure $10.4 billion for an investment fund and clean energy project as part of efforts to reduce regional carbon emissions.

He said Saudi Arabia would contribute 15 per cent of the funds and would work with other states and development funds on the funding and execution of the initiatives.

Leaders from all around the world are taking part in the Middle East Green Initiative, including an American delegation led by US climate envoy John Kerry and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

HRH Prince Salman said the initiative is a commitment strengthened over the last week by both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s announcements of their intention to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060.

It also come at the heels of Bahrain’s nationwide campaign to plant more than 50,000 trees and shrubs.

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister welcomed the initiatives by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and others to preserve the natural environment and combat climate change.

This is a global challenge that requires a united approach to ensure a prosperous future for all, he said.

HRH Prince Salman emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing between countries to develop Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage technology, reduce carbon emissions, and increase energy efficiency.

“We all have a collective responsibility to achieve climate security and secure a sustainable future.”

He highlighted the important role of agricultural nurseries in realising the summit’s afforestation goals, committed Bahrain to supporting these efforts, and commended Saudi Arabia’s success in organising and hosting the summit.

The event comes ahead of COP26, the UN conference in Glasgow which hopes to agree deeper global emissions cuts to tackle global warming.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/GroupSection/Business