The recently published Environmental Sustainability Scorecard for the Middle East and Africa stands out as the most comprehensive evaluation of country performance regarding environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies, and corporate practices within these two regions. According to the report, the 17 countries under scrutiny are rapidly advancing their sustainability strategies, programs, and investments.
Utilizing 48 performance and progress indicators, the scorecard meticulously compares countries, incorporating data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives, and corporate practices across six key areas: green investment and technology, sustainable infrastructure and transport, governance and reporting, energy transition, environmental ecosystems, and circularity. The assessment involved surveying 647 business executives across the 17 countries to capture insights into corporate practices and progress.
The UAE emerges as a leader in five out of six pillar categories within the report. It secures the 2nd position in Green Investment, Innovation, and Technology; holds the top spot in Sustainable Infrastructure and Transport; is ranked 2nd in Governance and Reporting; claims 1st place in Environmental Ecosystems; and secures the 4th position in Circularity, focusing on materials footprint and waste management practices.
Specifically highlighted in the report is the UAE’s groundbreaking vertical farming project, the world’s largest, designed to conserve 250 million liters of water. Additionally, the country’s noteworthy investment of $50 billion in clean energy projects across 70 countries is acknowledged. A significant UAE-US partnership aimed at accelerating the global clean energy transition is expected to raise $100 billion for widespread clean energy deployment. The report also underscores the UAE’s commitment to green and sustainable building standards since 2011, with a projected 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
As the world anticipates COP28, the UAE establishes itself as a major international player in the realm of sustainability.