Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has launched 49 initiatives to date, 22 of these this year, as part of its national programme for zero neutrality.
Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement’s objectives of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Of the 49 initiatives and projects starting from 2021, five are in the oil and gas sector, seven in electricity, three in environment and economy, ten in industry, 18 in transportation, and six in infrastructure and housing.
Of the 22 launched this year, 18 projects were in the first quarter, one in the second, and remaining in the third quarter.
In reference to EA’s efforts to reach net zero emissions, an EA official said, “Oman has devised a meticulous plan targeting five sectors responsible for the vast majority of its greenhouse gas emissions, which are industry, oil and gas, electricity generation, transportation, and construction.”
Oman’s 2021 carbon emissions have been assessed at 90mt CO2e. The five sectors account for 95% of these emissions.
According to the official, EA is set to launch a system to track greenhouse gas emissions across Oman, advancing the sultanate’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality.
He explained that the new system will be part of the National Zero Neutrality Programme, which intends to support Oman’s overarching strategy for carbon neutrality.