Muscat – The inaugural Oman Climate Week, themed ‘Life in a Sustainable World’, began on Monday and will run till February 27. The event brings together over 250 distinguished speakers from 60 countries to address pressing climate challenges, foster global collaboration and promote sustainability efforts.

Organised by Environment Authority (EA) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, Oman Climate Week underscores the sultanate’s commitment to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable development. The event serves as a platform to enhance climate action, strengthen regional and international cooperation, scale up sustainable solutions, and encourage community participation in environmental initiatives.

At the opening, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of EA, spoke of Oman’s growing influence in environmental protection. “The discussions taking place will shape future climate policies, advance innovative solutions, and drive the global transition towards renewable energy and climate resilience,” he said.

The event features two major scientific conferences, with international experts presenting groundbreaking research. More than 20 dialogue sessions featuring over 100 speakers will explore critical climate issues, while 15 workshops and training programmes, led by 22 expert trainers, will offer practical insights into sustainability practices. An exhibition – with over 2,000 registered participants expected from Oman and abroad – will showcase cutting-edge environmental technologies.

In his address, Amri highlighted the gravity of the climate crisis, citing data from World Meteorological Organization and NASA. “The year 2024 was the warmest on record, with global temperatures rising 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. Sea levels have increased by over 10cm in the past two decades, primarily due to ice mass loss and ocean thermal expansion,” he said.

He also noted the alarming rise in greenhouse gases since pre-industrial times, with carbon dioxide levels up by 151%, methane by 265% and nitrous oxide by 125%. Amri warned that factors like El Niño and widespread forest fires continue to weaken the planet’s natural carbon sinks.

The week aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s climate adaptation strategy, which prioritises renewable energy, decarbonisation and sustainable development.

A high-level strategic conference will also be held during the week, bringing together global experts, policymakers and leaders to address climate challenges and explore solutions. Key discussions will focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, climate finance, carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, climate technologies, loss and damage, and social inclusion.