“Driven by our commitment to social responsibility, we continue to advance efforts to protect the environment and preserve its biodiversity while championing nature-based solutions to combat climate change and accelerate progress towards net zero. Our mangrove-planting initiatives, carried out in cooperation with government and private sector partners, underscore the importance of integrated efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and supporting the UAE’s goal to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. We will continue to expand green spaces in Dubai, enhance quality of life and engage the wider community in safeguarding our precious natural resources,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Between 2023 and the end of May 2026, DEWA planted 14,650 mangrove trees at the sanctuary, with its beach clean-up campaigns removing more than 3,546 kilograms of waste, the majority of which were plastics. These initiatives brought together 2,154 volunteers, including DEWA employees, their families, staff from its subsidiaries and DEWA Academy students.

Volunteers praised DEWA’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of planting and environmental conservation, highlighting the role of practical, scalable solutions in improving air quality and preserving terrestrial and marine habitats, as well as coastal ecosystems across Dubai.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the summit, which brought together world leaders, ministers, senior officials, and experts from around the globe.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO, stressed that WGES has become a pioneering international platform supporting the green economy and strengthening the UAE’s global role in climate action and sustainable development. He noted that the summit provides a space for dialogue on policies and strategies, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Al Tayer highlighted that this year’s edition was also an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s successful model in achieving harmony between economic progress and sustainability, while sharing key experiences in renewable energy and green technology that reinforce the nation’s leadership in advancing the global green economy.

Practical steps to accelerate the green transition

HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The World Green Economy Summit 2025 reflects the UAE’s commitment to translating the outcomes of COP28 into practical steps that support the transition toward a sustainable green economy. It is also a leading global platform for dialogue and partnership-building, where the UAE continues to drive investment in clean energy, reduce emissions, and pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard both economic growth and the environment.”

He underlined that the UAE has established itself as a global model in climate action with landmark strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, complemented by strategic clean energy investments.

A global platform for innovation

HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The World Green Economy Summit embodies the UAE’s forward-looking vision to scale the latest advances in technology across industries along a unified pathway of sustainable growth. Guided by wise leadership, WGES highlights our determination to harness renewable and low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable manufacturing as enablers of smart industrial development.”

He added that WGES strengthens the UAE’s position as a catalyst for international cooperation and innovation, accelerating progress toward a low-carbon economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and competitive industries.

Driving global collaboration

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE remains committed to fostering climate resilience and accelerating the energy transition. He noted that WGES provides a crucial meeting point for leaders and innovators to collaborate, share insights, and forge pathways that bolster growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

A firm commitment to sustainability

HE Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The World Green Economy Summit affirms the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future, where the green economy represents both an environmental necessity and a significant economic opportunity. Through strategic investment in sustainable projects, we can create new industries, generate employment, and demonstrate how sustainability and economic growth advance in tandem.”

She added that frameworks such as the Net Zero 2050 Initiative and the Circular Economy Policy illustrate the UAE’s commitment to long-term sustainable development, underscoring the importance of public-private cooperation in accelerating the transition to a green economy.

Global engagement

WGES 2025 featured a range of high-level sessions, including a ministerial dialogue on ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond – United Action for Green Transition’ with participation from ministers, ambassadors, and delegates from the 91 member countries of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE).

The summit also hosted a key session titled ‘Advancing the Tangier Declaration: A Road Map for Carbon Neutral Cities in Africa’, which addressed integrating decarbonisation into urban development plans, mobilising climate finance, and developing bankable projects in key sectors. In addition, dozens of expert-led sessions and seminars explored diverse aspects of sustainability, innovation, and green transition.

In many developing nations, economic priorities often take precedence over environmental concerns. Governments focus on alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth, which can make environmental protection appear as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, this perception is increasingly being challenged by successful case studies and global evidence showing that sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand.

Obstacles to Environmental Progress
Limited financial resources and underdeveloped infrastructure often hinder the implementation of advanced environmental solutions. Initiatives such as clean energy projects, reforestation, or recycling programs require significant investment and institutional support, which many developing countries struggle to provide. In addition, environmental awareness and education are still limited in several regions, reducing both public and private engagement in sustainability efforts.

Population pressures and rapid urban expansion further complicate environmental priorities. Meeting immediate needs such as housing, food, and water often takes precedence over long-term ecological concerns. Moreover, reliance on energy-intensive industries such as coal or oil for economic growth makes the transition to environmentally friendly alternatives more challenging. Weak environmental regulations, sometimes exacerbated by corruption or short-term political priorities, can also slow progress toward sustainability goals.

Sustainability as a Driver of Growth
Despite these challenges, the notion that environmental protection conflicts with economic development is increasingly being debunked. Studies and real-world examples demonstrate that integrating sustainability can boost both the environment and economic performance.

In Andhra Pradesh, India, the implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming across 500,000 hectares led to a 123.6% increase in farmers’ incomes while improving biodiversity. This approach enhanced agricultural productivity while simultaneously benefiting the environment. In Kenya, renewable energy investments, supported by fixed-tariff policies, not only increased energy access but also created new jobs, stimulating economic growth.

Innovative financial mechanisms also show that sustainability can coexist with development. In Barbados, the “Debt-for-Climate” swap redirected $165 million toward projects improving water infrastructure and food security, enhancing climate resilience without increasing national debt. In China, green policies focusing on energy efficiency and pollution reduction contributed to long-term economic gains, illustrating the economic viability of a transition to a greener economy.

The Societal and Human Rights Dimension
Furthermore, environmental sustainability aligns with broader human rights and social development. Studies reveal that citizens who prioritize environmental protection also tend to value individual rights, democracy, and equality, indicating that sustainability can strengthen both societal and economic frameworks.

Looking Ahead
The evidence is clear: environmental sustainability is not a barrier to growth—it is a catalyst. By adopting effective environmental policies, investing in renewable energy, and engaging communities, developing nations can achieve economic progress while safeguarding the planet, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

The Case for Solar

Solar energy offers a host of advantages: it’s renewable, sustainable, and widely available. Modern solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity efficiently, and costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity fell by nearly 85% between 2010 and 2023, making it competitive with or even cheaper than traditional fossil fuels in many areas.

In addition to environmental benefits, solar systems can strengthen energy independence. Households, businesses, and communities that generate their own electricity reduce pressure on national grids and avoid exposure to volatile fuel prices. Solar solutions can also empower remote areas without access to centralized power networks, improving living standards and economic opportunities.

Barriers to Widespread Implementation

Despite these advantages, solar energy adoption faces multiple hurdles:

1. High Initial Investment: While prices have fallen, installing solar panels and inverters still requires significant upfront capital, which can deter households and smaller businesses.

2. Infrastructure and Grid Limitations: Some national grids are not optimized for decentralized solar generation. Feeding large amounts of solar power into older grids can create stability and storage challenges.

3. Policy and Regulatory Gaps: In many countries, incentives, subsidies, or supportive regulations are limited or inconsistent. Without clear policy frameworks, investment in solar can be risky.

4. Energy Storage: Solar generation depends on sunlight, which is intermittent. Battery systems for storing excess electricity are still expensive, limiting the ability to provide consistent power during nights or cloudy days.

5. Awareness and Expertise: Some regions lack awareness of solar benefits, and technical expertise for installation and maintenance can be scarce.

Pathways to Accelerate Adoption

Experts suggest several strategies to overcome these barriers:

• Government Incentives: Subsidies, tax breaks, and feed-in tariffs can reduce upfront costs and make solar financially attractive.
• Technological Innovation: Cheaper, more efficient panels and affordable energy storage solutions will improve reliability and lower total costs.
• Community Solar Projects: Shared solar farms allow multiple users to benefit from collective investment, spreading costs and making adoption easier.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Promoting the economic and environmental benefits of solar can encourage both businesses and households to adopt the technology.
• Integration with Smart Grids: Modernizing grids to manage distributed energy sources can optimize solar energy use and reduce waste.

Global Solar Adoption: By the Numbers

Solar energy adoption has grown rapidly worldwide, yet it still represents a fraction of total energy production:

• Installed Capacity: As of 2024, global solar PV capacity reached 1,200 GW, up from just 40 GW in 2010. China leads the world with over 400 GW, followed by the US (~150 GW) and the EU (~180 GW).
• Growth Rate: Annual global solar capacity has been growing at roughly 15–20% per year, driven by falling panel costs and supportive policies.
• CO₂ Savings: Current solar generation prevents an estimated 1.5 billion tons of CO₂ emissions annually, roughly equivalent to taking over 300 million cars off the road.
• Future Potential: The IEA projects that solar could provide over 25% of global electricity by 2050 if deployment accelerates, significantly cutting fossil fuel dependence.

A Bright Future

Solar energy is not just a technical solution; it represents a shift toward sustainable living and climate-conscious energy policies. Experts argue that if barriers are addressed, solar could supply a significant portion of global electricity by 2050, reducing emissions and protecting the planet.

Dr. Lina El-Sayed, an energy policy analyst, notes: “Solar power is one of the most promising solutions we have. The technology exists, the costs are competitive, and the environmental benefits are clear. The challenge is not technical—it’s political, financial, and societal. Overcoming those barriers will define the next decade of energy transition.”

What Is a Solar System?

A solar system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, is a complete setup designed to capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. The main components of a solar system include:

1. Solar Panels (PV Modules): Convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
   • Typical capacity: Residential panels usually range from 250W to 450W per panel, while commercial/industrial panels can reach 500W or more per panel.
   • System size: Small home systems may produce 3–5 kW, while larger installations can exceed 10–20 kW.
2. Inverter: Converts DC electricity from panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used in homes and businesses.
   • Capacity: Must match or slightly exceed the solar panel output. Typical residential inverters range from 3 kW to 10 kW, while commercial inverters can reach 50 kW or more.
3. Mounting Structures: Secure panels on rooftops or open land, oriented for maximum sun exposure.
4. Battery Storage (Optional): Stores excess energy for use at night or during cloudy periods.
   • Capacity: Residential batteries range from 5 kWh to 20 kWh, sufficient for powering essential home components for 6–12 hours without sunlight.
   • Purpose: Ensures that critical systems (refrigerators, lighting, internet, and medical equipment) remain operational during outages.
5. Charge Controller: Regulates power flow to prevent overcharging of batteries (for off-grid systems).
6. Wiring and Electrical Components: Connect all parts safely to deliver electricity to your appliances or the grid.

Typical Home Energy Requirements

For an average household:

• Essential components: Refrigerator (150–250W), lights (100–500W depending on LED usage), fans or air conditioning (500–1500W), water pumps (300–1000W), and electronics (100–500W).
• Daily energy consumption: Usually ranges from 10–30 kWh/day. A 5 kW solar system can cover about 20–25 kWh per day, depending on sunlight availability, which is sufficient for most essential needs.

In summary, a properly sized solar system can power a home reliably while reducing reliance on the grid, contributing to energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Sources

• International Energy Agency (IEA) – Renewables 2023 Report
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) – World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
• BloombergNEF – Global Solar Market Outlook 2024
• World Bank – Energy Access and Solar Deployment Data

Note: This article was developed with the support of AI-assisted research and writing tools.

The 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy.” The two-day summit, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), runs until 2 October 2025.

The opening plenary, “Green Technology for Resilience: Innovations in Smart Climate Solutions,” featured global sustainability leaders including Saeed Al Abbar (AESG), Stwart Peña Feliz (MacroCycle Technologies), and Seneca Cottom (Alshaya Group). Speakers underlined that climate-related damages cost the global economy more than $320 billion in 2024, stressing that the biggest challenge is integration—aligning capital, policy, and innovation to accelerate deployment of sustainable projects.

Discussions highlighted the GCC’s leadership, particularly Dubai’s large-scale sustainable urban development. Speakers urged businesses to pilot new models, embed sustainability into products and codes, and empower consumers through education, incentives, and recycling.

A key presentation by WGEO addressed “Unpacking WGEO Participation at COP30,” underscoring its role ahead of the 2025 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. The session emphasised the UAE’s leadership in resilience, climate finance, and bankable green projects aligned with the UAE Consensus and the Just Transition Work Programme.

During the opening, bestselling author and food sustainability advocate Michael Pollan warned that agriculture contributes up to 50% of global emissions, linking food systems to deforestation, methane, and fertiliser use. He argued for regenerative agriculture—reduced tillage, cover cropping, and crop diversity—as a solution to restore soil carbon and mitigate climate change. Pollan also hosted a session “Fireside Chat with Michael Pollan,” where he stressed the need to transform food systems away from fossil-fuel-intensive, wasteful practices.

The morning also included a high-level panel marking 10 Years of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with leaders from ACWA Power, Masdar, Shanghai Electric, and Deloitte. Speakers emphasised visionary leadership, the transition to renewables, and the role of AI, green hydrogen, and storage solutions in ensuring affordable, reliable clean energy.

Youth engagement featured prominently in a keynote by HH Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who urged harnessing social media as a powerful tool for raising climate awareness and mobilising youth.

In parallel sessions, experts explored themes including:

• AI & Sustainability – with insights from Microsoft, Huawei, and Moro Hub on balancing AI’s energy demand with green infrastructure.
• Health & Climate – highlighting the impact of heatwaves, food insecurity, and diseases on human health.
• Climate Justice – addressing just transition, equity, and workforce adaptation.
• Green Hydrogen – assessing the readiness of hydrogen to power clean mobility and heavy industries.
• Water Security – presenting the UAE’s leadership in renewable-powered desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart irrigation.
• Climate Governance – with global leaders debating reforms for COP and the multilateral system.

The summit continues tomorrow with sessions on green financing, carbon markets, food and water security, and will feature the Emirates Energy Award ceremony, TEDx talks, ministerial roundtables, and closing sessions.