UN welcomes Maldives' target to achieve net-zero by 2030

The United Nations (UN) has welcomed Maldives’ goal to achieve zero emissions by 2030.

The UN’s country office said that it welcomes the governments “renewed commitment to address the climate emergency and to achieve zero emissions by 2030”.

It added that the UN will continue to support the country’s climate action efforts “for a more sustainable future for the people and world”.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during his statement at the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit held virtually to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, said that Maldives could achieve net-zero commitments as early as 2030.

The president stressed that the country will continue to work towards its long-term strategy of net zero by initiatives such as increasing the percentage of renewable energy used for power generation and exploring alternative solutions to reduce our emissions, including through stronger incentives and legislation.

Further noting that Maldives “is among the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change,” President Solih said that the country will be “a leader in reducing carbon emissions”.