Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have pledged a $100 billion investment in renewable energy by 2030, aiming to cut emissions by up to 20% and accelerate the shift to sustainable energy. The commitment was announced after the 43rd meeting on ‘Future Climate Change Management and Economic Development in the Gulf States,’ held in Muscat on Saturday.

While the GCC countries, which produce about 25% of the world’s oil, account for an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022—roughly 4% of the global total—they are also among the most vulnerable to climate change’s effects. Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and sea level rise pose significant threats. Projections suggest potential temperature increases of up to 2.5°C by the end of the century, exacerbating droughts and dust storms.

Despite the risks, Gulf states view the green energy transition as an opportunity. Al Amri highlighted that the $100 billion investment will establish GCC nations as major players in global sustainability.

The two-day meeting, hosted by the Omani Economic Association in partnership with the Gulf Development Forum, examined policies and technologies essential for the energy transition. Discussions spanned climate mitigation strategies, the influence of behavioral science on climate action, and the shifting global climate framework.