The key facts

  • Qatar plans to cut emissions by 25% by 2030 — about 37 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent
  • By 2040, measures equivalent to a 42 million-tonne emissions reduction are announced
  • The plans include 30% protected areas, 4,000 MW of solar power and an adaptation plan of 280 projects

Emissions target and its baseline

Qatar intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 compared with the projected level under current trends, the country's International Media Office announced on Thursday. The reduction is estimated at approximately 37 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent — a figure derived from the Sustainable Sovereign Financing Framework issued by Qatar's Ministry of Finance in June 2023. According to it, projected emissions in 2030 would be about 148 million tonnes, and around 111 million tonnes if the target is met.

Additional commitments through 2040

In addition to the 2030 target, the office announced measures equivalent to cutting CO2 emissions by 42 million metric tonnes by 2040. The plans also include increasing the share of protected land and marine areas to 30%, expanding solar generation capacity to 4,000 megawatts by 2030, and a national climate adaptation plan comprising 280 projects to strengthen the country's resilience to climate risks.

Announcement against the backdrop of COP31

The announcement came a day after the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, took part in the opening of the leaders' summit at the UN climate conference COP31 in the Turkish province of Antalya. In a post on X, the Emir called the conference 'an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation on climate change' and pledged that Qatar would continue to actively support global climate initiatives. The summit is being held in Antalya from November 9 to 20; its agenda includes emissions reduction, adaptation and climate finance.