Jubilee Post News & Views
Dr. Seema Javed
Several Western countries are leading the way in the circular carbon economy, with Norway, Netherlands , Germany , Uk, Switzerland frequently being on the forefront. But last year in 2024 Gulf Cooperation Council countries(GCC) outperformed the global average in the Carbon Circular Economy Index.
According toThe Carbon Circular Economy (CCE) Index 2024 a number of large G20 economies also perform well – namely, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Japan . Italy, Brazil, China, and Saudi Arabia are situated well above the global average scores.
GCC scored 41.5 points, in the latest data . This expansion reflects increased investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy projects across the region. Making GCC being recognized in both circularity and carbon management, emphasizing the utilization of carbon capture, storage, and hydrogen technologies.
The Carbon Circular Economy (CCE) Index is a composite indicator designed to measure a country’s progress and potential in transitioning to a circular carbon economy, which aims to minimize carbon emissions through a holistic and flexible approach.
It evaluates both current performance and the enabling factors that contribute to a country’s ability to make progress toward a circular carbon economy. The CCE Index serves as a valuable tool for benchmarking progress and identifying areas for improvement in the global effort to transition to a more sustainable future.The 2024 CCE Index provides a multidimensional overview of the current state of net-zero transitions worldwide, covering 125 countries globally.
It also measures their transition to a carbon-neutral future based on circular economy principles.Released by the Gulf Statistical Center, the index serves as an assessment tool to evaluate the progress of 125 nations toward achieving net-zero emissions through a balanced approach that incorporates mitigation technologies and enabling tools.
Circular Carbon Economy Framework was introduced during Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency. The framework to promote a sustainable, cost-effective approach to addressing climate change while ensuring clean energy access. Which has gained significant traction, advancing emissions cuts, renewable energy investments, and carbon capture efforts.
Building on this, the Kingdom launched its Circular Carbon Economy National Program in 2021 to reduce and offset carbon dioxide emissions through strategies of reduction, recycling, reuse, and removal.
With the creation of the Circular Carbon Economy National Program, Saudi Arabia has made several critical decisions that directly contribute to sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The program recognizes the importance of natural carbon absorption. Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious goal to sustainably manage, restore, and preserve 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2040 using all available mitigation strategies.
The Kingdom launched its CCE National Program in 2021, focusing on emissions reduction through four key strategies: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove. Aligning with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2021 pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Though Norway is recognized for its strong commitment to expanding the utilization of technologies like carbon capture and storage, but now GCC operates three commercial carbon capture and storage facilities, with a combined capacity of 3.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year. These facilities play a crucial role in reducing industrial emissions.
Looking ahead, the region is projected to capture and store up to 65 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2035. CCS technology is a key component of the GCC’s strategy to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
With some member states ranking among the world’s highest per capita emitters, the shift to sustainable practices — such as waste recycling, renewable energy development, and carbon capture — aims to balance continued energy leadership with climate commitments.This shows that net zero carbon emission is achievable through strategic policies, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
