MUSCAT: The GCC has recorded significant progress in renewable energy and climate resilience, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf’s 2024 climate report, which highlights notable shifts in weather patterns and sustainability efforts across the region.
Rainfall levels rose by 49.4 per cent in 2024 compared with the long-term average for 1980–2010, indicating measurable changes in regional climate trends. Despite this, temperature data from 23 approved monitoring stations showed stability, with maximum temperatures remaining below 49°C between 2012 and 2024.
The report underscores rapid expansion in solar energy, with installed capacity growing at an annual rate of 88.1 per cent between 2013 and 2024. Electricity generation from solar sources surged from 0.13 thousand gigawatt-hours in 2013 to 23.5 thousand gigawatt-hours in 2023. Wind energy also advanced, with capacity increasing from 4.8 megawatts in 2015 to 567 megawatts in 2024.
All GCC countries have deployed advanced mobile-based early warning systems using cellular broadcasting technology, enhancing preparedness for extreme weather events. Climate change and adaptation topics have also been integrated into school curricula, reflecting a broader push to build environmental awareness.
At the international level, GCC states have reinforced their commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, submitting a total of 16 reports by November 2025. Net-zero targets range from 2050 — including Oman in the oil and gas sector — to 2060 for other countries and sectors.
The report also highlights a growing reliance on China for clean energy technologies, with photovoltaic imports from China accounting for 99.4 per cent of total GCC imports in 2024, valued at $2.4 billion. The findings reflect a coordinated regional approach to sustainability, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. — ONA
Source:
Oman Observer
