The Middle East is warming twice as fast as the globe thanks in no small part to its own oil + gas emissions—but from youth activists to engineers, people here are proving that even in the hottest places, change is happening.

Last week I was in Abu Dhabi for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, where thousands gathered to build a livable future for people, nature, and climate. This week's newsletter shares what I learned there!

🌞 Good News: The UAE has set a 2050 net zero target, plans to triple renewables by 2030, and is building a 5-GW solar plant. It’s also the first Middle Eastern country requiring companies to measure and reduce emissions, and is restoring its lands and oceans for conservation and climate resilience.

🌪️ Not-So-Good News: The Middle East is warming twice as fast as the global average, driven in no small part by the fossil fuels it produces. Floods and deadly heat are increasing, and migrant workers often bear the brunt.

🌱 Inspiration: From the Arab Youth Climate Movement to engineers restoring fragile ecosystems, people across the region are proving that hope and action go hand in hand.

Don't forget to share what you learn with others! Most people in most countries around the world don't even have a conversation about climate change once in a while. You can change that.

Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.

Music by Bradley Myer.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca