UAE makes 94 arrests over environmental crimes

The UAE led a large-scale crackdown on environment crimes within the Amazon Basin, in which 94 arrests and the seizure of over $64 million worth of assets took place, The National via WAM news agency reported on July 9th.

This 14-day operation dubbed Operation Green Shield, was a multinational probe led by by the Emirates with Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stated that the Amazon’s authorities crushed the criminal groups accused of destroying protected ecosystems and shut down up to 350 criminal operations.

These arrests were issued under the UAE’s law enforcement for climate programme, which was launched at Cop28 in Dubai, UAE, in partnership with the UN office on Drugs and Crime.

This operation comes against a backdrop of the UAE’s broader efforts on climate action. During May, the Emirates set up its climate law to form a legal framework for climate strength and greenhouse gas emissions accountability.

Furthermore, in June key figures met in the UAE to raise the alarm before the next major round of UN climate discussions at Cop30, in Brazil, which is scheduled for November 2025.

Majid Al Suwaidi, chief of climate investment vehicle Alterra, said the talks face major challenges. “To date, only 15 updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have submitted,’’ a statement from Al Suwaidi said.

Whilst the initial deadline was for February, a revised deadline in September is now the final opportunity to file updated pledges ahead of Cop30’s opening in Brazil in November. Brazil and the UAE issued strong NDCs before the original February deadline.

During Cop28 in Dubai, which was held in November and December 2023, the UAE Consensus was agreed upon. The deal urged for “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy system, in a just, orderly and equitable manner… so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science’’.

President Sheikh Mohamed said that the conference led to “Significant results” and pledged to forge ahead to find a ‘”more sustainable future for our planet’’. Vice president of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, applauded the success of the Cop28.

“The conference has set new standards in climate action and solidified the UAE’s position as a key player in building a sustainable future for the planet,’’ Sheik Mohammed stated.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, who is the Cop28 President, stated that it was a ‘’historic agreement’’ but was merely as effective as its ‘’implementation’’.

‘”We are what we do, not what we say’’ Dr Sultan Stated. “We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible action.’’

The National via WAM news agency