Germany’s climate envoy has highlighted the deep collaboration between Riyadh and Berlin to produce and export green hydrogen, as part of the efforts to tackle climate change and reduce emissions. This collaboration is particularly crucial in green initiatives within both countries and globally.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Jennifer Morgan reviewed her discussions with Saudi authorities on climate change and joint German-Saudi efforts.
According to Morgan, climate-related issues were thoroughly examined, alongside strategies to enhance collaboration in environmental domains. These include tackling emissions through carbon capture, utilization, recycling, and storage within the framework of a circular carbon economy.
During discussions with relevant Saudi government entities, Morgan highlighted the importance of hosting the 2023 United Nations Climate Conference (COP 28) in the region this year.
“We delved deep into prospects of collaboration in this field and examined the initiatives and efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia in addressing the issue of climate change, which notably contribute to the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement,” Morgan told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Making her remarks at a recent discussion held on the sidelines of a panel organized by the German Embassy in Riyadh, Morgan said she had come to Riyadh to further advance partnerships and collaboration in international, Saudi, and German programs aimed at accelerating the development of renewable energy and gradually phasing out traditional energy challenges.
“Our goal is to establish climate partnerships that enhance the pace of climate action, seeking innovative solutions to address the damages and losses caused by the climate crisis,” she noted.
Morgan, who led Greenpeace International before joining Germany’s Greens-run foreign ministry, affirmed that collaborative efforts with Riyadh will positively impact international endeavors to enhance cooperation in environmental and climate change domains.
This is set to help in tackling climate and biodiversity crises and achieving gradual emissions reduction.
She noted that her country is actively working on all fronts to make progress in environmental protection and combating the climate crisis in Europe and worldwide. This is in line with the global energy transition and the promotion of climate justice.
Moreover, Morgan stressed that the international response to the climate transition will strengthen the empowerment of the hydrogen economy, creating employment and economic prospects.
The envoy then highlighted that Riyadh and Berlin are working closely together to foster robust collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in the production and exportation of green hydrogen, while simultaneously reducing emissions.
This deepening bilateral cooperation extends to supporting Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative, she added.
