Ajman University’s Office of Sustainability Participates in UNFCCC Workshop on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Carbon Markets

The Office of Sustainability at Ajman University has participated in an on-campus workshop led by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to explore Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the potential of carbon markets to support cities in reaching net-zero targets. This workshop, titled "Navigating Article 6: Opportunities for Cities' Net-Zero Commitments," provided an in-depth overview of how cities like Ajman can utilize Article 6's mechanisms to drive sustainable development and climate action at the urban level.

The session opened with a comprehensive introduction to the three main mechanisms within Article 6, which allow for varied approaches to emissions reductions:

• Article 6.2 focuses on cooperative approaches between countries, enabling cross-border emission reduction exchanges.
• Article 6.4 provides a new market-based system, enabling both public and private entities to generate emission reduction credits, similar to the previous Clean Development Mechanism.
• Article 6.8 encourages non-market-based collaborations for sustainable development, offering alternative options to traditional carbon trading.

In addition, UNFCCC experts included the institutional, accounting, and reporting requirements for effective implementation. These frameworks emphasize transparency and alignment with Nationally Determined Contributions, particularly as cities develop their local greenhouse gas emission reduction objectives. The evolving role of carbon markets was also highlighted, outlining how cities can integrate their climate goals with national strategies for substantial impact.

A case study on Ajman’s GHG profile illustrated possible urban mitigation projects within the Article 6 framework. Experts examined the similarities between Article 6.4 and the CDM, with discussions on baseline approaches, crediting periods, and the transition processes from the CDM to Article 6.4. The role of the private sector, particularly in Article 6.2, was emphasized as an increasingly valuable partner in advancing sustainability initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session where participants exchanged insights on the implementation of Article 6 mechanisms to meet ambitious net-zero objectives. Through case studies, expert presentations, and shared best practices, the workshop highlighted the essential role cities play in advancing global climate objectives, demonstrating how Article 6 tools can lead to significant climate action at the local level.