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ANALYSIS
Climate change
Rising Optimism
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Turner & Townsend’s Miriam Al-Alawi explores how the UAE is currently tackling climate change, the likely steps it will take to become more sustainable, and how the construction industry can contribute July 2021 | MEConstructionNews.com
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riven by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which is causing an increase in global temperatures, climate change has in recent years, topped the global agendas (even alongside the pandemic). In tackling this global issue, the UAE government has shown regional leadership in its climate change strategies, commitments, and actions. The UAE was the first Middle Eastern country to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, and have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% compared to business as usual, by the year 2030 (one of the most ambitious pledges in the MENA region). In addition, in 2017 the UAE adopted the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, which
set a framework for the management of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation, and private sector-driven, innovative, economic diversification. The world is already one degree warmer than it was 100 years ago and on current trends, it is set to be two degrees warmer by 2050 and even higher by 2100. In the UAE, the past six years have been the hottest years on record, with temperatures expected to continue to rise. Even a country used to intense heat and scarce water supply, the worst effects of climate change could, without action, have significant impact across its ecosystems, biodiversity, and across its national and local economy. Most of the UAE’s population inhabit coastal areas; thus, the country’s infrastructure is also located within these coastal zones. The damage to the coastline
Mangrove protection The UAE is investing significant funds to protect and replant mangroves ecosystems along its coastlines.
23.5% The UAE has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5%, by 2030
