Each month, Weekend will pose a different question to be debated on by a series of female Emirati columnists. This month, we ask Salma Bin Breik:
What can the UAE do to reduce its carbon footprint?
Since the WWF Living Planet Report 2006, the UAE has been ranked as having one of the highest per capita carbon footprints in the world. This is mainly due to the major challenge the UAE faces in the demand for energy and water. Living in a region where natural drinking water resources are low has resulted in turning to energy-intensive desalination. The hot climate also necessitates the use of air conditioning.
But since learning of its high carbon footprint, the UAE has faced the challenge and has put in place important environmental policies and initiatives to manage its carbon output. These include the UAE Ecological Footprint Initiative launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Ministry of Environment and Water, along with other private entities. Through this initiative, the UAE first sought to understand the contributors to its footprint and then established policies to promote a reduction.
Next, the UAE will be looking at testing the policies, developing energy efficiency standards and reporting results to policymakers. Other UAE initiatives include the Clean Development Mechanism projects by the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence that involve innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
Several public awareness campaigns were also launched (such as Heroes of the UAE) that focused on energy and water conservation. Most impressive of all are the large-scale innovative solutions the UAE has adopted in addressing their footprint. These initiatives include creating a carbon-free city (Masdar), developing public transport systems (Dubai Metro), encouraging the use of natural gas instead of petrol (such as in taxis), development of green building and community rating tools (such as UPC’s Estidama programme) and installing water-saving devices in households.
I believe that a further increase in awareness, both for individuals and corporate entities, is necessary. Firstly, while there have been several campaigns launched, I find that these are not consistent throughout the UAE. Secondly, we must introduce campaigns in the education system to build an awareness early on. Thirdly, promoting awareness in households, especially in terms of saving water and energy and decreasing waste, is necessary.
Finally, it’s important to communicate with the public about the progress being made and show that tangible reductions are being met. This is important to encourage public participation.
In keeping with the late Shaikh Zayed’s vision to protect the environment, I believe that the UAE is doing a lot to address the matter of its high carbon footprint. By continuing the existing initiatives and careful implementation of those planned in the near future, I believe the UAE is well on its way to managing its use of energy.
Salma Bin Breik is a senior environment, health and safety specialist working in the private sector.
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