Abu Dhabi launches 25-year climate action plan in 'defining moment' for emirate

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi sets out strategy to bolster public health

A turtle release event held in Abu Dhabi. The emirate is aiming to strengthen biodiversity in the face of climate change. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Abu Dhabi on Wednesday set out a 25-year action plan to address the growing threat of climate change and protect the emirate's precious natural resources for future generations.

The comprehensive strategy, announced by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, will focus on bolstering the "highly vulnerable" environmental systems of groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which are viewed as critical to human health, water security and agricultural productivity.

The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) assesses a wide variety of climate-related risks and outlines 142 strategies to be implemented by 2050, including 86 to be introduced in the next five years.

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“The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the agency.

"We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.

"This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented road map that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and strives to ensure water and food security.”

The green drive will seek to boost national efforts to improve food self-sufficiency, support a shift towards more sustainable land and water-management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

“This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region," said Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at the agency. "It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi’s natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change.

"Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time."

The climate road map was developed by the environment agency with the support of more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations as well as youth representatives.

The long-term plan will be subject to regular review and incorporate new scientific findings when necessary.

It is one of four projects being introduced under an emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Future plans will seek to address the energy, health and infrastructure sectors.

Building a greener future

A visitor at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. The National

Abu Dhabi has been at the heart of a national push to enhance climate resiliency and ensure nature is protected from the worst effects of climate change.

In May, Abu Dhabi announced an ambitious plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030.

The project aims to cover more than 900 hectares, making it the world's largest coral rehabilitation project, state news agency Wam reported.

The environment agency also launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden in May, which involves the installation of 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes.

It aims to support the growth of marine organisms across 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deep-sea areas.

In May 2024, the agency issued directives to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and hold industries to account for their impact on the environment.

The resolution called for all businesses and establishments that need environmental licences to carry out operations to be required to commit to supporting efforts to provide cleaner air.

The agency has pledged to monitor and evaluate ambient air quality through a comprehensive environmental monitoring network.

It will periodically assess air pollutant levels to ensure they do not exceed maximum limits.

Abu Dhabi introduced a single-use plastic ban on June 1, 2022, as part of a major push to protect the environment and reduce pollution in the sea.

The campaign has generated significant dividends, with an estimated 360 million plastic bags taken out of circulation by the end of 2024.