Latest news with #EnvironmentSector
UAE Moments
5 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Abu Dhabi Sets Course for Climate Action With 25-Year Plan
Abu Dhabi just rolled out its first-ever Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector, a major step in tackling the emirate's climate challenges head-on. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! Unveiled by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the plan spans from 2025 to 2050 and is a science-based roadmap focused on protecting the emirate's groundwater, soil, and biodiversity, all of which are critical to the UAE's long-term water security, agriculture, and ecosystems. This plan is part of the wider Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027, and aligns with national efforts like the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, introduced at COP28. A Defining Moment for Abu Dhabi Calling it a 'defining moment,' Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said this plan shows Abu Dhabi is moving from planning to action when it comes to climate resilience. 'We are preparing for climate realities with an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage,' she said. Dr. Al Dhaheri added that the plan will boost the resilience of natural resources, protect biodiversity, and support food and water security—all while aligning with the UAE's climate goals and Sustainable Development Goals. 142 Adaptation Actions by 2050 The roadmap identifies 142 climate adaptation actions, including 86 high-priority projects that will be carried out in the next five years. These range from nature-based solutions to technical and institutional interventions. By focusing on vulnerable systems like groundwater, soil, and biodiversity, the plan helps reduce environmental risks, maintain public health, and strengthen food production systems. A Long-Term Vision Backed by Data According to Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Integrated Environment Policy and Planning at EAD, the plan is built to evolve over time. It incorporates the latest data, updated climate projections, and includes regular reviews to stay relevant and effective. 'This is part of a bigger vision to protect our ecosystems, secure natural resources, and ensure the well-being of future generations,' Al Mazrouei said. Collaborative, Inclusive and Future-Focused More than 40 entities, from government bodies to universities and youth groups, helped shape the plan, making it one of the most collaborative climate initiatives in the region. This is one of four sectoral plans under Abu Dhabi's wider climate adaptation strategy, further reinforcing the emirate's leadership in regional environmental policy. Why This Matters Protects natural resources at risk from climate change Supports food and water security for the future Aligns with national and global climate goals Builds ecosystem and community resilience With this bold, 25-year plan, Abu Dhabi is sending a clear message: the time for climate action is now and the emirate is ready.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi delivers ‘Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Environment Sector'
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) today launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050), a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate's natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate change. This pioneering plan – the emirate's first – was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027. The plan is also aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key sectors. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the EAD, said, '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. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage." She added that this plan will enhance the resilience of natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and strive to ensure water and food security. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to foreseeing a future based on adaptation to current and future climate impacts. It strengthens our efforts to achieve the UAE's national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities, safeguarding ecosystems. This plan firmly places the emirate at the forefront of adaptation planning in the region,' Al Dhaheri noted. The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan focuses on three highly vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil and biodiversity. These are critical to Abu Dhabi's human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity and overall ecosystem health. Through robust risk assessments, the plan identifies a wide array of climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects identified for implementation over the next five years. These actions span a range of technical, institutional and nature-based solutions. Over the long term, the plan supports Abu Dhabi's strategic ambition to preserve and enhance its natural capital. It contributes to national efforts to increase food self-sufficiency, effect a shift toward more sustainable land and water management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector, stated, 'Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, the plan integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time. As part of a broader national and emirate-wide strategy, it reinforces our long-term vision to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.' The development of the plan was a collaborative process, led by EAD and involved more than 40 government, semi-government, academic, civil society entities and youth. The plan is designed to be dynamic and forward-looking, with built-in mechanisms for periodic review, stakeholder engagement and integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. Alongside the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, it also complements the National Biodiversity Strategy and other international commitments. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Environment Sector is one of four sectoral plans being rolled out under a broader emirate-wide adaptation strategy.
