Environment
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017
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Climate change, dwindling natural resources, pressure on ecosystems from urban expansion, pollution and waste management are all global challenges that are having an impact in Abu Dhabi, whose delicate environment is characterised by extremes of temperature and landscape. Over the last few decades, extraordinary economic and population growth has increased the pressure on this ecosphere, which has long been of concern for the emirate’s rulers. Protecting the environment has been woven into the fabric of Abu Dhabi’s development plans. Sustainability and optimal use of resources are seen as vital to the future well-being of its citizens and the ecosphere. Authorities have crafted a host of programmes and agencies to further the sustainability agenda, while efforts to promote the environment have become pillars of emirate policy. All of this has profound implications for the emirate’s future, and affords lessons for the region and the world.

This chapter contains an interview with Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Treading softly: The authorities are taking steps to mitigate the impact of rapid growth on the ecosystem
OBG
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Climate change, dwindling natural resources, pressure on ecosystems from urban expansion, pollution and waste management are all global challenges that are having an impact in Abu Dhabi, whose delicate environment is characterised by extremes of temperature and landscape. Over the last few decades, extraordinary economic and population growth has increased the pressure on this ecosphere, which has long been of concern for the emirate’s government. Protecting the environment has been woven…

Analysis

Smoother seas: Protection of the marine environment is a high priority
OBG
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With a coastline stretching 700 km, Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the sea has long been a key aspect of its culture and economy, and fishing remains a significant trade for Emiratis. In recent times the marine environment has faced multiple threats to its sustainability. A rapidly growing population and economic growth are driving coastal development, tourism and industrialisation, all of which place new demands on coastal waters. Under Pressure The environmental pressures are many. One…

Viewpoint

Building on success: Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), on protecting air, water and land
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Viewpoint: Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak The landscape of Abu Dhabi was very different 20 years ago. But with a rapidly expanding population, infrastructure and economy, we too have changed beyond recognition since our original mandate as the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency. Our beginnings were rooted in environmental research, and in many ways this has remained the backbone of all that we have achieved to date. Very little data existed on our natural environment, and over the…

Analysis

Balancing act: A new plan for protecting biodiversity has been released
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In February 2017 the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) released its Strategic Plan 2016-20. This roadmap for development sets out priorities and provides an analysis of the environmental challenges facing the emirate, grouping them into nine areas, ranging from climate change to habitat loss. The 2016-20 plan builds on frameworks established by the Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021, along with the UAE Green Growth Strategy and the National Biodiversity Strategy and…