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Experts urge UAE to cut carbon emissions sharply
The UAE is the world's second highest producer per capita of carbon emissions and must reduce this level drastically, experts say.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:41 May 14, 2008
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Dubai: The UAE is the world's second highest producer per capita of carbon emissions and must reduce this level drastically, experts say.
"It is estimated that buildings contribute approximately 40 per cent of global carbon emissions, with the UAE coming second highest in per capita emissions," Paul Winfindale, associate director at Hyder Consulting, said at a recent roundtable.
"We therefore need to set a target to reduce emissions. When we do, we will reduce the cost to the environment. Carbon emissions are the largest threat to the environment.
A combination of regulatory benchmarks and incentive schemes will encourage developers and the public to adopt sustainable measures and raise awareness of its value.
Angela Mulgrew, regional environmental manager and sustainable design consultant with Hyder Consulting Middle East, said companies and private developers will have to improve their stands.
"Environmental compliance to directives around water quality, air quality and noise pollution are important issues for developers to consider. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach by the government, municipalities and private developers to make that happen."
Abu Dhabi has all the ingredients to achieve sustainability, including leadership support, financial capacity, knowledge and know-how.
Shaping the future
"Shaping the future of Abu Dhabi through sustainable development" was the focus of a roundtable recently held in Abu Dhabi and hosted by Hyder Consulting, an advisory and design consultancy. The roundtable reviewed industry best practices to determine how Abu Dhabi should maintain its current fast-paced development in a sustainable manner.
Munir Bu Ganem, manager of stakeholder relations at Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, said: "However, a behavioural change is required by all members of the community. We are positive Abu Dhabi can be one of the leading governments in the region in working with the private sector to accomplish this."
Stephen Oehme, regional director of value management and sustainability at Hyder Consulting Middle East, said the roundtable was one of several signs of the emirate's commitment to sustainable urban development.
"Things are changing in Abu Dhabi at an unprecedented pace," he said. "It might look that the region is far behind other developed western countries but it's not. All these conferences on sustainability, the major initiatives in Abu Dhabi such as Masdar, EAD Sustainability Report and Ecological Footprint are only examples of what the UAE is capable of achieving."
The consultancy highlighted four key concerns facing the emirate: water demand, carbon emissions from construction, public private partnerships and public awareness.
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