At present, the population of the Arabian Gulf stands at 75 million. Within five decades, the population will rise to 150 million. That increase will present a huge challenge for planners and places a significant demand on our natural resources. Top of the list is being able to provide ample water supplies for all. The challenge has been clearly outlined by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, speaking last week when he called for the rationalising of water consumption in the Arabian peninsula. He also called for exploring new technologies to preserve water supplies.
Quite rightly, Shaikh Mohammad warned that the scarcity of water in the region would endanger development and present a serious challenge unless combined efforts are made to resolve future water supplies. The reality is that we in the UAE consume too much water on a daily basis. Too often we leave taps running, waste too much, flush too often. We are slow to adapt to irrigation methods which recycle water.
When buildings are designed, they need to be built using environment-friendly methods and materials that maximise efficiency and minimise energy and consumption of precious natural resources. Those green standards need to be included in the planning and building codes for all future constructions.
Our natural aquifers need to be allowed to replenish and development needs to be curtailed in areas where the provision of water from non-renewable sources is limited. Our industries must be made to work in an efficient manner — producing more and using less.
While governments and administrators try to come to grips with the challenge of ensuring water in our pipes, there is also an obligation on each and every one of us to ensure we waste none. Turn off the tap.
