Environment agency study reveals effects of climate change on the UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has released a report to identify and assess the potential magnitude of the physical impacts associated with climate change on the UAE.

The three-volume report, entitled 'Climate Change and the UAE: Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation in the UAE', focuses on the most vulnerable sectors: the UAE's coastal zones and Abu Dhabi's water resources and dry-land ecosystems. This study was based on the international model and guidelines set for scenarios.

"The UAE is seriously concerned about climate change on many levels. We are a country that already faces extreme climatic conditions and has precious natural resources, so long-term variations in temperature and precipitation will produce adverse impacts," said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD at a press conference to release the study.

"To address this concern, we commissioned a study on the potential impacts on the UAE associated with climate change. The study also sets strategic recommendations that address the needed adjustments in policies, institutions and public attitudes," he said.

Part 1 of the report focuses on the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation for coastal zones, which include an analysis of sea level rise on coastal zones throughout the UAE.

Part II deals with the vulnerability and adaptation to climate change on water resources, and contains the results of analysis of water supply and demand in the face of climate change in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Part III deals with the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation for dry-land ecosystems, and presents the results of the qualitative assessment of the impacts from increased variability in rainfall and temperature regimes on dry-land ecosystems in Abu Dhabi.

EAD has shared a copy of this study, which was conducted in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute in the United States, with the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, to be published on their website. Copies of the study were also distributed to several country and party representatives, including the European Union, United States and Switzerland, during the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15).

In 2009, EAD also drafted a Climate Change Policy for Abu Dhabi Emirate, in accordance with the UNFCC requirements, and discussed it with relevant stakeholders on the national level. EAD is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Environment and Water to develop a Climate Change Policy for UAE.