The UAE is known to be an oil rich country and an economy that is largely dependent upon the oil trade. However the rulers of Dubai have always recognised the importance of reducing reliance on non- renewable, polluting, carbon based fossil fuels and have promoted and funded green initiatives to develop sustainable, alternative energy sources.
The UAE is well known for implementing green initiatives for the people of UAE, and also contributes to the global green cause. Hazarbighar Char Island is a part of Bangladesh but its 5000 residents do not have access to electricity. Now however, the 2000 odd households on the island will not be spending their nights in darkness thanks to Zayed Sustainability Prize initiative Guiding Light.
At the Sidr Nature reserve, about one thousand Sidr trees were planted as a part of the “For Our Emirates We Plant” programme. These trees are important because they are indigenous to the area and also because they will reach full maturity in about 5 to 7 years; by then they would help to offset about 6 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
This campaign was organised by the Emirates Environmental Group and involved Dubai residents who cleaned up about 32.5 tonnes of garbage from various locations. Over 4000 volunteers gathered together to clear 18 sq km area of waste.
Electric transport has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, say experts since up to a quarter of global CO2 buildup owes itself to vehicular emissions. The Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 could make the UAE a leader in next-generation, zero-emission, electric, connected, autonomous mobility.
This programme was launched in 2014 to encourage students to think in terms of environmental protection and creating sustainable communities. This initiative now returns in its fourth edition to strengthen student advocacy among people between 19 and 25.
The UAE has signed up for this agreement that targets climate change and tries to lower the impact of construction on the phenomenon. We all have to recognise that if we don’t do our bit today, tomorrow may be too late!
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