Green measures in the UAE
Our environment needs more attention from us than ever. The UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water has undertaken to control the deterioration of our surroundings and more importantly, to promote a healthy, eco-friendly and sustainable environment.
Amongst other initiatives, the Ministry had launched an initiative to reduce the use of plastic bags and another initiative to educate travellers on agricultural and veterinary quarantine under the slogan ‘What you carry may harm you’. The Ministry aims to ensure availability of water and food through measures that maintain a sustainable environment.
Masdar, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Government-owned Mubadala Development Company has brought a revolution in energy conservation, renewable energy generation, and reduction of carbon emission. Masdar Power develops and operates renewable power generation projects. Amongst its other dynamic projects, is a joint venture in which, Masdar Power is developing the 100MW Shams 1 CSP plant in Abu Dhabi; set to be the largest Solar Power (CSP) plant in the world.
IRENA envisions a world where all countries have access to modern and effective renewable energy and where renewable energy becomes one of the major energy sources. With the aid of latest high technology tools, IRENA aspires to make renewable energy the base for global economic and social development.
The UAE is also planning to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme to generate electricity. So far, the UAE has signed peaceful nuclear agreements with France, United States and Republic of Korea and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom.
UAE to be global hub of green economy
In January 2012, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched a long-term national initiative to build green economy in the UAE under the slogan “A green economy for sustainable development.” Through this initiative, the UAE aims to become one of the world leaders in this area as well as a centre for the export and re-export of green products and technologies, and to maintain a sustainable environment to support long-term economic growth.
Even Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the utility provider in the Emirate of Dubai, has assumed a very proactive role in encouraging people to conserve water and electricity and control its wastage. DEWA’s monthly bills highlight individual usage with green, yellow, and red markings; where green means usage is within acceptable limits and red means usage exceeds acceptable limits. DEWA’s website offers tips to save energy. DEWA has also launched a series of thoughtful campaigns under ‘Your Decision’ initiative.
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is engaged in protecting and managing biodiversity, providing a clean environment and promoting sustainable development in Abu Dhabi. EAD explores new groundwater resources and monitors groundwater quality and levels. Its biodiversity management sector collects and maintains details about animals, birds, and vegetation. EAD’s environment management sector monitors the quality of indoor and outdoor air and noise.
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is an organisation dedicated to environment protection in the UAE. EEG’s aim is to contribute to the advancement of sustainable development, to increase public awareness through educational and community programmes, to promote positive environmental action by individuals and to endorse the idea of reduce wastage, reuse and recycle. EEG regularly holds cleanliness drives on important environmental awareness days.
Participate in the Emirates eGovernment Forum to share your thoughts on what should be done at individual levels to preserve the natural resources and to maintain a healthy ecological balance.
Abu Dhabi City is rapidly moving towards the future with an eye on 2030. Watch this video from Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Your comments are welcome. 
