Dubai to Establish Environment and Climate Change Authority

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, has been instructed to set up the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority with the aim of supporting sustainable practices, protecting nature, and increasing green areas. The objective is to create a solid base for the green economy in Dubai and, thus, help fight climate change on a global scale. Furthermore, he directed the appointment of Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani as the Director General of the new authority.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted that Dubai is committed to creating a sustainable city environmentally, which will, in turn, showcase the best model of sustainable city development. The newly created authority is in line with the UAE’s objectives to implement climate neutrality by 2050.

Dubai strives to be the pioneer in sustainable urban development worldwide and green economic growth. The city is to demonstrate how the implementation of environmentally friendly initiatives can result in better living conditions, higher prosperity, and a more effective fight against climate change.

Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority will promote the future-readiness of Dubai in the long term by implementing sustainable development and protecting biodiversity. Dubai envisions becoming one of the top 10 sustainable cities in the world by 2033. The new authority shall strive to facilitate the best utilization of natural resources in Dubai, protect biodiversity, promote the green economy, and cut carbon emissions. This will provide a rational basis for policymakers to tackle biodiversity conservation, climate change, and food security.

Dubai is targeting a 200% increase in the city’s green cover and a 60% expansion in protected areas by 2040. The authority will also aim to limit water consumption and practice sustainable waste management. Moreover, climate change adaptation and a secure food system are the key issues. The institution will develop retrofitted and resilient infrastructure to mitigate accidents and disasters.

The authority aims at Dubai’s environmental targets that will see the city shift to clean energy by 2050 and improve air quality by 90% by 2033. In accordance with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, the circular and green economy goal of the authority is to boost its participation in Dubai’s GDP. Additionally, it will foster the development of green finance initiatives, and cooperate with financial institutions to promote the financing of green projects.

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