Study reveals effects of climate change on the UAE

A report to identify and assess the potential magnitude of the physical impacts associated with climate change on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was released by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently. The 3-volume report, titled ‘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 Emirate'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 H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.

Impact of Climate Change on UAE

» Coastal Zones

1. Sabkhat areas will likely experience inland migration.
2. Much of the UAE's mangrove forest area will be adversely impacted.
3. Sea grass productivity will diminish.
4. Coral reefs will likely experience greater bleaching frequency.
5. Fishery habitats will be degraded.

» Dryland Ecosystems

1. Ecosystem displacement and/or disappearance.
2. Reaching a "tipping point" with subsequent ecosystem collapse.
3. Reduced biodiversity of flora and fauna.
4. Increased level of aridity and corresponding reductions in soil moisture.
5. Natural and managed ecosystems in mountains and Wadis are not drought-resistant; and are at risk as temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change.

» Abu Dhabi Water Resources

1. Current patterns of water use are unsustainable.
2. Irrigated agriculture policy needs strategic reconsideration; 'Greening the desert' programs and agricultural, forestry, and plantation irrigated areas make up more than 80% of the total annual water use.
3. Climate change will likely be a marginal affect on future water supply/demand; Even though average annual precipitation in Abu Dhabi has reached its lowest recorded levels during the last decade, future climate change is likely to have little impact on future water supplies compared to the effect of water demand.
4. Reducing future water demand represents a strategic priority; without demand management strategies in place, the Abu Dhabi Emirate will face future water deficits that would need to be offset by large new supplies of water.

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.

EAD has shared a copy of this study, which was conducted in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute in the US, 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).