Dubai Establishes Environment and Climate Change Authority to Lead Sustainable Development

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, issued directives to establish the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, to further promote sustainable practices across sectors, to preserve biodiversity, and expand natural reserves and green spaces in the emirate. The initiative is aimed at creating a solid foundation for the green economy to flourish and enhance Dubai's role in the global movement to combat climate change.

His Highness also issued directives to appoint Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani as the Director-General of the newly launched entity.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, emphasised Dubai's commitment to becoming one of the world's most environmentally resilient cities and setting an example for sustainable urban development. The newly established authority is aligned with the UAE’s objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, he said.

Dubai aims to pioneer sustainable urban development by integrating economic, social, and environmental principles into its growth strategies. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlights the city's commitment to balancing rapid economic growth with environmental resilience. Dubai seeks to set a global benchmark for sustainable practices, driving prosperity and combating climate change. A newly launched authority will focus on ensuring sustainable development and biodiversity preservation, with the goal of Dubai ranking among the world's top-10 cities for environmental sustainability by 2033. The authority will implement strategic programs to optimize resource use, conserve biodiversity, develop the green economy, and reduce the carbon footprint, supporting decision-makers in creating sustainable development policies and strategies.

The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority seeks to further the emirate's environmental goals by expanding its green cover by 100 percent and increasing the area of protected areas and natural reserves by 60 percent by 2040. Moreover, it will prioritise the conservation of water resources and the adoption of sustainable waste management policies.

Addressing climate change and ensuring food security will be among the authority’s highest priorities. The authority will introduce resilient plans for the emirate's infrastructure and services that integrate the principles of eco-friendliness and sustainability. These initiatives aim to safeguard the community against the adverse effects of accidents, disasters, and natural calamities.

The authority's areas of focus extend to initiatives and policies geared towards achieving Dubai's strategic environmental objectives, including a 100 percent shift to clean energy by 2050 and a 90 percent enhancement in air quality according to WHO guidelines by 2033.

Aligned with the objectives of Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, the establishment of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority seeks to raise the contribution of the circular and green economy to the emirate's GDP. Moreover, the authority will further promote green finance initiatives and incentivise the financial sector and banks to prioritise and support green projects, in collaboration with key financial and economic organisations.

News Source: Emirates News Agency