RESOURCE DEPLETION
WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON UAE

Environmental Problems we face today

Environmental problems manifest themselves in two broad aspects- as sources and sinks:

1. Shortages in the 'sources' of raw materials and natural resources, thus causing resource depletion

2. Lack of sufficient 'sinks', to absorb toxic and harmful wastes that arise from pollution

Resource Depletion explained further

Resource depletion is the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished. Natural resources are commonly divided between renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Use of either of these forms of resources beyond their rate of replacement is considered to be resource depletion. Resource depletion is most commonly used in reference to land/farming, fishing, mining, water usage, and consumption of fossil fuels.

UAE- Major resources that face depletion

Fossil Fuel- Oil

The Middle East region, including the UAE has some of the largest oil reserves in the world. This fossil fuel has contributed greatly to the UAE developing as a growing economy. The UAE possesses nearly 10 %of the world's total reserves, but these may last only for a few more decades considering the increasing demand for electricity and water and the use of oil for energy generation and to run desalination plants.

Land

As an arid desert region, the UAE requires water resources and suitable land for agriculture. Much of the land that is available for producing food is destroyed by increasing desertification.

Water

UAE is confronted with a serious depletion of their available water resources. An EIB report in 2005 said that the UAE had the highest per capita consumption of water in the world. Overuse has caused the groundwater table to drop about 1 meter/year over the last 30 years. At this rate, the UAE will deplete its natural freshwater resources in about 50 years. Even with nany desalination plants to supplement water demand, we residents need to reduce our water use.

Groundwater- Resource that needs most attention in UAE

Water Use in UAE

• - Groundwater is the UAE?s main conventional water resource supplying about 51% of the country?s needs, mostly for irrigation, with a limited quantity used for drinking. 
• - Desalinated water supplies about 37%, mainly for drinking, and for irrigation in some areas. 
• - Reclaimed water – or treated wastewater accounts for 12% and is mainly used for irrigating amenities.

Groundwater use

• - The agricultural sector is the largest water consumer, using about 34% of the total. 
• - The domestic and industrial water sectors use 32%, 
• - Forestry 15%
• - Amenities 11%
• - Losses account for 8%.

Problem

According to a study by UAE University, the water table level in parts of the country has fallen by as much as 60 metres. Scientists have warned that supplies of groundwater could run out by 2030 mainly because of demand from agriculture and domestic water consumption.

What UAE is doing to prevent Resource Depletion

Oil

Research and development is on to seek alternatives to non renewable fossil fuels. Natural gas is now supplementing oil and playing an important role as a fuel source for power generation and water desalination, for petro-chemicals and manufacturing industry. However, increasing demand for electricity and water raises concerns about depletion of fuel resources.  The government is initiating various programs to raise awareness among the residents as also implementing incentives and sanctions based on use of water and electricity.

Land

The government is carrying out reclamation and afforestation of large desert areas and green belts using local flora and salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. Efforts to improve the protection of fragile habitats,

Water

In addition to prevention of resource depletion, UAE considers water security as a top priority, as water security is also related to food security. Available resources are being monitored and managed through use of integrated management methods and regular survey of underground water reservoirs.

Alternative sources are being explored to decrease pressure of ground water resources. Treated wastewater is now started to be used for farm irrigation.

Aquaponics and Aeroponics methods are being considered to cut down demand for ground water in agriculture. Vertical farming is also being used for optimum use of water.

Conclusion

One additional factor that I want to highlight before concluding my report is that a large part of UAE?s water footprint lies outside her national boundaries, as UAE imports various products from all over the world, specifically agricultural produce from India. By working towards self reliance in agriculture and industry, UAE is working on this aspect too.

I am confident that ongoing work by the authorities augmented by awareness drives and efforts by general public at grassroots level will help UAE to cut down and control resource depletion in the times to come.

References and Sources of Information

https://monthlyreview.org/2013/01/01/global-resource-depletion/

https://thewaterproject.org/water-crisis/water-in-crisis-middle-east

https://www.government.ae/en/about-the-uae/leaving-no-one-behind/12responsibleconsumptionandproduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3fBBiz-3U

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/study-cites-rapid-depletion-of-groundwater-in-uae-1.62486

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/study-cites-rapid-depletion-of-groundwater-in-uae-1.62486

http://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/uae-oil-to-deplete-in-70-years-2010-12-01-1.323594

http://www.hamarikrishi.com/tag/aeroponics-in-uae/

http://gulfnews.com/xpress/vertical-farming-comes-to-uae-homes-1.1108429

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/uae-pledges-to-fight-against-desertification-1.302260