With COP 28 around the corner in November 2023, the momentum of activities is reaching a crescendo in UAE. The tone was set with declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in UAE. It’s byline- Today for tomorrow, succinctly sums up the intent. This year being the halfway point between 2015 (Sustainable Development Goals baseline year) and 2030 (the year of their achievement), time is opportune to take stock of things and make the course corrections.

Way back in 2014, the UAE was the first country in region to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement. It was also the foremost to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emission levels, and whole-heatedly subscribed to Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Over the years, a series of community-led initiatives, activities, and campaigns have been carried out to build a sustainable mindset in the residents.

This year the country has renewed its focus on environmental sustainability. As a result, many old Initiatives were revamped and plethora of new ones launched to fast-forward the process to achieve and support the UN Convention on Climate Change, Middle East is the energy hub of the world due to vast reserves of fossil fuel. The hot and dry climate of UAE exacerbates the use of vast amounts of energy to allow optimum functioning of daily life. The post-pandemic focus on indigenous production also adds up to the need . Despite the easy and economic availability of fossil fuel, the UAE has gone ahead with its plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its total energy mix, through solar and wind power projects. Construction of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Solar Park, one of the largest in the world, is a testimony to this spirit. Introduction of electric buses, increased use of hybrid vehicles in taxis, connecting more points on metro routes, a comprehensive train network to connect the various cities of all seven emirates are some other measures to follow sustainable transportation policy and achieve a reduced carbon footprint. It also works to improve the air quality. Self-driving autonomous vehicles have also been tested on the roads and approved for usage in UAE.

Dubai Sustainable Tourism Initiative is a public-private partnership that aims to support the broader clean energy goals. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, which is a major contributor to UAE economy. It addresses the three-fold objective of training and certification of tourism stakeholders, promoting sustainable tourism practices to visitors, and support the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure in the country.

Recycling culture is catching up in a big way. The municipalities of different Emirates are adopting innovative ways to recycle. Recycling bins in every community, supermarket are a permanent fixture. Segregation of waste at source is practiced by facility staff. Sharjah waste-to-energy plant converts 90% of non-recyclable waste into clean electric energy which provides electricity to 2000 homes.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their exquisite skyline. Sustainable architecture and sustainable construction practices are now being entwined with beauty of the skyscape. The use of local materials and traditional utilitarian building design is being promoted. Tree plantations, mangrove conservation, migratory species preservation, and sustainable fishing practices to ensure conservation of life on land and in water.

Sustainable Development Goals are not only about tangible things but also very much about intangible matters. UAE being a melting pot of nationalities, a culture of co-existence and tolerance has helped the nation to thrive. Social inclusivity and cultural awareness is practices in all walks of life. The UAE residents report high level of satisfaction from the good governance and law and order of the nation. The enthusiastic residents have been having interesting discussions through Climate Cafés, Sustainability conferences and symposiums. It’s only apt that the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ( COP 28) are meeting in the UAE.

A COP for action. A COP for all, indeed.