Energy and Climate Change
The gases that contribute most to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorine compounds. Burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of emissions of greenhouse gases.
The UAE's CO2 emissions increased from 60,809,000 tons in 1990 to 94,163,000 tons in 2002. Due to better technology and transition to more natural gas in power plants, emissions of CO2 per capita have decreased. In 1990 the UAE emitted 32,6 tons CO2 per person per year. In 2002 the figure had dropped to 25,1 tons per person per year, leaving the UAE as number four on the top emitter per capita global ranking list.
The UAE ratified the Kyoto Protocol in January 2005. It entered into force 16 February 2005. According to the protocol the UAE, as a non Annex 1 country, is not obligated to reduce its emissions. However, the UAE is taking a number of steps to respond to this critical issue.
Studying the Impact of Climate Change
The country has also commissioned international studies to assess how rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the resultant changing weather patterns will affect life in the country. No detailed studies have been carried out in the UAE and very little is known about how changes in global weather will affect life. However, this summer two world-renowned research institutes-- Sweden’s Stockholm Environment Institute and Tufts University in the US--are scheduled to complete work for Abu Dhabi that is expected to predict how climate change will affect ecosystems, infrastructure and the economy, and what impact it might have on the health of residents.
The studies are expected to help leaders draft measures to prevent further contribution to climate change and respond to the environmental and health challenges it is expected to cause. Rising sea levels threaten penetration of groundwater aquifers by seawater, a particular concern to the UAE, which already faces problems with groundwater depletion and pollution. The scientists will also study the effects on agriculture and public health issues that could result from climate change.
Reduced Flaring of Natural Gas
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has zero-flaring as a strategic objective. Flaring involves burning off waste gas or oil during testing or production processes. From 1995 to 2004 flaring from oil and gas production was reduced from approximately 7.5 million cubic meters per day to 2.5 million cubic meters per day.
Reducing Emissions
The UAE has started a transition to curb emission of greenhouse gases, focusing on natural gas and assessing peaceful civilian nuclear energy, to meet significant power generation demands and water desalination requirements.
Energy Efficiency and Renewables
Dubai is developing its master environmental plan that will ensure that growth and progress are achieved while protecting the environment. Demand-side-management of electricity will play a role, as will increased public transportation.
The Dubai Government recently issued a requirement that all buildings in the Emirate be constructed with environmentally friendly “green building” standards beginning in January 2008.
The Masdar Initiative
Abu Dhabi has also established the Masdar Initiative, one of the world’s most comprehensive renewable and alternative energy programs.
In April 2006, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, launched Masdar, a multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar initial investment in renewable and alternative energy and clean technology. Masdar is helping to explore, develop and commercialize such future energy sources.
Masdar, which means “the source” in Arabic, has four primary objectives:
- To help drive the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi
- To maintain – and expand – Abu Dhabi’s position in evolving global energy markets
- To help Abu Dhabi become a developer of technology
- To make a meaningful contribution to sustainable human development
Masdar is a comprehensive investment in future energy solutions and clean technology – from design to research laboratory to mass deployment. The most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government – an initial investment of US$15 billion in projects targeting solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development.
