The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is working to develop the final version of a policy on Climate Change for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Policy will focus on the necessary measures that need to be adopted by the Energy, Waste Management, Coastal Zones, Ecosystems, Dryland, Transportation and Water Resources sector.
During a recent workshop, participants reviewed the initial framework of the Policy, which was developed by EAD’s Environment Policy Sector, Dr. Bill Dougherty of the Stockholm Environment Institute and representatives of the relevant sectors on the local and national level.
Participants agreed on several effective outputs, which will be reflected in the final version of this policy. The Policy is expected to be completed in mid-2009.
Dr. Jaber Al Jaberi, Director, Environmental Policy Sector, said that this Policy is just one of the initiatives adopted by EAD that support the UAE’s efforts to comply with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Al Jaberi added that this Policy is also inline with Abu Dhabi Government’s vision and Abu Dhabi Policy Agenda. “This Policy will be the basis from which we will build legislation, regulations and practices to reduce the impact of Climate Change on Abu Dhabi and to reduce carbon emissions at the local level. We need the support and the participation of all the sectors,” said Al Jaberi.
He pointed out performance indicators will be developed based on this Policy. They will measure the effectiveness of the Climate Change Policy of Abu Dhabi Emirate and its adaptability to international standards.
Small Things You Can Do to Help Tackle Climate Change:
1.Plant more trees. They absorb Carbon Dioxide.
2.Switch off your inefficient incandescent light bulbs.
3.Car Pool. This reduces your carbon footprint by 1 pound for every mile you don’t drive!
4.Change your car’s air filter frequently.
5.Run your dishwasher only when it is full.
6.Encourage e-mailing in the office. When paper is necessary, use both sides of the paper.
7.Eliminate unnecessary photocopying and reuse packaging for shipping.
8.If you are a company, award employees who come up with ways to minimize your energy loss and improve energy efficiency in your office.
