The UAE celebrated its 25th National Environment Day today on 04 February 2022.

The event is being held under the theme, "Climate Action Now," to raise the awareness of entrepreneurs and members of the community about climate change and its impacts. The activities will continue for four months — from February 4 to June 5 – that coincides with the National Environment Day to the World Environment Day.

Climate action and strategies to reduce carbon emissions have become an integral part of the UAE’s development model, which aims to encourage environmentally-friendly investments and turn challenges into opportunities.

On the 25th National Environment Day, President Sheikh Khalifa celebrated the UAE's “pioneering efforts” to safeguard its natural resources for future generations. Sheikh Khalifa spoke of the country's determination to promote sustainability and address the challenges of climate change as part of an ambitious green agenda.

“The National Environment Day, which we celebrate for the 25th year, is an important occasion to remember the efforts of the UAE’s leaders and people over the past 50 years, made to protect the environment, preserve the country’s natural resources, and invest in its land in a way that is conducive to providing continued prosperity and happiness for us and generations to come,” said Sheikh Khalifa.

He also said that the strategy is in line with the goals of the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who said “we take from our environment as much as we need and leave the rest to ensure the rights of future generations".

“The UAE is working on building a better future for its citizens and residents, as it provides an example to other countries on how to adopt a clean and renewable energy strategy.”

“We call upon our government institutions, the private sector, public benefit organisations, and individuals, to carry out their social, ethical and humanitarian responsibilities towards protecting the environment and climate”, he said

Sheikh Khalifa reflected on the need to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

Based on some studies made by several international agencies, the UAE’s comprehensive development plan for the next 50 years aims to reinforce its stature among advanced countries in accelerating the transition to a green economy.

On National Environment Day, the UAE reiterates its commitment to following the path of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and its adherence to implementing the policies, strategies, legislations, plans and programmes adopted by its leadership to ensure a sustainable future, by creating a balance between economic and social development and environmental protection.

The UAE has adopted a comprehensive policy with appropriate strategies and initiatives, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. It also launched the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050, a roadmap for supporting national activities and initiatives that aim to address climate change.

The UAE Cabinet adopted the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, followed by the formation of the UAE Circular Economy Council. In 2012, the country adopted a green economy approach to support its sustainable development through the UAE Green Growth Strategy, in addition to the UAE 2021 Vision, a national strategy that includes several indicators to ensure sustainable environmental development.

The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment also launched the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme to enhance the country’s resilience to the changing effects of climate change.

The UAE has sought to transition to clean energy over 15 years ago and now hosts three of the largest solar energy power plants in the world. The country is the first in the Middle East to operate a zero-carbon emission nuclear power plant, and the first country in the region to establish a carbon capture industrial facility.

Furthermore, it has also established the first green hydrogen industrial project in the region in May 2021, in addition to increasing the production of blue hydrogen as part of its efforts to diversify its sources of energy.

The UAE plans to cultivate 100 million mangroves by 2030, and is exploring other solutions to help reduce emissions in the agricultural sector, which constitutes one-fourth of the world’s emissions that links climate change to food security. Therefore, the UAE has invested significantly in agricultural technologies.

On the international front, the UAE launched, in cooperation with the US, the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), which is a key international initiative, with the participation of over 35 countries. The country is also preparing to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in 2023.

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