The UAE has taken early steps to conserve natural resources, increase the use of clean energy, and implement green development plans, consistent with strategies including UAE Centennial 2071, and UAE Vision 2021, a top official said.
World Environment Day 2019 provides an opportunity to urge governments, industries, communities, and individuals to work together to explore renewable energy and green technologies, thereby improving air quality in cities and regions around the world, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).
"World Environment Day, on 5 June 2019, is organized this year under the theme Air Pollution. The theme reflects a global consensus to highlight the dangers of the issue that has become a global crisis with negative effects on everyone's health,” said Al Tayer.
“Global reports reveal that around 92 per cent of people worldwide don’t breathe fresh air and air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion each year in social welfare costs. World Environment Day 2019 will be an opportunity to urge governments, industries, communities, and individuals to work together to explore renewable energy and green technologies, thereby improving air quality in cities and regions around the world.”
"Dubai has been a pioneer in the implementation of programmes and initiatives that contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, launching the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park: the largest single-site solar park in the world. Based on the Independent Power Producer model, it has a projected capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030.
“The solar park will contribute to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world. The Emirate also launched the Dubai Green Mobility initiative to promote the use and deployment of electric and hybrid vehicles to achieve the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy targets and reduce carbon emissions by 16 percent by 2021," said Al Tayer.
"Dewa is one of the pioneers who set up environmental programmes and initiatives that resulted in it receiving many global environmental awards, including the Five Star Environmental Audit and the Globe of Honour from the British Safety Council with full marks, seven years in a row.
“This puts Dewa at the forefront of sustainable institutions by fully complying with all local and international environmental requirements with zero environmental violations. The awards recognize the unique approach, strategies, and environmental policies adopted by Dewa in implementing the integrated management systems policy to achieve sustainability and environmental protection concepts," said Al Tayer in conclusion.
