Abu Dhabi makes progress in building resilience to climate change – News

It has strict policies and procedures for developing waterfront areas etc.

Abu Dhabi has made significant progress in implementing its various policies and initiatives to build resilience and prepare the emirate for the impacts of climate change, according to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

As the world has endured a difficult period over the past few years due to the pandemic and economic setbacks, Abu Dhabi is ensuring climate change policy is not sidelined as environmental sustainability is more important than ever. The emirate of Abu Dhabi is ensuring the right steps are taken to combat the effects of climate change to keep its residents safe.

To achieve this, the DMT said it has prioritized environmental sustainability by putting in place stringent policies and procedures to ensure the emirate is prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change challenges such as extreme weather conditions, droughts, wildfires, storms, floods and sea level rise which in turn affects biodiversity, food security and water supply.

As part of Abu Dhabi’s preparations to meet these challenges, DMT is continuing to implement the ‘Maritime Plan: Abu Dhabi Coastal and Marine Framework Plan’, developed in coordination with many government agency stakeholders as part of its Components of the strategy ensure the long-term viability of coastal and marine areas.

It sets stringent policies and procedures for waterfront development in Abu Dhabi, which include minimum marine protection standards and ground standards for habitable spaces.

The framework provides strategic planning guidance and direction for all waterways and coastal and marine areas within the emirate. The plan ensures that investments and projects in Abu Dhabi’s marine and coastal areas are sustainable by establishing a comprehensive, streamlined and up-to-date regulatory framework.

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Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Ministry of Municipalities and Transport, said: “The impacts of climate change vary and our resilience planning is tailored to the needs of our emirate and the environmental factors affecting the region. We are implementing several initiatives and policies Across different sectors to ensure that future generations can enjoy the overall long-term impact of all our efforts.

“For example, design standards and building codes are critical to making cities more resilient to climate change. Changes in building heights, foundation design, moisture accumulation, and debris damage can improve cities’ resilience. We are building new models in all windows, doors, and glass Surfaces are one of the necessary specifications for new buildings to make their cities more resilient to climate impacts and allow them to recover more quickly.”

DMT has also launched its sustainable development programme, Estidama, the first of its kind for the Middle East, to plan, design, build and operate sustainable projects that involve, on the one hand, traditions in the rich local culture, and on the other. On the one hand it concerns the region on the other side of the harsh climatic nature of the Middle East. As part of its pearl rating system, Estidama encourages water, energy and waste minimization and the use of local materials to improve the supply chain of sustainable and recycled materials and products.

Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Through the Transport Mobility Management Strategy (TMM) and Ground Transport Master Plan, Abu Dhabi is working to deliver world-class sustainable mobility solutions through responsible use of resources, reduction of pollution and preservation of Abu Dhabi’s unique environment. It embraces public transport infrastructure powered by renewable energy technologies and alternative fuels, promises to reduce CO2 emissions in all aspects of transport, from design to construction to operation, and promises to encourage walking, cycling and respect for the natural environment.

DMT is working to move towards sustainable transportation by introducing autonomous and shared vehicles, adaptive traffic signals and data-driven last-mile mobility solutions.

Falah Al Ahbabi said: “We recently launched our autonomous TXAI and Robobus services in Abu Dhabi as part of our efforts to build an intelligent transport system that supports the development of various sectors and facilitates the mobility of its residents and visitors. Through Smart Mobility , Abu Dhabi can reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, improve transport accessibility and affordability, promote economic growth and protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions, while improving the quality of life for our residents.”