61% of UAE residents believe climate change is real

Some 61 percent of UAE residents believe climate change is real and that human activity is the main cause, according to a survey.

Some 79% of people living in the UAE are convinced that climate damage is currently happening. However, 55% of people believe the future is still in their hands and that climate damage and pollution are manageable, according to the first-ever Ecological Transition Survey, conducted by Veolia in partnership with research and consultancy firm Elabe.

To gauge public opinion on issues such as climate change and pollution, the survey, called the Ecological Transition Barometer, also found that 70 percent of respondents in the UAE believed that the costs of climate damage and pollution would outweigh the required investments.

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The survey showed that 65% expressed feelings of ecological and climate vulnerability, and 35% believed that we need to change our lifestyles to live more frugally and adopt technological solutions to reduce climate damage.

The survey also showed that 6 in 10 people in the UAE are willing to accept 95% of the changes brought about by green solutions, provided they pose no health risks, are economically and culturally cost-affordable, and contribute to the country’s food or energy security.

Additionally, 63% said they would pay more for local, less CO2-intensive energy, and 61% would pay more for everyday items made from recycled materials.

Interestingly, respondents in the UAE are highly receptive to reducing meat consumption, embracing food grown with recycled water, using recycled water to wash dishes and clothes, and buying a car or other means of transport that is partially made from recycled materials.

Part of Global Studies

The survey is part of a global study using a sample that reflects the voices of more than half the world’s population, covering 25 countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.

It shows that 7 in 10 people globally feel vulnerable to environmental risks, 89% of the world’s population believe climate change is happening and 67% believe change is needed.

Commenting on the survey, Thierry Dezenclos, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia UAE, said: “I believe this survey will serve as an important platform to understand the social, economic and cultural acceptance of the local population. In the face of increasing Serious problems that need to change.”

more than 12 days

In the UAE, the survey was conducted over 12 days and involved more than 1,000 respondents who were asked a series of questions on the themes of risks, solutions, acceptability and conditions.

Overall, the survey paints a positive picture for the UAE, which has declared 2023 the year of sustainable development and is preparing to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai.

The survey further supports the UAE’s efforts in environmental protection, which has been at the heart of the country’s national agenda. It is the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council to sign the Paris Agreement in 2021 and announce its intention to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

In line with its commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future, the country also launched its National Net Zero Pathway 2050 at COP27 – the first step in implementing the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero Strategic Initiative. — trade arab news agency