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DUBAI – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) today launched the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, which was approved by the UAE Cabinet in June 2022.
The Agenda provides an overarching framework to lead and coordinate federal and local government entities and the private sector to monitor and effectively manage air quality and reduce air pollution to promote a healthy and safe environment.
The launch, held during a forum organized by MoCCAE to mark the International Day for Clean Air for Blue Sky, with the theme “The Air We Share”, featured several presentations on local scientific research on the composition and origin of particulate matter.
The event attracted participation from international organisations, including the United Nations, the Global Green Growth Institute and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Federal and local government entities present at the meeting included the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Federal Centre for Competitiveness and Statistics, National Meteorological Centre, Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, Dubai City, Sharjah City, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dubai Health Authority, Ras Environmental Protection and Development Authority of Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain City. Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates University and New York University Abu Dhabi represented the academic community at the forum.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Air pollution is one of the major problems affecting human well-being and the environment. It is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths each year, helping to hinder the global fight against climate change. “
She added: “To mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, we are hosting a forum that brings together local and international stakeholders to highlight the interconnectedness between air pollution and public health, promote collective action to address the issue, and Drive discussions to develop practical solutions. Agenda development is made possible through the invaluable contributions of various federal and local government stakeholders. The active engagement of our institutional partners is a testament to the paramount importance of this effort.”
The agenda lists trends, initiatives and projects to be launched over the next few years to address air pollution in four focus areas: outdoor air quality, indoor air quality, ambient odor and ambient noise.
To achieve its goals, the National Air Quality Agenda outlines key enablers, including establishing a clear and robust policy and institutional framework, enhancing technical and human resource capacity, promoting scientific and academic research, leveraging advanced technologies, and facilitating access to financial resources.
The agenda is built on three pillars. Monitoring refers to the actual measurement of air pollution and related parameters, while mitigation involves a wide range of existing, planned and necessary actions that will be taken to reduce levels and exposure to pollutants. Finally, management involves measures that enable effective implementation, tracking and control of interventions and initiatives to achieve the overall goal of improving air quality.
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