Environment
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2016
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The federal government’s recent efforts to reduce the nation’s environmental impact have started to bear fruit. A three-year plan was announced in late 2014 for reusing 100% of recycled water. Currently Abu Dhabi treats all 800,000 cu metres of the wastewater generated daily, of which 60% is reused while 40% returns to sea. Meanwhile in early 2015 legal moves were made to endorse the expansion of the emirate’s protected areas, oversight of which falls under the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Elsewhere a 25-year recycling plan will break Abu Dhabi into zones, with recycling centres being developed according to the types of waste generated in those particular areas. This chapter includes an interview with Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Holistic policies: A number of initiatives aim to protect and preserve the environment and promote sustainable development
OBG
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With its hot and arid climate, Abu Dhabi is predisposed to a number of environmental challenges that threaten its capacity to sustainably meet the needs of its growing population. In light of this, the importance of protecting the emirate’s natural environment is enshrined in key policy documents, including the Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030. Driving resource efficiency – in particular in water and energy – to minimise the environmental impact is a key area of work for the emirate’s environmental…

Interview

Strength in depth: OBG talks to Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
OBG
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Interview:Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak What measures are being developed to reduce water consumption levels? RAZAN AL MUBARAK: With an increasing population, Abu Dhabi’s water demand is expected to rise, and during challenging economic conditions this only increases the importance of the water budget. Groundwater, as oil and gas, are finite resources, which compels the government to find innovative solutions. The EAD is hence advocating for the adoption of a water budget system to ensure sustainability…

Analysis

Tapping into savings: Measures are being taken to ensure more sustainable usage of water resources
OBG
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Limited supply of available water resources poses an acute challenge to Abu Dhabi and the UAE more broadly. As new research points to the urgency in countering the trends of high water usage, the government is looking to increase efficiencies to sustain the water resources needed to support growth. On the agenda is the implementation of a data-driven water budget that encourages the sustainable use of water resources across agricultural, industrial and residential users. Falling Levels According…