Abu Dhabi has introduced a major 25-year plan to fight climate change and protect its natural resources. Announced by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, this is the emirate’s first dedicated effort to address climate challenges. The plan aims to work with scientists and bring different organizations together to build a resilient and sustainable future for Abu Dhabi’s environment and people.

The plan concentrates on three very vulnerable parts of Abu Dhabi’s environment: groundwater, soil, and biodiversity. Groundwater is crucial for water supply and farming, but is threatened by changing weather patterns. Soil is at risk from erosion and desertification, which can harm agriculture. Biodiversity, including marine life, faces dangers from rising sea levels and pollution.

To protect these systems, the plan proposes 142 different strategies, with 86 high-priority projects to be started in the next five years. These include using new technology, better policies, and nature-based solutions to help ecosystems adapt and stay healthy.

A key feature of the plan is its reliance on the latest scientific data. It was created with input from over 40 government, academic, civil society, and youth groups. The plan is designed to be flexible, with regular reviews and updates as new scientific information becomes available. It also aligns with national and international goals, such as the UAE’s Climate Change Strategy and the agreements made at COP28.

The plan aims to do more than just react to climate change. It wants to protect and improve natural resources for the future. Abu Dhabi is working on projects like planting millions of coral colonies by 2030 to restore marine life, covering over 900 hectares (a metric unit of square measure, equal to 100 acres), making it the world’s largest coral planting project. The Coral Garden initiative, launched in May, involves installing 40,000 artificial corals to support marine ecosystems.

The emirate is also working on reducing pollution, improving air quality, and cutting down on plastic waste. In 2022, Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastics, which removed hundreds of millions of plastic bags from circulation.

Abu Dhabi has also started measuring greenhouse gases properly with a new reporting program to help reduce emissions. This will support the development of a carbon pricing system, encouraging industries to lower their pollution and move toward cleaner energy. All these steps show Abu Dhabi’s leadership in climate action, aligning with global efforts and commitments.

Abu Dhabi’s climate plan is an example of how a region can take serious steps to protect its environment and prepare for climate change. It focuses on the most vulnerable ecosystems, uses science and teamwork, and includes innovative projects like coral planting and pollution reduction.

To learn more about Abu Dhabi’s climate strategy, find more at The National and Economy Middle East.