The UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment held its first meeting in 2018, presided over by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The meeting was convened at the Telal Resort Al Ain and attended by Council members from local and federal authorities and the private sector.
Al Zeyoudi stressed at the meeting that the UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment was formed in accordance with the vision of the UAE wise leadership and national efforts to adopt international best practices to promote sustainability as a lifestyle and a key element in all development schemes to ensure the preservation of local environment for current and future generations.
The Council’s first meeting in 2018 highlighted the major environmental and climate change projects and initiatives that were carried out last year, and laid out the plans for this year. A special focus was given to the 38th Tree Planting Week, the Unified Address and Spatial Guidance System, and the Smart Board for Green Indicators.
The meeting provided updates on the national agenda on air quality and treated waste proportion from total waste produced in the UAE. It also discussed the deliverables of the Climate Innovations Exchange (CLIX), hosted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2018.
It reviewed the ambitious goals expected from the national air emissions inventory, the air quality satellite monitoring project, and ministerial decrees on the use of recycled materials and on banned and restricted-use pesticides.
The UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment was formed pursuant to Ministerial Decision No (795) of 2016, to be in charge of formulating the country’s policy and strategies on climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable development, as well as developing plans towards achieving them and representing the UAE in regional and international negotiations related to the scope of work of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The Council will also create partnerships with the private sector and conduct studies and lead scientific research in fields related to the Ministry’s work.
The Council, through these meetings, aims to find solutions to the crucial environmental challenges faced by the country while maintaining economic growth and protecting cultural and civilizational heritage at same time. It also aims at developing and implementing a comprehensive and ambitious plan that will serve as an example in the region in dealing with climate change and environment,”.