Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) today launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025-2050), a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate's natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate change. This pioneering plan - the emirate's first - was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023-2027. The plan is also aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the EAD, stated that the launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a significant moment for the environmental future of the emirate. The plan aims to enhance the resilience of natural resources, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure water and food security. It represents a commitment to adaptation to current and future climate impacts, aligning with UAE's national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities and safeguarding ecosystems.
The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan targets three vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil, and biodiversity, which are critical to Abu Dhabi's human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem health. Through risk assessments, the plan identifies climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects for the next five years, spanning technical, institutional, and nature-based solutions.
Over the long term, the plan supports Abu Dhabi's strategic ambition to preserve its natural capital and contributes to national efforts for food self-sufficiency and sustainable land and water management systems. Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector, emphasized that the plan is adaptive and integrates the latest data, climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure effective responses over time. It is part of a broader strategy to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.
The development of the plan was a collaborative effort led by EAD, involving over 40 government, semi-government, academic, civil society entities, and youth. The plan is designed to be dynamic with mechanisms for periodic review and integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. It complements the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, the National Biodiversity Strategy, and other international commitments, as part of a broader emirate-wide adaptation strategy.