Study reveals effects of climate change on the UAE

A REPORT to identify and assess the potential magnitude of the physical impacts associated with climate change on the United Arab Emirates was released last month by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD). The three-volume report, "Climate Change and the UAE: Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation in the UAE", focuses on the most vulnerable sectors: Coastal Zones, Abu Dhabi Emirate's water resources, and dry land ecosystems. "The UAE is seriously concerned about climate change on many levels. We are a country that already faces extreme climatic conditions and has precious natural resources, so long-term variations in temperature and precipitation will produce adverse impacts," said HE Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general of EAD. Part 1 of the report focuses on the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation for coastal zones, which include an analysis of sea level rise on coastal zones throughout the UAE. Amongst its findings on the impact of climate change on Coastal Zones: Sabkhat areas will likely experience inland migration. Much of the UAE's mangrove forest area will be adversely impacted. Sea grass productivity will diminish. Coral reefs will likely experience greater bleaching frequency. Fishery habitats will be degraded. Part II deals with the vulnerability and adaptation to climate change on water resources, and contains the results of analysis of water supply and demand in the face of climate change in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The report finds that when in comes to water resources: Current patterns of water use areunsustainable. Irrigated agriculture policy needs strategic reconsideration; 'Greening the desert' programs and agricultural, forestry, and plantation irrigated areas make up more than 80% of the total annual water use. Climate change will likely be a marginal affect on future water supply/demand; Even though average annual precipitation in Abu Dhabi has reached its lowest recorded levels during the last decade, future climate change is likely to have little impact on future water supplies compared to the effect of water demand. Reducing future water demand represents a strategic priority; wi thout demand management strategies in place, the Abu Dhabi Emirate will face future water deficits that would need to be offset by large new supplies of water. PartIII deals with the impacts , vulnerability and adaptation for dry land ecosystems, and presents the results of the qualitative assessment of the impacts from increased variability in rainfall and temperature regimes on dry land ecosystems in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. It reports: Ecosystem displacement and/or disappearance; Reaching a "tipping point" with subsequent ecosystem collapse; Reduced biodiversity of flora and fauna; Increased level of aridity and corresponding reductions in soil moisture; and Natural and managed ecosystems in mountains and Wadis are not drought-resistant, and are at risk as temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change. Water and agriculture resources A Permanent Committee for Water and Agriculture Resources has been formed to develop ambitious policies, strategies and plans in the water and agriculture sector. The Committee's responsibility includes developing an inventory of all water resources in the Emirate. This includes groundwater, desalinated and treated wastewater. It will also study the best techniques used in the agricultural field and how these can increase food self-efficiency, and ways to rationalise water consumption and establish water and treated wastewater networks.(the end)Air Max 90 VT QS