The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050). This extensive, science-driven roadmap is crafted to safeguard the emirate’s natural resources and systems against the escalating and unavoidable impacts of climate change, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.
This plan, which marks the emirate’s inaugural effort in this realm, was developed as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027. It aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, as well as the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28. This framework sets specific timelines for adaptation planning across key sectors.
Commitment to actionable climate strategies
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of EAD, stated: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage. This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented roadmap that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity, and strive to ensure water and food security.”
“This achievement reflects our commitment to foreseeing a future based on adaptation to current and future climate impacts. It strengthens our efforts to achieve the UAE’s national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities and safeguarding ecosystems. This plan firmly places the emirate at the forefront of adaptation planning in the region.”
The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan zeroes in on three highly vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil, and biodiversity. These elements are crucial for Abu Dhabi’s human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity, and overall ecosystem integrity. Through comprehensive risk assessments, the plan identifies a variety of climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be executed by 2050. Among these, 86 high-priority projects are earmarked for implementation in the next five years, encompassing a spectrum of technical, institutional, and nature-based solutions.
In the long term, the plan promotes Abu Dhabi’s strategic aspirations to preserve and enhance its natural resources. It plays a significant role in national initiatives aimed at increasing food self-sufficiency, transitioning to more sustainable land and water management practices, and boosting the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. These efforts not only mitigate future environmental and economic risks but also contribute to the emirate’s social and ecological stability.
Science-based pathway for protection
Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, remarked: “This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region. It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi’s natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change. Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time. As part of a broader national and emirate-wide strategy, it reinforces our long-term vision to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.”
The formulation of this plan was a collaborative endeavor led by EAD, involving over 40 government, semi-government, academic, and civil society entities, including youth organizations. The plan is intended to be dynamic and forward-looking, incorporating mechanisms for periodic review, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. In conjunction with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, it also complements the National Biodiversity Strategy and other international commitments.
The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) represents one of four sectoral plans being implemented under a comprehensive emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Future plans will target the energy, health, and infrastructure sectors, collectively forming a cohesive framework that ensures the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s critical systems and communities.
Read more: Abu Dhabi’s environment agency joins UAE Alliance for Climate Action Advisory Committee
Launching the MRV program
In December 2024, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launched a Carbon Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) program that complies with international standards, representing a vital step toward reducing carbon emissions within the emirate.
EAD has made significant strides in assessing the feasibility of carbon pricing mechanisms, a critical approach in the fight against carbon emissions and climate change in both Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE. This initiative is designed to accelerate the emirate’s transition to a low-carbon economy while promoting the decarbonization of high-emission and hard-to-address sectors. In preparation for COP28, the agency has invested considerable resources in partnership with federal and local entities, as well as the private sector.
Research conducted by EAD suggests that implementing a domestic carbon pricing system will support Abu Dhabi’s industries, particularly those with substantial emissions, in their decarbonization efforts. The MRV program is tailored to facilitate accurate monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, providing the groundwork for an effective carbon pricing strategy.
This system aims to standardize and improve the reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Abu Dhabi’s industrial and energy sectors, aligning local initiatives with global best practices. This alignment further enhances international competitiveness, manages long-term GHG emissions, and fosters technological innovation at the forefront of the global climate change agenda in the region.
The program will enerate reliable data that meets global climate standards, including those set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also aligns with the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement and international climate mitigation efforts. Furthermore, it reinforces the outcomes of the UAE Consensus adopted during COP28.
