The UAE Environmental Identity (UAEEI) is a new national project and app launched under the National Experts Programme (NEP) with the goal of motivating individuals in the UAE to contribute towards carbon emission reduction. The initiative is spearheaded by Abdulla Al Remeithi, an NEP Fellow. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) collaborated with the NEP to implement this project.
The launch ceremony took place at COP28 in Expo City Dubai and was graced by the presence of Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, minister of Climate Change and the Environment. Almheiri, who is also an NEP mentor, plays a pivotal role in leading the UAE’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In her capacity as a mentor, she closely collaborates with the program’s sector participants to share her specialized expertise, leadership skills, and guidance, enabling them to drive transformative changes within their respective sectors.
The UAEEI serves as a data collection tool and aims to assess the environmental impact of individuals in the UAE. It gathers information based on consumer choices to provide decision-makers with precise data, facilitating the formulation of future policies. Additionally, the app empowers individuals by enabling them to actively offset their carbon footprint as the UAE strives to reduce its emissions by 43 percent by 2030.
Read more: COP28: Historic agreement propels global transition away from fossil fuels
A pioneering climate solution
Almheiri commented on the launch, stating that the Environmental Identity App illuminates the climate innovators in the UAE. She emphasized that in this era of climate innovation, the nation’s sustainability will be determined by the platforms created for these innovators to transition their work from the laboratory to the real world.
She further highlighted that the app represents a pioneering solution that not only measures but also reduces individuals’ environmental impact. Moreover, Almheiri described it as a significant advancement aligned with the national vision of preserving the environment for future generations by empowering people to make informed choices.
Expressing her gratitude, she acknowledged the National Experts Programme initiated by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to identify a new generation of technical experts and innovators. Also, she attributed the development of the UAEEI to the collaborative efforts of programs like NEP, which combine academic rigor, active mentoring, and funding pathways.
Establishing a global example
The initiative is led by Abdulla Al Remeithi, NEP fellow and director of Environment Policy, Regulation, and Climate Change at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, EAD, and Mubadala are the sponsors of this initiative.
Additionally, the UAEEI is the result of Abdulla’s Capstone Project in NEP 1.0. It received funding from Mubadala, NEP’s legacy partner, to launch this innovative national initiative.
Al Remeithi expressed that the UAE Environmental Identity is a national project and a groundbreaking initiative aimed at establishing a global example by redefining our role in the global battle against climate change.
Furthermore, he explained that the ultimate goal of this initiative is to create a positive and measurable impact by reducing the country’s environmental footprint and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Additionally, he highlighted that it represents a transformative solution that aligns with several upcoming efforts in their pipeline.
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