Abu Dhabi's EAD Highlights Initiatives To Safeguard Environment, Achieve Net Zero

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) issued its 2023 annual report highlighting its role in protecting the environment and achieving net zero.

The report detailed the agency's work in enhancing Abu Dhabi's air quality, groundwater, marine water, and soil quality alongside protecting desert and marine ecosystem biodiversity. The EAD credited its partnerships with private sector entities, NGOs, and global environmental organizations for wide range of accomplishments.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD, emphasized the importance of EAD in supporting the emirate's sustainable development goals.

He pointed out that the agency achieved these goals successfully by implementing "ambitious projects and initiatives to preserve Abu Dhabi's environment and biodiversity while enhancing its environmental leadership on a local, regional and global level," WAM reported.

"This reflects the Abu Dhabi government's vision and aspirations for the next fifty years, which is to become the world's most effective climate action and environmental body by 2071," he added.

Al Nahyan praised EAD's performance in 2023, noting that the agency doubled its efforts to preserve the environment to match the fast-paced developments happening in the emirate, the country, and the region.

According to the chairman, EAD persisted in conserving Abu Dhabi's valuable natural resources, including protecting freshwater and terrestrial and marine biodiversity, establishing air quality standards, and ensuring a clean environment, securing future generations.

"Climate actions were intensified during 2023, with the Agency reaffirming its commitment to Abu Dhabi's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the UAE's goal of achieving climate neutrality by the year 2050," he said.

Al Nahyan further said that the agency "launched and implemented the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy to accelerate climate action and enhance the Emirate's ability to confront climate change."

He added that the agency's participation in COP28, which was hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai, highlighted a wide range of innovations that would protect the emirate's environment.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD's Board of Directors, also shared similar sentiments regarding the agency's work to protect the environment for future generations.

Earlier this week, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Etihad Airways, and Thales joined forces by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in reducing the climate impact within the Emirates Flight Information Region (FIR).