DUBAI CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY (DCCAS)

In line with the strategic directions of the Emirate in prioritizing the challenges caused by the climate change resulting from the practices and activities of our modern societies, Dubai Municipality, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, developed the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. This was a first step in aligning and enhancing the adaptation measures undertaken by the Emirate of Dubai to its changing climate. The intentions in achieving the goals of the international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change signed by the UAE and Dubai's participation in the C40 Climate Leadership Network were solidified by the Strategy. The strategy has developed a long-term proactive plan ensuring climate change readiness of all relevant sectors (environment, food security, energy, water, health, infrastructure and business). In accordance with the International Committee on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology, the strategy is a product of close and effective collaboration with a number of strategic Dubai partners of various sectors, namely Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Petroleum and Emirates Global Aluminium.

Strategy Framework

The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy aims to create an adaptation framework that achieves synergy with other ambitions of Dubai, overall resilience of community and the natural and economic systems on which they depend on, align with the sustainable urban development and environmental aspirations and directions of the Emirate of Dubai. The strategy's framework follows a well-established methodology to achieve the climate change resilience and adaptive capacity in the Emirate of Dubai. Identified climate-related risks were based on main climatic and non-climatic stress factors, and potential impacts evaluated from the sensitivity, adaptive capacity and exposure of the sectors. Additionally, the framework highlights the approach plan and expected outcomes, and identifies the main sectors in Emirate of Dubai expected to be affected by the climate change pressures. The framework was based on two key pillars:

  • Enhancing actions and measures taken to adapt to climate changes.
  • Ensuring the sectors' readiness and adaptation to future climate changes.

STRATEGY OBJECTIVES

The Strategy has received a substantial support and collaboration from the concerned government and private stakeholders. The strategy is focusing on the following key objectives:

  • Build coordinated and inclusive climate change adaptation strategy supporting local and federal policies and plans.
  • Strengthen strategic cooperation and international leadership.
  • Unify all efforts among all sectors to adapt to the climate change by increasing resilience and decreasing environmental footprint.
  • Develop short and long-term action plans according to the determined priorities within the strategy.
  • Align specific future initiatives and projects with global and national trends on climate change.

ACTION PLANS UP TO 2100

The UAE has a reputation for being the most active, forward-thinking country within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concerning climatic actions and approaches, focusing on economic diversification, low-carbon transition and clean energy sources. It is committed to international agreements and frameworks addressing climate change and its risks. The Dubai's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was developed to set the main strategic direction and the first steps towards more detailed planning and implementation of climate change actions. In order to ensure the successful implementation of the Dubai's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, a number of short- mid- and long-term actions (<2030 to 2100), and cross sectoral opportunities and benefits, has been identified. The Strategy closely monitors adaptation actions to provide an insight into how Dubai is preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change.