© 2009 Flickr/Joi Ito cc by 2.0
From an indoor ski resort to artificial islands, Dubai is a city of engineering marvels and architectural splendor. But these impressive achievements go hand in hand with the intensive use of energy and water. In a warming climate, building a sustainable city is one of Dubai’s big challenges.
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates — a rapidly developing and diversifying country on the Arabian Peninsula. This desert city is no stranger to intense heat. But as the planet warms, Dubai and neighboring cities like Abu Dhabi will get hotter and more arid. This may make it challenging even for many desert plants to grow.
Dubai is located on the coastal zone that is home to 85% of the country’s population and 90% of its infrastructure. As climate change raises sea levels globally, this infrastructure could be damaged and rising tides could force people to leave their homes. In addition, warmer seas could hurt some of the country’s most important fisheries.
Presented by Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi
An environmental and civil engineer, Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi has taken environmental work and awareness to another level in the Middle East. He advises the Dubai government on environmental education policies and implementation. He works closely with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on civil society, youth, sports and sustainable development issues. Ibrahim is also a passionate diver, and is the Environmental Advisor and the Executive Director of the Emirates Diving Association, a UNEP-accredited NGO.
To learn more about this presenter, click here.