Scientific research, investment in technology only way out

While the Ajman 5th International Environment Conference came to a close on Wednesday, participating experts and researchers urged more investment in scientific research and modern technologies in the UAE to confront the phenomenon of “climate change”.

While adaptation to climate change proves to be a major and challenging issue in the UAE, the region, and world, the promotion of technologies has also been recommended to help develop the right mechanisms that deal with the problem. Not only has water to be provided, but the practices of using non-conventional water resources have to be improved as well.

Local and federal governments have been advised to adopt clear plans for switching to “electric” and “hybrid” vehicles to reduce the impact of climate change.

Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, said the recommendations reached showed that the emirate of Ajman can use solar energy as a major source for producing electricity in various communities. “It can further be a pioneer in this field.”

The conference called upon the UAE educational institutions to encourage students to study timely subjects, such as environmental sciences, climate change and renewable energy, he said.

“Smart and sustainable communities should rather start with a vision from decision-makers, while a goal should be developed to turn these sustainable, sustainable communities into a reality.”

The international experts urged Ajman government to adopt the best environmental practices that support the implementation of the (Ajman 2021 Vision) to turn into a “sustainable city”, and support new trends in “sustainable agriculture”, particularly at areas with insufficient spaces.

The conference has further recommended the activation of the policies and laws that support the implementation of the concept of “sustainability” in various sectors.

The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has been urged to widen the scope of “Sustainability” scientific research through the Sustainability Centre of the Public Health and Environment Sector at the Department, and boost cooperation with global peers and experts.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, are of the major tools that help mitigate and adapt to climate change, as per the recommendations of the conference.

“The UAE does have the means to improve wastewater treatment technologies and generation of electricity, while recharging groundwater techniques are of the most important measures available to mitigate climate change in the UAE.”

“The geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing are good techniques for monitoring and evaluating water ecosystems”, they underlined, urging the adoption and implementation of the same in support to adaptation to climate change.

The researchers and international experts have also called for more researches and studies on monitoring air quality to mitigate the effects of climate change and to precisely enforce due policies and regulations to help maintain air quality and cleanliness and protect public health and wildlife.

They recommended the use of “artificial intelligence” in mitigating and adapting to climate change, stressing that the UAE is heading rapidly towards a sustainable lifestyle.

“International best practices should be observed and utilized, while community members, including students, researchers and business owners, have to be involved to reach an integrated system, the “environmental sustainability” goals in the UAE, and strengthen the country international position in this vital sector.”

The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, meanwhile, honored the sponsors of the fifth edition of the global environmental event. These spanned the Emirates Airlines (official carrier), along with the Ajman University, Al Futtaim Motors, Etisalat, Ajman Sewerage, Ajman Transport Corporation, Al Zoura, Al Khayyat Investments, Provent, Hutchison Ports, and Ramada Hotel (Green Sponsors).

These were apart from the Ajman Chamber and KHK (Blue Sponsors), Arab and Indian Spices, “Stroll”, Naseem Perfume, Themar Al Bahar Restaurant, and Brothers Gas (co-sponsors).

The organizing committee of the conference also honored the keynote speakers in recognition of their efforts, creativity, scientific findings and valuable recommendations, leave alone the journalists and media people who covered the event.

The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department later announced the winners of the environmental competition for Ajman University students on environmental protection and recycling “G0 Green projects” which it organized in cooperation with the Ajman University.

The first place was secured by Sabeea Al-Sibae, Mohammed Al-Khatib, Najmuddin Sharaf, Majdudin Qanous, and Muhannad Thabit for their ‘Sustainable Irrigation System’ project.

The second place was seized by Jafar Al-Shididi, Mohammad Shadi, and Rami Salim for their ‘Water Bottle Dispensing Machine’ project, while Imad Dababsa, Hamad Yahya, Mohammed Kayed and Osama Nabil, ranked third for their ‘Smart & Sustainable Lighting System’ project.