There is a lot of hope and optimism in the UAE as it looks to become more sustainable in the future. The country has set 2023 as the year when it will begin to take more action on its environmental issues, including the reduction of plastic bags and the use of renewable energy.
Plastic bags complete ban
It’s been almost six months since major cities of the UAE imposed a tariff on single-use plastic bags, but it won’t be long until the emirate bans them altogether. The policy is aimed at reducing waste and encouraging sustainable consumer behavior.
Single-use plastic bags are a huge source of pollution. It takes decades, if not hundreds of years, for them to decompose. This is why they are being replaced by multi-use alternatives such as jute bags, canvas bags, cotton bags, juco bags etc.
UAE plans to take a number of measures, including organizing awareness campaigns and speaking to producers of plastic. Those involved in the ban are also looking to share their experiences with other countries.
The COP28 climate conference in UAE
The United Arab Emirates has been on a crusade against climate change and that is the primary reason why UAE has been chosen to host COP28, the world’s biggest climate conference. Also, UAE was the first Middle Eastern nation to sign the Paris Agreement. COP28 will take place in Dubai in 2023.
At COP27, the UAE’s top climate envoy, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, talked up the country’s role in the global effort to curb emissions. He also stressed the UAE’s role in supporting vulnerable communities, especially those in the Global South.
According to the UAE, it has already invested US$50 billion in renewable energy projects in 70 countries. The country is also a permanent host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which promotes clean energy solutions.
UAE has also pledged to invest $1bn in a climate-smart agriculture program. But the big one is their plan to become carbon neutral by mid-century.
Sustainable practices
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will become the host of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE, in 2023. It is an important opportunity for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to make a positive contribution to the climate change negotiations.
This conference will focus on the progress made by signatory countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for a more sustainable future. It will also feature the first stocktake of national contributions to the Paris Agreement.
One of the most notable achievements of the UAE in recent years has been in the field of air quality management. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) published the UAE’s first National Air Emissions Inventory Report.
Awareness about reducing plastic bags
As part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development, the United Arab Emirates has announced plans to make 2023 the year for more sustainable actions. The emirate is one of the world’s most water-scarce nations, but it has made significant progress in developing urban infrastructure in recent years. It has also ratified environmental conventions and is working to protect endangered species.
Earlier this year, Dubai’s government announced it would start charging for single-use plastic bags in a two-year trial. Waitrose, the UK’s second-largest food retailer, has also announced a new initiative that will enable customers to trade in their plastic shopping bags in-store.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced a policy to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the emirate. EAD has worked with more than 30 private and public sector entities to launch the policy and is distributing tools to help implement the policy.
Alternatives to plastic bags
The UAE government has banned single-use plastic bags and introduced alternative solutions. Some of the alternatives available include reusable cotton tote bags, paper bags, starch-based bags, jute bags and other biodegradable bags.
In the UAE, about thirteen billion plastic bags are used every year. They take hundreds of years to break down, and they pollute water supplies, soils, and marine life.
Abu Dhabi is aiming to reduce the use of plastic bags and introduce alternative solutions to combat environmental hazards. On June 1st, the emirate’s Single Use Plastic Policy came into effect. It will eliminate the excessive use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and support efforts to promote sustainability in the emirate.
Moreover, the Ministry of Environment and Water will educate consumers on the benefits of alternatives, including cloth and paper bags. In addition, the ministry will launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to inform people about the environmental hazards of plastic bags.
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