Dubai has committed to join the global fight against climate change by signing the ‘air quality declaration’ alongside 34 other international cities at the C40 World Mayors Summit.
The air quality improvement declaration obliges cities to set pollution reduction targets and publish periodic reports on their progress.
Cities that have signed on to the declaration have also committed to a range of policies and programmes including public transport, low or zero carbon emissions and encouraging alternative modes of transportation.
“Through sustainable construction and with sustainability at its core, the upcoming Dubai World Expo 2020 is on track to becoming one of the most sustainable expositions in history, and we are excited to share our innovative and impactful climate change solutions with the rest of the world,” said Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, secretary-general of the Executive Council of Dubai and vice president of the Asian and East Asian cities in the C40 steering committee.
‘We look forward to working alongside these strong regional and global players to secure a brighter and sustainable future for many generations to come,” Al Basti added.
Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, the director general of the Dubai Health Authority, said that climate change is one of the most pressing issues affecting the global community today.
“Taking part in the air quality declaration is a significant step towards unifying global efforts in reducing climate change’s effects on the environment,” he said.
“The emirate is well established and positioned to address these environmental concerns and is leveraging its experience and knowledge to play a prominent and global role in achieving a cleaner environment by 2030.”
According to statistics from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai has reduced carbon emissions in the emirate by 19 percent two years ahead of schedule, and has also exceeded the Dubai Carbon Emission Strategy’s target to reduce emissions by 16 percent by 2021.
Additionally, the number of people who use public transportation has risen from 163 million in 2006 to over 589 million [passenger trips] in 2018. By 2021, 50 percent of Dubai’s taxi fleet will be comprised of hybrid and electric vehicles.
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