UAE tops global 2020 rankings in eight environmental indicators

The UAE is dominating the global competitiveness rankings for 2020 in eight environmental indicators, while also placing first in the MENA region in 19 of them.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the UAE’s prominent standing in global environmental rankings is the direct outcome of the continuing support and guidance of the country’s wise leadership, its effective cooperation with federal and local government entities, as well as the productive partnerships with the private sector and with international organizations specializing in environmental work.

"Protecting our environment, ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources, and conserving our biodiversity are among the strategic goals of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MoCCAE. To address these priorities, the Ministry has implemented an integrated framework including in its scope environmental legislation, as well as projects and programs that align with the highest international standards,'' he added.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020, issued by the Institute for Management Development, IMD, World Competitiveness Center, the UAE currently ranks first globally in the Environmental Laws index, two jumps ahead of its position in 2019. This indicator measures the proactive initiatives undertaken by countries in devising new laws related to the environment and climate change, as well as in updating existing laws, and executing them.

According to a Gallup poll, the UAE has placed first in the Satisfaction with Preservation Efforts category of The Legatum Prosperity Index. This indicator measures public satisfaction with the country’s efforts to preserve its environment for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Performance Index, EPI, ranks the UAE first globally in SO2 Emissions Intensity. This indicator measures the rate of reduction in SO2 emissions over several years.

According to EPI, the UAE tops the category of Household Solid Fuels globally. The country has registered a marked reduction in the use of solid fuels for heating and cooking by households over the past two years. This is a significant win on the environmental front in the context of the high emissions of air pollutants that household solid fuels generate.

The UAE has maintained its global leadership in the Marine Protected Areas category with 16 marine protected areas now included. The total protected area cover in the country has increased from 15.07 percent of the territory in 2019 to 15.53 percent in 2020, accounting for 18.4 percent of its terrestrial territory and 12.01 percent of its marine territory.

According to EPI, the UAE leads the global Wetlands indicator that measures the loss of wetlands over a 10-year period. The country pays great attention to its wetlands that are hotspots for biodiversity under the threat of extinction.

EPI also ranked the UAE first in the Grasslands indicator that calculates the moving average of lost pastures and grassy areas over a five-year period. The UAE works relentlessly to cultivate local flora species that can tolerate the country’s desert climate. Notably, MoCCAE calculates the change in the green cover using satellites.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s winning run continued with the country placing first in Ecosystem Services, according to EPI. The recognition can be attributed to the country’s exceptional efforts in preserving and enhancing local species. Ecosystem services are the varied benefits to humanity as gifts of the natural environment and healthy ecosystems.

According to the global competitiveness rankings, the UAE leads the MENA region in 19 environmental indicators, including the eight indicators that the country tops globally. EPI noted that the other indicators include Ecosystems Vitality and Biodiversity and Habitat.

Furthermore, the Legatum Prosperity Index ranks the UAE first in the MENA region in the Wastewater Treatment, Pesticide Regulation, Marine Protected Areas, and ISO 14001 Environmental Certificates categories.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020, the UAE is a regional leader in the Environmental Balance and Pollution Problems, as well as the Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter indicators that measure the level of emissions to which the country’s population is exposed, and assess the impact of this exposure on the quality of life.