The UAE developed the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2014-2021 which was aligned with the global efforts to fight desertification. It also issued many decisions, projects and initiatives at the national level that would limit desertification and land degradation.

In order to control the effects of climate change, the UAE is controlling emissions, reducing flaring of natural gas, increasing energy efficiency and undertaking many other steps.

Dubai has many environmentally-friendly places that offer rich biodiversity and sustainability, promoting an environmentally positive economy. During the last few years, Dubai has taken many measures to contribute to the quality of the environment.

The continuing temperature rise caused by global warming contributes to UAE’s water scarcity, drought, rising sea level and aridity. This precondition is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change and contributes to worsening water scarcity, quality, and water contamination.

FUTURE AMBITIONS Already the Middle East’s top destination for foreign investment, Dubai is aiming to become the world’s smartest city by 2021; the most visited city by 2025; and the global hub of the Islamic economy within the next decade.

The United Arab Emirates suffer from high pollution due to the exploitation of the country’s natural resources, its rapid population growth and high energy demand. Global warming has caused continuously rising temperatures, which create water contamination and a high demand for electricity.

To reiterate, the main causes of pollution in Dubai are vehicular emissions as well as factories and other similar industries.

Other steps taken include setting the air conditioner at 24 degrees or above (61 per cent), recycling or reusing products (61 per cent), washing full loads in the machine or dish washer (58 per cent) and taking shorter showers (56 per cent).

Rashid Karkain, head of environment planning in the environment department at Dubai Municipality, believes Dubai suffers the most from PM10 due to its geographic location and high level of dust in the air from the surrounding desert landscape.

The Short Answer: Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires. The solid and liquid particles suspended in our air are called aerosols.

Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people’s nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs.

Students understand the need for protecting environment and they are prepared to fight against the contamination of atmosphere as todays student is tomorrow’s citizen. With their efficient skills of interaction with other parts of the society, they communicate to the society about need for protecting environment.