Dubai, a city on the Arabian Peninsula, is a dazzling and bustling metropolis noted for its cutting-edge architecture, high-end culture, and growing economy.
As a result of its proximity to the Persian Gulf, however, the city is especially at risk from climate change and increasing sea levels.
when you poop in the #BurjKhalifa,
that waste is trucked out of the city because it isn’t hooked to the municipal sewer system…
And according to climate science all of dubai will be underwater in 20 years…😂 pic.twitter.com/q1JaKhUO6x— ☆Matthew D. Barrack☆📵📴 (@bar_barrack) November 19, 2021
The melting of the ice caps and rising sea levels due to human-caused climate change have raised serious concerns about the future of coastal communities like Dubai.
In this post, we’ll look at the city’s topography, infrastructure, & climate change estimates to determine how likely Dubai will be flooded.
Will Dubai Go Underwater?
As the polar ice caps melting has caused the waters to rise, many coastal areas worldwide are in danger of submerging.
Due to its coastal location, Dubai is especially at risk.
Dubai’s location is a potential contributing cause to the city’s eventual flooding.
Because of its low elevation and level of topography, the city frequently experiences floods from the ocean.
In addition, mangroves and other natural barriers that would have mitigated the effects of storm surges and tidal erosion have been cleared for the city’s construction and infrastructure.
Future sea level rise due to climate change is also a factor.
it’s gonna be so weird in 100 years when most of those fancy islands and skyscrapers in dubai will be underwater as the city sinks and sea levels rise. the whole place is gonna look like an IRL atlantis pic.twitter.com/1vM8GdhU43
— coмrade_yυι (@Comrade_Yui) August 21, 2021
According to research, Dubai’s shoreline might be severely affected by a two-meter rise in sea levels by the century’s end.
According to World Bank research, Dubai might lose over 15% of its land area to sea level rise by 2050, forcing the relocation of over 500,000 people and causing economic losses in the billions.
Hope persists despite gloomy forecasts.
Dubai has constructed coastal fortifications and environmentally friendly infrastructure to lessen the effects of increasing sea levels.
For instance, the 2016 completion of the Dubai Canal Project has provided the city with a new canal that aids in managing rainwater and decreases the likelihood of floods.
In addition, the Dubai Clean Energy Plan 2050 has been unveiled to make Dubai a pioneer in renewable energy while reducing the city’s carbon impact.
To tackle climate change and mitigate the effects of rising seas, Dubai has pledged to limit its emissions of greenhouse gases.
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Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050
The Green Fund, part of Dubai’s Sustainable Energy Plan, would lend clean energy investors US$27.2 billion at low-interest rates.
The plan also calls for constructing a fully-fledged innovation hub employing 3D printing.
The facility will include research and development departments focused on renewable energy technologies of the future, such as solar, 3D printing, and drone testing facilities.
Investment in research and development (R&D) for smart grids, energy efficiency, and solar-powered electricity generation is set to total US$136 million.
Prince Mohammed introduced the Dubai Sustainable Energy Plan in November 2015.
The goal of this plan is for 75 percent of Dubai’s energy needs to be met by clean sources by the year 2050.
The plan’s overarching objective is to position Dubai as a green economy and renewable energy hub on a global scale.
The five key tenets are infrastructure, law, money, capacity and skill training, and an eco-friendly energy mix.
For example, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is part of the infrastructure pillar.
It will be the world’s largest solar power plant by 2030, with a production capacity of 5,000 MW and a total investment of AED 50 billion.
#Dubai‘s @rta_dubai rolls out ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy to contribute to mission to achieve global leadership in smooth and sustainable mobility in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/9hPJzzWC3P
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 28, 2023
The primary goal of the law pillar is to create a two-stage legislative framework supporting sustainable energy policy.
The finance pillar involves the creation of the AED 100 billion Dubai Green Fund, which would provide low-interest loans to businesses and individuals in the clean energy industry in Dubai.
Through worldwide training programs in clean energy, the fourth pillar aims to enhance human resources capacities in collaboration with international organizations and institutes such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), as well as international enterprises and R&D centers.
The fifth pillar’s goal is to have an environmentally friendly energy mix by 2030, with solar power accounting for 25% of the total, nuclear power for 7%, clean coal for 7%, and gas for 61% of the whole.
By 2050, 75 % of Dubai’s energy needs will be met by renewable sources thanks to this combination of factors, making it the metropolis with the smallest carbon footprint in the world.
Effective way That Dubai could be stopped from submerging
1. Building Coastal Defenses
One of the most immediate solutions to prevent coastal flooding is to construct coastal defenses like sea walls, dikes, and levees.
These structures can shield the city from the impact of waves and tides and lower the risk of flooding.
2. Restoring natural barriers
Restoring natural barriers like mangroves and wetlands is another approach to absorb the force of waves and tides and decrease the risk of flooding.
This endeavor requires a dedication to sustainable development and conservation, guaranteeing the protection and preservation of natural habitats.
3. Develop Sustainable Infrastructure
To prevent Dubai from submerging, it is crucial to develop sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change.
This includes constructing buildings and roads above sea level, using green roofs and permeable pavements for managing stormwater, and utilizing renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions.
4. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Mitigating the impact of climate change on coastal cities like Dubai requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Although the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 is a positive step towards reducing carbon emissions, more can be accomplished to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, promote energy-efficient buildings, and invest in renewable energy sources.
5. Global Collaboration
Finally, global collaboration is necessary to address the threat of rising sea levels and climate change.
Dubai can work alongside other countries to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, enforce sustainable development policies, and invent new solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
By collaborating, we can prevent Dubai from submerging and guarantee a sustainable future for our planet.
Conclusion
In summary, due to climate change and increasing sea levels, Dubai’s future could be challenging.
It has been speculated that the city may be submerged at some point in the future, although the precise date of this occurrence is uncertain.
The effects of increasing sea levels on Dubai and other coastal towns are obvious.
Climate change may have an impact on the city. Thus it will be necessary to adapt and improve its infrastructure and planning.
Protecting Dubai’s future depends on efforts to lessen these impacts, such as coastal fortifications and sustainable infrastructure.
What will determine Dubai’s future is a confluence of forward-thinking planning, competent management, and international initiatives to curb the effects of climate change.
Taking immediate action is essential to protecting this stunning city and other coastal communities worldwide.
References
Environmental issues in the United Arab Emirates – Wikipedia. (2016, November 6).
Todorova, V. (2023, February 23). Abu Dhabi 2100: underwater? The National.
Deep Dive Dubai – The world’s deepest pool. (n.d.). Deep Dive Dubai. https://deepdivedubai.com/
Dubai Clean Energy Strategy – The Official Portal of the UAE Government. (n.d.). Dubai Clean Energy Strategy – the Official Portal of the UAE Government. https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/dubai-clean-energy-strategy
