UAEs Plan on Reducing Carbon Emissions - Assignment Example

UAE’s Plan on Reducing Carbon Emissions and Declaration I declare that this project entitled “UAE’s Plan for Reducing Carbon Emissions” and the work being presented here is my work. Signed: ………………………………… Date…………………………............... Supervisor: This project has been submitted for review with my approval as a university supervisor. Lecturer’s Name........................................................... Signed: …………………………….. . Date………………………................. Acknowledgements I wish to acknowledge people who have contributed to the success of this project. Far and foremost, I wish to thank my family for their continuous support throughout this process. I want to thank them for encouraging me and being good role models. I also want to recognize my lecturer for the continuous encouragement and guidance throughout the process. Table of Contents (in progress) List of Appendices. Error: Reference source not found List of Figures 6 LITERATURE REVIEW 13 Bibliography 28 List of Appendices (in progress) Appendix 1. 12 Appendix 2. 12 Appendix 3. 12 List of Figures (in progress) Figure 1. 12 Abstract Title: UAE’s Plan on reducing carbon emissions One of the biggest problems facing the world is climate change. This is mainly caused by an increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels and other human activities. Efforts to reduce carbon emission have gained considerable attention in recent years across the world. As a very rapidly growing country, UAE has been experiencing issues of increased carbon emissions to cause climate changes driven by extra ordinary economic, social and technological changes across the country. With a view to address climate change and to promote sustainable development, the UAE government has launched The ‘Al Basma Al Beeiya’ (The Ecological Footprint) in 2007 with close collaboration with Global Footprint Network (Global Footprint Network, 2015). To strategically reduce green house gas emissions and the impacts of carbon emissions on the environment, it is important to optimize the use of energy for UAE’s people. By reducing energy consumption, fuel expenses as well as green house gas emissions can be reduced, and the reliance on fossil fuels can also be reduced. In short, UAE government’s recent efforts to hold bottom spot with the Ecological Footprint to reduce carbon emissions will positively impact the wide environment and the economy of the country. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of reducing carbon emissions and the strategic steps taken by UAE government to reduce the emissions, as well as its impacts. The research project aims to collect real data about UAE’s efforts to reduce emissions and to investigate how the government plans to implement the carbon emissions effort in association with the Ecological Footprint. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This chapter aims at giving an introduction to the paper including the background, the current situation, problem statement, research objectives, justification of the study, and delimitations. 1.1 Background Information One of the biggest concerns in recent years to the environment is climate change and global warming. Global warming has made the glaciers to melt, and the snow cover to decrease, which has in turn resulted in a rise in the sea level (Haldar, 2011, pp. 27). A rise in temperature has also affected the wind patterns duration of seasons, precipitation, and cloud cover. The main cause of an increase in temperature is the increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting from pollution. Pollution is mainly associated with cars, industrial plants, and other human activities that relate to burning of fossils fuels like gasoline and natural gasses. Traditionally, environmental issues, especially those related to climate change were not given much attention. However, the increase in natural disasters like floods, adverse warm weather, and diseases has made this a crucial topic. This has become a “hot” topic not only to companies and businesses, but also to governments around the world. Leaders around the world are leading in the fight against climate change. This is evident in the ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol (Vermeersch, 2005, pp. 45). The UAE has been in the forefront to reduce its carbon emission with the aim of fighting climate change. This was evident in the launch of The ‘Al Basma Al Beeiya’ (The Ecological Footprint) in 2007 with close collaboration with Global Footprint Network (Global Footprint Network, 2015). UAE has also made efforts to produce renewable energy and related technologies that promote the use of clean fuel for energy production. 1.2 Current Situation The world focus is in the global challenge relating to climate change. Countries, including those in the UAE are constantly looking for ways to come up with solutions to this problem. Currently, the dangers of climate change have become one of the top international agendas. In recent time, changes in the northern weather systems as a result of warming of the Arctic have pushed the polar winds into North America causing storms. The UAE’s booming economy demands a rise in energy demand of 9 percent every year. This introduces a risk of more carbon emission if new; environmental sustainable energy sources are not introduced (Gulfnews.com, 2014). 1.3 Problem Statement The climate is changing and resulting to negative effects on the environment. The Arab World is expected to be one of the most adversely affected regions. If the situation continues, it is expected that the agricultural sector will be a victim of extreme weather and the water resources will grow scarcer. In other words, food and water security are under threat because of effects of climate change. It is estimated that there would be an increase in the average temperature of 3° C in the region by 2050. However, even with the threats that are facing the UAE, people still continue to emit gasses, the most significant one being carbon dioxide. 1.4 Research Objectives The objective of this research project is to investigate the importance of reducing carbon emissions and the strategic steps taken by UAE government to reduce the emissions, as well as its impacts. The research project aims to collect real data about UAE’s efforts to reduce emissions and to investigate how the government plans to implement the carbon emissions effort in association with the Ecological Footprint. The objective can be broken down into three more specific objectives in the form of research questions that would together help in achieving the overall goal of this project. These include; To find out how the UAE government can reduce carbon emissions. To identify the implications of UAE government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. To determine the strategic steps that have been planned by the government to reduce carbon emissions. 1.5 Justification of the Study The Arab region is estimated to be most affected by climate changes. This situation presents a threat to water and food security in the region. It therefore, becomes very crucial to study efforts made to reduce the main cause of climate change, which is carbon emission. 1.6 Disposition of the research paper The paper is divided into five chapters as shown below Figure 1: Research Outline LITERATURE REVIEW CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter presents and discusses various views, and experts’ opinions about UAE government’s effort to reduce carbon emissions in terms of how it will be benefited, how it can be practiced, and implications are proposed. 2.1 Global Warming Global warming is the increase in the average global temperature as a result of industrialization, pollution, and other human activities. This is a dangerous phenomenon that affects every person around the world, regardless of the geographical location. Global warming has devastating effects apart from the most commonly known effect of heating up the atmosphere (Auxt, 2009, pp.114). Scientists have proven a direct correlation between an increase in the temperature and an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide. Once greenhouse gasses are release in the atmosphere, the form a boundary around the world that prevent extra heat from being released from the earth’s atmosphere. Heating up in the earth’s atmosphere results in melting of the poles ice caps and an increase in the ocean level. Global warming also causes changes in the weather patterns (Ruschmann, 2009, pp. 117). In recent time concern has increased in the intensity and number of storm weather being reported. This also results in an increase in the amount of rainfall, causing violent thunderstorms and floods. In dry areas, global warming cause prolonged drought conditions (Watts, 2007, pp. 51). 2.2 Impact of Global Warming in the Arab World Countries in the Gulf, including the UAE have in the recent past experienced the effect of climate change. Cities around the Gulf have experienced increased number of thunderstorms. For example, Riyadh came to a standstill when it experienced flash floods and heavy downpours that caused power outages and damaged property, and resulted in loss of lives. The Arab world has been negatively impacted by climate change with a decrease in water resources, biodiversity loss, and desertification (Jabbour, 2012, pp. 50). Currently, the Arab region is the region in the world that is mostly affected by an increase in temperatures. One main impact of climate change is the rise in the sea level at coastal areas of all the Arab Gulf states. This includes islands located in the Gulf region which are vulnerable to impacts of a rise in the sea level. A good example of such an island is the Bahrain’s island which has lot residential and commercial activities around its coastal zones. The Dubai coastline is at a risk of being damaged as a result of raising sea levels if reinforcement measures are not taken. Countries in the Arab world are also at a risk of depleting water due to adverse weather conditions especially prolonged droughts. These countries are also at a risk of climate impact because of continuously using non-renewable water. The rise of sea level also results in loss of agricultural land in this region, which in turn increased food insecurity. The Middle East is very vulnerable to increases in food prices. This is a region where dedicating new land into agricultural production is not easy because of water shortage and terrain. This is also because of an increase in the sea level. A country like Bahrain faces negative effects in the fishing industry. Due to climate change, there has been a deterioration of the coral reef habitat that negatively affects the fish and fauna stocks. 2.3 Impact of Global Warming in the UAE in particular Global warming has affected the UAE in various ways. This has led to an increase in temperature that has affected the life under the sea and agriculture. In recent times, the UAE was warning people from consuming certain types of fish that were considered already dead because of a phenomenon of red tides that attacked the beaches especially in Al Fujairah and Dibba. This phenomenon does not only kill the fish but can cause negative effects of the human overall health. It causes respiratory irritation such us, sneezing, tearing, and coughing (Walker, 2010, pp. 100). Global warming has also resulted in desertification where the region is experiencing more sand that has moved into living areas, which has in turn affected the transportation and movement of people. Desertification also affects the agricultural crops where tons of sand bury plants and crops (Gibson, 2013, pp. 223). UAE region has the risk of the negative effect on tourism and the economy because of increased temperatures. The UAE mainly depends on tourism and tourists, which in turn affects the economy. Changes or decreases in the number of tourists cause economic and financial income problems. The UAE population, despite being small, contributes to one of the highest amount of carbon dioxide emission, which increases the level of global warming. The statistics about the UAE shows that there was an increase in carbon emission of between 33% and 35% between the year 1997 and 2006. The UAE reports one of the highest carbon footprints per capita worldwide. 2.4 UAE Government’s Effort to Reduce Carbon Emissions The UAE has one of the higher Ecological Footprints per capita in the world. This is mainly because of carbon dioxide emission resulting from consumption of desalinated water and energy. The UAE is also the 5th largest consumer of energy per capita worldwide. The UAE government has recognised the risks that come with climate change which results from carbon emissions. It has taken a number of steps to reduce these emissions. The government is working hard to share information, create awareness, and forming partnerships. The government has also developed new ideas such as solar and wind parks to generate energy, high efficiency district cooling systems, rooftop solar system, standards for efficient lighting and air conditioners, and has also increased public transportation. These initiatives will reduce the effects of climate change that are currently being experienced in the region. UAE is also a member of the earth hour and aims at encouraging people to switch off electricity for on hour to reduce carbon dioxide emission. The UAE does not view this initiative as a chance to save energy, but also as a chance to educate people about climate change the importance of reducing carbon emission. This initiative has been very effective because now every person of every age and gender are informed about problems relating to global warming and want to participate in solving the problem. In its effort to reduce carbon emission, the UAE signed a statute that established the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in January 2009 (Shawki, 2009, pp. 68). The main purpose of IRENA was to focus on renewable energy which is one of the main solutions to the current challenge that are facing global warming and the world’s energy future. Many countries are in the IRENA and aim at fostering the production and use of renewable energy by using different approaches. The UAE believes that energy is one of the crucial aspects affecting the economic growth and is crucial in the world’s future safety (Carlarne, 2010, pp. 207). The UAE is in the process of developing a green city in Abu Dhabi. This project aims at producing energy with a minimal amount of gasses and zero waste. This city will focus on renewable energy and reducing carbon emission. This will be the new future for the next generation. The government also encourages people and businesses to use renewable energy. The solar-hydrogen energy system is one of the latest forms of energy being used in the UAE. This form aims at finding new technology that is environmentally friendly and also aims at reducing the pressure of using oil. The government has shown great dedication in encouraging businesses and people to use clean sources of energy by coming up with precious awards. One of the biggest energy awards is the Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards that encouraged the use of clean, alternatives energy in UAE. The UAE has also put legislations and policies aimed at reducing energy demand to reduce global warming. The most common policy is reducing the number of cars in the streets through increasing the process of fuel. People have been encouraged to reduce burning of fuels by using big buses instead of private cars. In Dubai, for example, the government has tried to reduce the number of cars by coming up with the Metro that connects several places in the city. 2.5Implications of Government’s Strategy to Reduce Carbon Emissions The UAE has made enormous efforts in reducing carbon emission because it believes in protecting the planet. This has had a major impact on people and the environment. Currently, people are more informed of how to engage in reducing carbon emissions. Strategies to combat global warming are also expected to have positive effects both at the national and personal level. These include a decrease in the occurrence of natural disasters like flooding which is caused by the continuous increase in the sea level. The chances of extreme weather like catastrophic storms and extreme heat will also reduce. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1Introduction The aim of this chapter is to analyze the research techniques and strategies applied. The research takes both qualitative, and quantitative data analysis followed by data collection from articles, books, peer-reviewed journals, expert opinions currently available from Internet and other online sources. 3.2 Research Methodology The research took both qualitative, and quantitative data analysis followed by data collection from articles, books, peer-reviewed journals, expert opinions currently available from the internet and other online sources. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The first process of designing interview and questionnaires for the study and to know more about the study group, a pre-visit was conducted by the researcher. The researcher was observant during this process which formed the qualitative part of the study. Questionnaires were chosen for data collection because they are easier to administer and are not expensive. This method also ensures that there is objectivity in data collection process. 3.3 Research Setting The study was conducted in UAE during week six of the project duration. People were chosen randomly to give their opinion about global warming, carbon emission, and efforts made by UAE to reduce the rate of emission. 3.4 Sample The size of the study group involved in this study was sixty people (60) who were chosen on a random basis. Random sampling was chosen to get n objective a representative sample of the study and to increase the reliability of data collected. 3.5 Data Collection Methods The following methods were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data for this study 3.5.1 Questionnaires Questionnaires containing closed-ended questioned formed the primary method of collecting data for this study. They were given randomly to people participating in the study. The number of respondents in this process was 60 people. As indicated above, this method was chosen to increase the reliability of data collected. It was also chosen so as to increase the uniformity of data collected for easy comparison in the analysis stage. This is crucial especially considering the limited time frame of the project. 3.5.2 Interviews People who participated in filling the questionnaires also participated in the interview process. This was considered to be time-saving because the researcher was able to perform both processes at the same time. This also gave the study group a chance to clarify any question in the questionnaire that they did not understand. This was an efficient method that made sure all questionnaires were returned after the interviews. The researcher was also able to ensure that all the questions had been filled. 3.5.3 Articles, book, and peer-reviewed journals Articles, books, and peer-reviewed journals were used to collect secondary data used in the literature review section of this paper and when analyzing data collected. 3.5.4 Expert opinions from the internet This method was greatly depended on when researching for background information relating to global warming and strategies that have been taken by UAE. Expert opinion was also used to compare and analyze data collected from the study group. 3.6 Data Analysis Once the data was collected, the Excel program was used for analysis because of its availability and it is easy to use. 3.7 Data Collection Procedure During the data collection process, questionnaires were personally distributed to the study group that comprised of 60 people who was chosen on a random basis. Those involved in this study did it on a voluntary basis. Interviews were also conducted at the same time to save time that would have been taken if the processes were conducted separately. It is already known that UAE’s plan to reduce carbon emissions is mainly to reduce the impacts of carbon emission on climate change and other dangers. Therefore, the research followed ‘exploratory’ information from books, newspapers, magazines, brochures and expert opinion to further investigate the impact of the reduction of carbon emission by UAE government. 3.8 Pretesting the questionnaire Pre-testing the questionnaires, the questionnaire was a crucial part of this research in increasing the quality of data collected. This processed helped to identify errors and weaknesses in the draft questionnaire that was designed. This process involved a small number of respondents, specifically four in number, who were chosen randomly. This group was asked some question involving the process of collecting data and the questions in the questionnaire. Through this process, the researcher was able to identify sensitive questions, ambiguous words, questions that can be misinterpreted by the respondents. These issues were immediately corrected by the researcher (Zikmund, 2013, pp. 360). During this process, the sample group also raised concerns about including the name and other personal details of the respondents in the questionnaire. They felt that the requirement of respondents to include their name should be removed to increase anonymity. This strategy would also encourage more people to participate in the study and answer the questions honestly. The researcher immediately implemented this recommendation. 3.9 Ethical consideration The following ethical considerations were followed while conducting the research 3.9.1 Honesty A high level of honesty was maintained throughout the process of data collection and analysis process. 3.9.2 Integrity Integrity was also maintained in this study by making sure that data collected has not been manipulated to get favorable results (In Beidas, 2014, pp. 44). 3.9.3 Objectivity The researcher tried as much as possible to avoid bias when collecting data, designing the data collection methods, analyzing and interpreting data, and in any other aspect of the research. 3.9.4 Informed Consent Before the data collection process, the researcher made sure that there is informed consent from those who participated in the study and the university. The researcher obtained consent from the University in the form of an approved proposal. This consent enables the researcher to conduct the research under the name of the University (Durand, 2014, pp. 141). Informed consent was also obtained from the study group. This included informing them what the study was about any risks that they may encounter while participating in the study. During this process, they were assured that confidentiality and anonymity would be maintained. 3.9.5 Confidentiality and Anonymity One crucial aspect to consider when maintaining ethical standards during the data collection process is confidentiality and anonymity. Confidentiality aims at protecting the data collected by the researcher. This is crucial because it increases trust between the respondents and the researcher. This in turn, helps the respondents be more willing to participate in the study and be honest in their answers. Anonymity aims at removing information that would disclose the identity of the respondents. This was maintained in this study, especially, considering the concerns raised by during the pre-testing stage. During the pre-testing stage, the sample group indicated that the respondents name should be removed to increase anonymity. The researcher ensured that there was no information that would disclose the identity of those who participated in this study. 3.9.6 Avoid Causing Harm The general principle in any research is to avoid causing harm and make judgments that are within an acceptable level of harm. While conducting the research, the researcher made sure that there is a minimal level of risk of harm to the research group. This is by conducting the interviews in places that are most ideal for the respondents. The level of harm was also reduced by not including topics or questions that are considered sensitive to the respondents, which leads to unwelcomed opinions, or those that can disclose personal information. This process also demands the researcher to make ethical judgments when analyzing information that has been collected. During this process, the researcher ensured that there is ethical judgment by not including information which respondents are not comfortable with. In many cases, some respondents become emotional during the interview process and find themselves saying things that they would not want to be included in the study. The researcher also avoided causing harm by avoiding careless errors and keeping good records so that data collected is not corrupted in ways that can harm the respondents. 3.9.7 Voluntarily The research involved respondents on a voluntary basis and they had full information about the purpose of the study and the use of the data collected. These respondents were not given any form of incentive to encourage them to participate in this study. They also had the option of withdrawing from the study and request for the information that they provided to be excluded from this study at any time. 3.9.8 Respect for individual Autonomy Autonomy is the freedom to do what they want. The researcher maintained autonomy throughout the study by respecting their wishes to withdraw from the study when they want to. This was also maintained by respecting their wish not to include any information that will make the respondents be identified including, their name and personal information. 3.9.8 No Pressure on people to participate in the study Respondents were not pressured to participate in this study and were informed of their right to pull from the study if they want. 3.10 Data Analysis Representation Once the data was collected, it was analysed using the Excel program because it is easy to access and use. After analysing, data was presented in the form of graphs and charts. 3.11 Problems and limitations In the process of doing this project, a number of problems were expected to occur. One problem is reluctance from the study group who may fear to get involved in the data collection process. Some were expected to fear that the study would negatively affect them in the future. To mitigate this risk, the researcher increased the confidence of the study group by increasing confidentiality and anonymity. The second problem expected was accuracy in the data collected. This is mainly because of the high risk of incomplete questionnaires. To overcome this problem, the researcher formulated clear questions, and a pre-visit was conducted to identify problems in the data collection tool. The researcher also administered the questionnaires personally and performed interviews in the process, which gave respondents the opportunity to clarify any questions that they felt was not clear. The project had limited time that may have affected the quality of data collected. The researcher feels that this limited the number of people involved in this study, and if there were more time, a larger study group would have been taken to increase the reliability of data collected. CHAPTER 4 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS Bibliography Auxt, J. A., & Curtis, W. M. (2009). Global warming: And the Creators plan. Green Forest, AR: Master Books. Pp. 114. Beidas, R. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2014). Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices in child and adolescent mental health. Pp. 44. Carlarne, C. P. (2010). Climate change law and policy: EU and US perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp. 207. Durand, M. A., & Chantler, T. (2014). Principles of social research. Pp. 141. Gibson, J. M. D., Brammer, A., Davidson, C., Folley, T., Launay, F., & Thomsen, J. (2013). Environmental Burden of Disease Assessment. Dordrecht: Springer. Pp. 223. Global Footprint Network, 2015, United Arab Emirates, Retrieved from Gulfnews.com, 2014. The climate change challenge. [Online] Available at: http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/the-climate-change-challenge-1.1309126 [Accessed 16 03 2015]. Haldar, I. (2011). Global warming: The causes and consequences. New Delhi: Mind Melodies. Pp. 27. http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/uae_case_story/ Jabbour, S., & Yamout, R. (2012). Public health in the Arab world. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pp. 50. Ruschmann, P. (2009). Environmental regulations and global warming. New York, N.Y: Chelsea House Publishers. Pp. 117. Shawki, N., & Cox, M. (2009). Negotiating sovereignty and human rights: Actors and issues in contemporary human rights politics. Farnham, England: Ashgate. Pp. 68. Vermeersch, E., & Weiler, R. (2005). Reading the Kyoto Protocol: Ethical aspects of the convention on climate change. Delft, The Netherlands: Eburon. Pp. 45. Walker, J. (2010). Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet. Pp. 100. Watts, R. G. (2007). Global warming and the future of the earth. San Rafael, Calif.: Morgan & Claypool Publishers. Pp. 51. Zikmund, W. G. (2013). Business research methods. Mason, OH: South-Western. Pp. 360. Appendices Appendix One: Time Line   Duration Wk-1 Wk-2 Wk-3 Wk-4 Wk-5 Wk-6 Wk-7 Wk-8 Wk-9 Wk-10 Wk-11 Project Choice 7 days                       Planning for the proposal 3 days                       Submission of proposal 2 days                       Reflection in proposal 6 days                       Starting of research work 6 days                       Planning of Data Collection 7 days                       Search for literature 10 days                       Summarizing literature 2 days                       Collection of data 6 weeks                       Computerization of data 8 days                       Analyzing data 6 days                       Presenting the findings 6 days                       final preparation of the project 2 months                       Appendix 2: Questionnaire Introduction The aim of this questionnaire is to find details on UAE government’s effort to reduce carbon emission, how this can be practiced, the benefits and implications of the strategies. NOTE!! YOUR ANSWERS ARE CONFIDENTIAL, AND YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO INDICATE YOUR NAME Please return this questionnaire to the researcher by immediately after completing the questionnaire. Thank you for your participation. GENERAL 1. Sex (Tick all that apply with ‘x’) Male Female 2. Which environmental issues concerns you most (Choose all that apply with ‘x’) a. Air pollution b. Traffic/ Congestion c. Climate Change d. Flooding 3. Has the environmental issue identified above affects you directly e.g., your health? (Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 4 Do you know about global warming? (Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 5 Where did learn about global warming from? (Tick all that apply with ‘x’) A family member The government The media An environmental organization 6 Do you think that attention on climate change issues has been exaggerated? Yes Somehow No 9. What do you think is the main cause of global warming in UAE? (Tick one with ‘x’) Carbon Dioxide emission deforestation Not sure 4 Do you think that carbon emissions have negatively affected UAE? Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 5 Do you think that the government has taken enough steps to tackle carbon emission which is the main cause of climate change? (Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 6 Do you think that the government should take sole responsibility for tackling global warming? (Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 10. If yes, do you think that you have a role in reducing global warming? (Tick one with ‘x’) Yes No Not Sure 7 Have the current strategies taken by the government to reduce carbon emission been effective? (Tick one with ‘x’) yes No Not sure 11. What efforts can the government take to reduce carbon emission rate? (Tick one with ‘x’) Increase penalties for factories emitting excessive carbon dioxide Encourage people to use public transportation rather than private vehicles Others 12. Do you think that the rate of carbon dioxide emission in UAE will be better or worse in the next generation (Tick one with ‘x’) Better Worse Not Sure ‘’THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY.” Read More