Climate Change and Health in the UAE
Categories: GHG Assessment, Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), Strategy, Health National Adaptation Plans, GHG emissions baseline assessments, Country experience, Eastern Mediterranean, Climate Resilient Health Systems, Low Carbon Sustainable Health Systems
Country: United Arab Emirates
Context
Climatic hazards are changing in the UAE faster and stronger than other parts of the world. Changes include temperature increase, higher humidity, extended hot seasons, increased precipitation, sea level rise, and alterations in seawater salinity. Additionally, frequency and intensity of natural disasters will escalate. Changes will affect health directly and indirectly. In addition to deaths and injuries caused by extreme weather conditions, the health outcomes that will be affected are heat related illnesses; respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; vector borne diseases; water and food borne diseases; and mental health.
Implementation process
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) developed a health adaptation plan (HNAP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and other related stakeholders. It was developed as an integral part of the national adaptation plan. It builds on the UAE’s 2019 climate change and health framework for action, and the output of continued consultations with all stakeholders. HNAP is being integrated within the national one health framework for action 2026-31.
Building on the results of a national workshop on climate and health that was organized in UAE in 2023, national consultations with health authorities and relevant stakeholders, and in line with the national priorities and visions stated in the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017–2050, and the MOHAP Strategy 2023-26., HNAP was developed. A phased approach will be followed for its implementation. A detailed plan for the years 2025-26 is developed along with a framework for monitoring and evaluation.
A comprehensive carbon footprint analysis of two major hospitals was done in 2023, serving as a precursor to the development of a decarbonization roadmap. The analysis focused on scope 1 and 2 emissions, revealing significant emissions from fuel combustion and electricity consumption.
Lessons learned
MOHAP's strategic efforts, underpinned by rigorous GHG accounting standards and the SBTi approach, are setting a benchmark for climate action within the healthcare sector. The successful implementation of these initiatives will not only contribute to the UAE's climate goals but also unlock significant economic benefits, demonstrating the viability of sustainable practices in healthcare and beyond
A critical challenged faced in UAE is the access to data and information. However, this barrier that can be managed through effective collaboration with cross-sectoral and cross-institutional stakeholders.
Factors found to support successful implementation have included:
- Strong political commitment to the public health and environmental sides in the country;
- Coordination and collaboration between the different stakeholders to overcome barriers; and
- Availability of technical support.
Recommendations
An overarching recommendation for advancing climate change and health work is to build
strong political commitment.
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