A hydroponic farm in Dubai. New Climate Impact System will improve food security in the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National.
A hydroponic farm in Dubai. New Climate Impact System will improve food security in the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National.
A hydroponic farm in Dubai. New Climate Impact System will improve food security in the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National.
A hydroponic farm in Dubai. New Climate Impact System will improve food security in the Emirates. Antonie Robertson / The National.

Environment

New impact system will improve food security in the Emirates, says UAE special envoy for climate change

The initiative is aimed at counteracting damaging effects of rising temperatures

The National

April 27, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The Emirates Food Security Council (EFSC) approved the creation of a system to tackle the damage global warming can do to the UAE's food supply.

Announced as the Climate Change Impact System, its central goal is to support food security as temperatures around the world rise and to speed the shift towards sustainable and climate-smart food production.

It will also provide data to help make decisions on agricultural investment.

In short, food systems are both the current problem and the future solution to climate change

The announcement showed a commitment to the objectives of the Leaders Summit on Climate last week, hosted by US President Joe Biden.

“The Climate Change Impact System is an important contribution to the UAE’s capacity for strengthening food security and will create an ecosystem for innovation and smart investment," Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE's Special Envoy for Climate Change, said.

"The agricultural and food sector is one of the most promising engines to deliver benefits for the UAE and the broader regional and global economy.

"The impact system will strengthen our competitiveness, while simultaneously improving food security," he said.

The Leaders Summit, held virtually last week, featured 40 world leaders who discussed the climate challenge. Pictured; Dr Sultan Al Jaber (left), John Kerry (Right)
The Leaders Summit, held virtually last week, featured 40 world leaders who discussed the climate challenge. Pictured; Dr Sultan Al Jaber (left), John Kerry (Right)

The Climate Change Impact System also reflects the objectives of the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (Aim for Climate) which was unveiled at the summit.

This mission intends to accelerate global innovation, including research and development efforts across the whole agricultural sector, over the next five years to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

The basis of the Climate Change Impact System is to understand the potential effects of climate change on food production in the UAE and in partner countries that supply significant quantities of its food.

Trends show that global temperatures have been rising by a third of a degree every 10 years since 1971. By the end of the century, the planet will be somewhere between 2°C and 5°C hotter than it is now.

The system will also look at how to fight heat stress in agriculture, which affects food grown in environments such as greenhouses.

“Climate change is the most pressing issue facing the global community and urgent action is needed to tackle it before we reach the stage of no return," Mariam Almheiri, chairwoman of the EFSC, said.

"Food systems are integral to how we address climate change as they are not only one of its largest contributors, they are also the sector most heavily impacted by it.

"In short, food systems are both the current problem and the future solution to climate change.”

Take a look inside one of the UAE's vertical farms

Sean Lee, director of Smart Acres, at the hydroponics farm at the Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi, which produces lettuce and leafy greens for sale in UAE supermarkets. Victor Besa / The National
Sean Lee, director of Smart Acres, at the hydroponics farm at the Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi, which produces lettuce and leafy greens for sale in UAE supermarkets. Victor Besa / The National
Lettuce is grown in converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
Lettuce is grown in converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
The produce grown using hydroponics. Victor Besa / The National
The produce grown using hydroponics. Victor Besa / The National
Sean Lee, director of the Smart Acres hydroponics farm. We want it to be commercially viable, he said.Victor Besa / The National
Sean Lee, director of the Smart Acres hydroponics farm. We want it to be commercially viable, he said.Victor Besa / The National
The farm is spread across eight converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
The farm is spread across eight converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
The UAE’s newest vertical farm, Smart Acres, has started operation. All photos courtesy Smart Acres
The UAE’s newest vertical farm, Smart Acres, has started operation. All photos courtesy Smart Acres
The company collaborated with n.thing, a Korean-based technology company, to design the farm modules.
The company collaborated with n.thing, a Korean-based technology company, to design the farm modules.
Smart Acres grows fresh produce for UAE residents and businesses.
Smart Acres grows fresh produce for UAE residents and businesses.
Smart Acres says its system not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.
Smart Acres says its system not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.
Smart Acres was founded to improve food security in the UAE and develop the country’s farming capabilities.
Smart Acres was founded to improve food security in the UAE and develop the country’s farming capabilities.
Smart Acres is in talks with hypermarkets and government entities to expand their distribution of produce across the country.
Smart Acres is in talks with hypermarkets and government entities to expand their distribution of produce across the country.

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Name: Brendalle Belaza

From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines

Arrived in the UAE: 2007

Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus

Favourite photography style: Street photography

Favourite book: Harry Potter

ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

On Women's Day
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures

Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)

Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy

Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy

Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy

Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

UAE squad

Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia

Scorline

Iraq 1-0 UAE

Iraq Hussein 28’

Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
  2. It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
  3. Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
  4. Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
On Women's Day
While you're here
Essentials

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

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EnvironmentClimate changeUAE