MOCCAE introduces National Air Quality Agenda 2031
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, approved by the UAE Cabinet in June 2022. Launched at a forum to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the Agenda provides a general framework to lead and align federal and local government entities and the private sector in regard to monitoring and effectively managing air quality and reducing air pollution to contribute to a healthy and safe environment.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed AlMheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Air pollution is one of the main issues affecting the wellbeing of mankind and the environment. Estimated to cause seven million premature deaths annually, it contributes to impeding global efforts to combat climate change. The development of the Agenda was made possible through the valuable contributions of various federal and local government stakeholders. The active participation of our institutional partners proves the paramount importance of this endeavour.”
The Agenda sets out trends, initiatives, and projects that will be launched in the coming few years to address air pollution in four focus areas. The first is outdoor air quality that includes eight supporting goals across 29 action themes, mainly in the transport, energy and electricity generation, construction, and waste sectors. Indoor air quality will cover three supporting goals and six action themes with a focus on construction materials, substances used in household products, and building maintenance. The last two categories include ambient odour that comprises four supporting goals and 10 action themes in waste management, wastewater treatment, and industry; and ambient noise that has five supporting goals and 16 action themes in transport, construction, and industry.
To achieve its targets, the National Air Quality Agenda outlines key enablers, including establishing a clear and robust policy and institutional framework, enhancing technical and human resource capacities, promoting scientific and academic research, leveraging advanced technology, and facilitating access to financial resources.
The Agenda is built upon three pillars - monitoring, mitigation and finally management. Monitoring is the actual measurement of air pollution and related parameters, mitigation involves a broad range of existing, planned, and required actions that will be taken to reduce levels of and exposure to pollutants. Finally, management relates to measures that will allow for interventions and initiatives to be effectively implemented, tracked, and controlled to reach the overall goal of improved air quality.
