Last week, Dubai had a massive flood. Over the course of a single day, Dubai
witnessed an extraordinary 25 cm (10 inches) of rainfall, a volume that
typically accumulates over the span of nearly two years. This hasn't happened
in 75 years, according to UAE’s National Center of Meteorology. The city was in
chaos, with roads turning into rivers and everything underwater.
Image: Reuters
What Went Wrong: Dealing with the Aftermath
The flood caused a lot of problems in Dubai. Roads were flooded, and people
couldn't get around. Even the airport had to stop flights because the runways
were underwater. Many homes and shops were flooded, including big places
like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Even the Dubai Metro had trouble
running because of all the water.
Figuring Out Why: Exploring the Causes
Why did this big flood happen? Experts think it was because of a mix of natural
phenomena and human actions. Climatologist Friederike Otto suggested that
the intense rainfall causing havoc in Oman and Dubai was likely made heavier
by human-induced climate change, according to a report by AFP.
A big storm from the Arabian Peninsula brought a ton of rain clouds to Dubai.
Climate experts say that more intense thunderstorms, caused by the sea
getting warmer from climate change, played a part too. Some people even
think that Dubai's cloud seeding, where they try to make it rain more, might
have made things worse.
Image: Reuters
Looking at Cloud Seeding: Does It Help or Hurt?
Dubai has been trying to make it rain more through cloud seeding. They send
planes to put stuff in the clouds to make them produce rain. But some folks
aren't sure if this actually works, and they worry it might be bad for the
environment. While some say it could help bring more rain, others say we
need more proof that it's safe and really works.
Dealing with Climate Change: Getting Ready for the Future
Climate change is really hitting Dubai hard. With its 1300 km long coastline, the
UAE could lose about 6% of its developed coast by the end of the century
because of rising sea levels. That means a lot of people and buildings are in
danger. Plus, there's a big problem with water—some areas might flood a lot,
while others might not have enough water. Farmers are struggling too, with
hotter temperatures and pesky bugs making it tough to grow crops. And
pollution is a big issue, especially from all the cars and factories. This pollution
makes the air dirty and can make people sick.
The Nature journal indicates that while theory and climate models project an
increase in future extreme rainfall events due to global warming, both
common (annual) and rare (decennial or centennial) extremes might
experience varying impacts.
The big flood in Dubai shows how serious climate change is. We're facing rising
sea levels, less water, messed-up farming, and more pollution. All these
problems are going to get worse if we don't do something fast. We've got to
make our cities stronger against floods and other problems caused by climate
change. That means building better drains, using more plants to soak up water,
and getting ready for disasters. We also need to learn how to use less energy
and protect our environment.
We can start by using less energy and recycling more. We need leaders who
care about the environment and laws that protect it. And we've got to make
sure everyone knows how to stay safe when bad weather hits.
We can use more clean energy like solar power and wind power. We should
also use less energy by making buildings and cars more efficient. And we can
encourage people to use bikes and public transportation instead of driving
everywhere.
Schools can teach kids about it, and adults can learn too. We also need to
listen to everyone, including people who might be most affected by climate
change.
Mitigating the impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted approach
that encompasses policy reforms, technological innovations, and behavioral
changes. The UAE, as a global leader in sustainability initiatives, has a pivotal
role to play in spearheading these efforts. Investments in renewable energy
infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and transition towards a low-carbon economy. Additionally,
promoting energy efficiency measures and sustainable transportation options
can further mitigate the carbon footprint of urban centers like Dubai.
Building climate resilience also entails empowering communities with
knowledge and resources to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Educational initiatives that raise awareness about climate change impacts and
sustainable practices can foster a culture of environmental stewardship from
an early age. Engaging with local stakeholders, including indigenous
communities and marginalized groups, is essential to ensure that climate
adaptation strategies are inclusive and equitable. By fostering a sense of
collective responsibility and empowerment, communities can mobilize towards
resilience-building efforts and safeguard their livelihoods for generations to
come.
By working together and taking care of our planet, we can make sure the world
stays a great place to live for years to come.
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