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Writer's pictureKrishiv Jain

The Dubai Flood

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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