The document outlines environmental management challenges in Dubai. It begins with a brief history of Dubai's environmental department and outlines its responsibilities which include waste management, air and water quality monitoring, and inspections. It then discusses some key environmental challenges such as excessive coastal development damaging marine habitat, lack of recycling and conservation, limited landfill space, high ozone and noise levels, and poor air quality. Potential solutions are provided such as waste-to-energy systems, regulations, increased green space, and public education programs. The conclusion notes challenges of limited institutional capacity and civic engagement to address these environmental issues.

1. Environmental Management Challenges in Dubai

2. Presentation Outline History Laws and Regulations Present-day Environment Department Environmental Challenges Conclusion

3. Dubai’s Environmental Management Origins 1986: explosion at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station 1988: Leaders of Dubai formed environmental section in Health Department 1991: Dubai Municipality (with help of United Nations Environment Programme) create the Environment Department

4. Environment Dept

5. Environmental Planning Unit The Unit is responsible for: the preparation and review of relevant Policies and Technical Guidelines on environmental protection evaluating the environmental soundness of all proposed developmental projects …

6. Environmental Environmental Regulations Federal Laws Basic Regulations for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation 2004 Air Pollution Law 2006 Regulations for Radioactive Waste Management 2004 Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials 2004 Local Orders Local Order 61 of 1991 - Environment Protection Regulations Local Order 11 of 2003 - Public Health and Community Safety Local Order 07 of 2002 - Waste Disposal Sites Information Bulletins Approved Hazardous Waste Transporters March 2006; Environmental Standards And Allowable Limits of Pollutants May 2003 Codes of Practice Management of Legionella; Management of Dangerous Goods; Management of Medical Wastes; Good Environmental Practice for Hotels and Tourism Operators

7. Environment Department Responsibilities Waste collection, delivery & disposal to landfill / treatment sites Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal Air quality monitoring Marine water monitoring

8. Environment Department Responsibilities Public areas cleaning (streets, souqs, beaches) Dubai Creek cleaning Inspections of residential, public, and commercial premises Inspection of industrial facilities Product & services licensing Ex: Chinese origin Toys containing high levels of Lead.

9. Some Environmental Challenges

10. Environmental Challenges: Excessive coastal developments Issue High impact on the local marine ecology. The typically crystalline waters have become severely clouded with silt. Construction activity is damaging the marine habitat, Concerns about the long-term viability of the projects. Rising sea levels from global climate change Possible Solutions 4 stakeholders to act responsibly Corporate sector: Due diligence; EIS Remediation measures Transparency

11. Environmental Challenges: Lack of Recycling & Conservation Issue Over consumption Recycling and conservation principles are totally absent (U.A.E. found to have largest ecological footprint) Possible Solutions Children identified as the primary target for environmental awareness programs Diversifying awareness tools to suit the mix of cultures and background Increase the number of conservation site and protected areas. Recycling stations Leading by the example

12. Environmental Challenges: Waste Disposal Sites Issue Rapidly running out of landfill space Possible Solutions Explore successful practices and technologies such as waste to energy systems Establish centralized facilities for general waste sorting, construction and demolition debris waste recycling, and tires utilization

13. Environmental Challenges: Ozone Issue High ozone levels at g round-level (becomes an air pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory system) Ample emissions (industries and mobile sources) Favorable weather (sunlight, land/sea breeze) Possible Solutions Utilize LNG/LPG in Power Plants and large transport fleets (taxis, busses)

14. Environmental Challenges: Noise levels in urban areas Issue High noise levels Air traffic Road Traffic Industrial Possible Solutions Regulations (Zoning, Speed limit, Aircraft engine, etc.) Technology Polluters pay

15. Environmental Challenges: Air Quality Issue High concentration of fine particles in the air due to sand storms, burning of fossil fuels, power plants and extensive construction activities Stink in most luxurious housing estates caused by poor water quality, septic tanks Possible Solutions Monitor air quality, establish standards Introduce legislation / regulations Polluters pays Increase green cover and public & community parks Introduce technology Increase sewerage processing capacity Use means to neutralise the odours and the smell

16. Conclusion Lack of institutional capacity, civic engagement, corporate responsibility Public sector: Inadequate organisation structure Some good Initiatives: The Dubai International Award for Best Practices US$ 360,000 (= Database) PC recycling program: partnership between Dubai Municipality, NGOs and corporate sector The environmental and health awareness office: disseminates environmental and health awareness in order to improve the health status of all community members.