Can cloud seeding make the UAE's desert green?
CNBC International・7 minutes read
Desert greening in the UAE aims to combat water scarcity by investing in cloud seeding research and afforestation initiatives like the "One Million Trees" project. Despite challenges like the Mall of the World project, the UAE Cabinet approved the UAE Green Agenda for 2030 to build a green economy, following in the footsteps of other countries like China with similar desert greening projects.
Insights
- The UAE government invested heavily in cloud seeding research, allocating over $20 million to enhance rainfall and groundwater storage, indicating a proactive approach to combat water scarcity in a region with minimal annual rainfall.
- Afforestation initiatives, such as the "One Million Trees" project, play a vital role in transforming desert landscapes into green areas, emphasizing the importance of engineering the environment to support plant growth and combat desertification, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development.
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Recent questions
How does the UAE combat water scarcity?
Through desert greening initiatives like afforestation projects.
What was the UAE government's investment in cloud seeding research?
Over $20 million.
What is the focus of the "One Million Trees" project?
Transforming deserts into green landscapes.
What challenges did the Mall of the World project pose to afforestation efforts?
Threatened afforestation initiatives.
Which other country pursued desert greening projects similar to the UAE?
China.
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Summary
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UAE's Desert Greening Efforts Combat Water Scarcity
- Desert greening in the UAE is a deliberate process to combat water scarcity, with the country receiving less than 200 mm of rainfall annually.
- The UAE government invested over $20 million in cloud seeding research to enhance rain and groundwater storage, starting in late 2000 and early 2001.
- The UAE faces a significant reduction in water availability by 2050, with 80% of its land being desert and 75% of the world's land already degraded.
- Afforestation initiatives, like the "One Million Trees" project, have been crucial in transforming deserts into green landscapes, with a focus on engineering the landscape to support plant growth.
- Challenges like the Mall of the World project threatened afforestation efforts, but the UAE Cabinet approved the UAE Green Agenda for 2030 to build a green economy.
- Other countries, like China, have also pursued desert greening projects, with the Kubuqi project costing $1.8 billion over 50 years and utilizing cloud seeding technology for environmental benefits.
