Air purity ‘excellent’ in Ajman: WHO
AJMAN — The Ajman government has achieved high air quality standards, which is on par with the advanced cities of the world with excellent rates of air purity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The achievement was announced during the fifth Ajman International Environment Conference, which was opened on Tuesday under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.
The two-day conference debates climate change and sustainability in the UAE and worldwide with aims to shed light on major environmental issues, spanning scientific solutions to reduce the effect of climate change in the UAE, sustainability in government housing in the country, and a line-up of environmental issues in the world.
The opening session was attended by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate change and Environment.
During his opening speech,
Linking climate change to human activities has led to increased awareness on the importance of adjusting our practices.” Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate change and Environment
Sheikh Ammar said Ajman gives environmental issues the highest priority and intensifies efforts with other emirates to reach the federal goal of the UAE to be a state with advanced environment.
“I am very happy today to hear that the Emirate of Ajman has become among the advanced cities of the world with excellent rates of air purity, which according to WHO is an average 86 per cent,” he added.
“We are keen to preserve the environment free from pollution and there are efforts exerted by all in this regard. We follow up the development of technologies used in protection of the environment. Legislations are made to help increase green areas and reduce pollution caused by industries,” he stressed. Minister Al Zeyoudi said climate change is a major challenge for sustainability today. “It threatens not only the growth, but also undermines previous successes in various fields.
“The latest global risk reports indicate that the World Economic Forum has identified climate change as one of the top five risks globally. However, climate change has important opportunities that can be invested in building a more sustainable future.
“Linking climate change to human activities has led to increased awareness on the importance of adjusting our practices, production patterns and resource consumption, including a review of the business approach as a driving force,” he added.
He said that the UAE has been proactive in investing these opportunities and has adopted a package of advanced and integrated policies that guarantee competitive advantages at the economic, social and environmental levels. The two-day conference includes five major scientific sessions, featuring 205 specialised scientific papers from renowned experts and lecturers from 49 countries all over the world.