Earth Hour achieves outstanding energy consumption and carbon dioxide reduction levels

Earth Hour 2016 has achieved outstanding results for Dubai, as organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for the ninth consecutive year, in line with the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Earth Hour 2016 activities saw a 222MW reduction in the consumption of electricity, and a reduction of 96 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions. This reflects Dubai’s commitment to protecting natural resources and reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

Through this annual event, DEWA aims to raise awareness among the community and promote the rational consumption of resources as part of daily life, in addition to highlighting the importance of protecting the environment to make a positive change, and supporting national efforts to enhance sustainable development in Dubai.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and MD and CEO of DEWA participated in the activities. Government organisations, private companies, universities, schools and individuals also took part.

Earth Hour 2016 included a host of family and entertainment activities to spread environmental awareness. In cooperation with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, DCCE, DEWA launched the Carbon Neutral Initiative, to neutralise all carbon emissions during Earth Hour. This was achieved by projects based on the Kyoto Protocol, which is directly linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. DEWA also launched its ‘Shine a light on Climate Action’ campaign, to raise awareness about the dangers of the increasing effects of climate change, and emphasise the importance of the rationalised use of electricity and water.

"We are pleased to organise this event in partnership with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Emirates Wildlife Society, in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature and in cooperation with Dubai Properties Group, DPG. This supports the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who has laid down the foundations for a sustainable future for present and future generations through a vision, creative initiatives, and quality programmes. The directions of His Highness have been translated into real initiatives with close follow-up from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, which has helped Dubai become a world model for clean and renewable energy, sustainability, and other environmental issues that are of interest to governments and individuals alike," said Al Tayer.

"Dubai was the first Arab city to participate in Earth Hour in 2008, to support and incubate initiatives and events that promote public awareness on environmental issues and the sustainable development of the UAE, and the region. We are proud of the community’s participation in this annual event, and how much energy consumption levels have been reduced by over the years. This supports the long term 'Green Economy for Sustainable Development' initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to achieve sustainable development in Dubai, and enhance its position as a global hub for trade, finance, and the green economy, creating a sustainable future for the emirate. Earth Hour 2016 also adheres to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to transform the emirate into an international hub for clean energy and green economy, making Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050," added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer went on to say that the UAE was one of the first countries to support international society to meet the challenges of climate change and one of the first nations to endorse the extension of the Kyoto Protocol in 2005 to limit greenhouse gases in industrial countries. It was the first nation from the region to sign the Copenhagen Accord at COP15 to limit emissions.

"As part of the UAE Government’s solid commitment to enhancing cooperation with the international community to address climate change and showcase our active role in adopting best sustainable practices based on renewable energy projects and support for their related research and development, DEWA was part of the UAE’s delegation to the 21st annual session of the Conference of the Parties, COP21. In cooperation with some of the world’s most important leaders, we forged an international Memorandum of Agreement to develop an international framework of standards and guidelines directed towards managing the effects of climate change," said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer urged government and private organisations, and individuals, to combine efforts to achieve the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a smart, integrated, and connected city whose resources are sustainable. Collective efforts will conserve energy and will help reduce the carbon footprint, create a sustainable future for coming generations, and enhance the pillars of sustainability, "Earth Hour goes beyond turning off the lights for one hour. It is an international call to strengthen collaboration to promote a culture of conservation, and make it a part of our daily lives. This supports our efforts to promote sustainable development," Al Tayer concluded.