The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to be affected by climate change, which can take a devastating toll on the region’s water supplies and food production systems, according to the United Nations.

Understanding this, 8 in 10 UAE survey respondents acknowledged climate change as a serious crisis, and 7 in 10 UAE residents cited that urgent action should be taken within the next five years to minimize the impact of climate change and secure a more sustainable future, a recent Kearney survey has revealed. 

The majority of UAE citizens think tackling climate change will improve global cultural and social concerns, with 81% stating that it significantly influences people’s quality of life in various nations.

Exploring UAE residents’ outlook towards sustainability initiatives, the study comes ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP 27, where climate change will take center stage globally.

Given the pressing climate-related threats the world is currently facing, several MENA countries have pledged to limit global warming through a transition to renewable energy and green technology. Several policymakers have already taken measures in that direction.

“We’ve seen commitments such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 and the KSA Net Zero 2060 come into place to combat climate change at a national level and a number of clean energy initiatives,” said Mauricio Zuazua, partner at Kearney Middle East. 

Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas comes to the Middle East on 23 November 2022. Click here to know more.