Rising Desertification In Dubai
Desertification, the process of land becoming degraded and turned into desert, is a fast growing problem in Dubai. Situated in the Arab region of the Middle East, Dubai is a city known for its luxurious sky scrapers, modern architecture and its never-ending oasis. But behind this grandeur is a land that is becoming fast degraded and turning into desert.
Like other areas in the Middle East, Dubai is facing a rapid depletion of its rain water reserves and a decrease in soil fertility due to rising temperatures and climate change effects. It joined in on the ‘millennium development goals’ in 2008, aiming to stop land from becoming degraded and to improve its water resources, but these efforts have yet to be seen. The 2 million citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are heavily reliant on its highly finite non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and ground water, leading to the desertification of the land.
In addition, the rapid development of the city in the last decade has compounded the problem. Although the desert may have seemed a dry and barren landscape, it is incredibly sensitive to human interference, so the overbuilding of residential and commercial areas has caused a decreasing of the water table and an increase of salinity in the soil. In some places, a once thriving ecosystem is now nothing but dry land, left uncultivated.
As a result of the desertification, Dubai faces growing ecological and social consequences. Without land to farm, the people of Dubai may soon face food shortages, as well as a shrinking biodiversity and limited resources. To tackle this looming crisis, cars are being restricted from circulating around the city’s centre, and a tree- planting campaign has been launched.
These efforts must continue, in order to reduce desertification and save the land for generations to come. As well as protecting the land, innovation and education are also key. People need to be educated about climate change and its effects on desertification, and businesses should promote green technology and alternative sources of energy, in order to reduce the reliance onnon-renewable resources and assistance further wastage.
The development of a city should not happen at the cost of its environment. With the help of government(s) and citizens, the land in Dubai has a chance. If things don't change, however, a once luxurious city, may soon face its biggest curse, the desert.
A Dubais.blog First Publication.
Don J'osai
Don J'osai is a creative and talented blogger with a passion for sharing his thoughts and experiences with the world. He has always been interested in exploring his multicultural heritage. Growing up, he was exposed to a wide range of cultural influences, which has inspired him to write about issues related to diversity.
After completing his education and obtaining a bachelor's degree in science, J'osai started a career as a freelance writer amongst other things, and soon became a popular blogger, thanks to his unique voice and engaging writing style. He writes on a range of topics, including travel, food, lifestyle, and culture, and has a growing audience of followers who appreciate his perspective and insights.
Through his writing, J'osai aims to promote inclusivity and understanding, and to challenge stereotypes and biases. He believes that blogging is a powerful medium for creating positive change in the world, and he is committed to using his platform to inspire and educate others. When he's not writing, J'osai enjoys exploring new places, trying out new foods, and spending time with his family.
