Dubai's Rapid Growth Leads to Environmental Problems

Sarah Ogletree

10/27/2010

11:05 PM

The city of Dubai grew very quickly and very lavishly, earning a reputation as one of the most luxurious destinations on earth. However, the almost immediate urbanization of Dubai has had its effects on the city. There are not enough resources in Dubai to support the lifestyle (and many people) it has acquired. Also many environmental regulations were not taken into account in the building of the city. Things were not thought through, for example, the fact that there is very little fresh water in the area.

The lack of water has caused a major problem in Dubai. The solution is desalination plants that treat the gulf, creating another problem in that the water is used and the left over sludge of salt and other materials is dumped back into the gulf. Due to this practice, the gulf’s salinity levels have increased from 32,000 parts per million to 47,000, in about 30 years –enough to threaten marine life. Also, desalination plants produce emissions of carbon dioxide, helping in the United Arab Emirates claim to one of the largest carbon footprints worldwide.

Another problem Dubai faces is its energy needs. Dubai has turned to Nuclear energy in some areas, but this has been both the source of environmental concern and political controversy.

Dubai also faces problems of waste management. It is noted in the article that tourists, on their luxurious vacations, were often swimming in raw sewage. The waste treatment facilities could simply not support the large population. Dubai opened up a larger treatment facility this summer, which doubled capacity, greatly increasing sustainability.

Today Dubai has also started requiring that new buildings be built with Western-like environmental regulations and standards. Sustainability is now the “theme” of the city. Dubai also has a plan in dealing with many of its water related problems. They are recycling by irrigating lawns and desert forests with residual waste. Also, just last month the government provided contracts to build a water storage facility that could hold up to a month’s worth of back-up water.

I feel the situation in Dubai is a prime example of poor planning, environmental apathy, and rapid urbanization. Now the city has to make up for, and find a way to solve its lack of environmental regulations, resources. Though Dubai is far from where it should be, it seems to be on the right track. Awareness is being raised about environmental sustainability, and the need for change. Dubai is certainly learning from its mistakes. The article showed many perspectives, and provided both negative and positive information making me feel it was unbiased and strictly reporting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/business/energy-environment/28dubai.html?src=busln