UAE Press: Tackling water security a global challenge

Water is essential for life. It’s a precondition for human existence and for the sustainability of the planet itself. Unfortunately, water shortage today affects every continent, a UAE newspaper has commented editorially.

United Nations reports have predicted that nearly half of the world’s population will face significant levels of water scarcity by 2030, and the matter needs to be addressed earnestly by the world community.

“In this aspect, the UAE deserves special praise for its pragmatic approach on the subject,” said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Sunday.

The country has been pursuing an ambitious agenda towards sustainable water security. In September 2017, the Ministry of Energy and Industry unveiled the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims to ensure sustainable access to water during both normal and emergency conditions in line with local regulations, standards of the World Health Organisation, and the UAE’s vision to achieve prosperity and sustainability.

The UAE’s Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, UAEREP, has strengthened its position as a catalyst for advances international scientific research on rain enhancement.

The paper quoted Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director of the National Centre of Meteorology, as saying, “Our programme has grown to the extent that it is now truly global in size, scale, and substance. We are proud of the results of the three research projects that will contribute significantly to supporting the scientific development in the field of rain enhancement, in addition to improving the effectiveness of the rain enhancement as an additional sustainable water source. These efforts strengthen the UAE’s position as a world-class centre for generating knowledge and achieving excellence in rain enhancement science and techniques.”

At a recent event, Dr Linda Zou, Professor Volker Wulfmeyer, Professor Masataka Murakami – UAEREP’s first cycle grant awardees – well presented the results of their innovative research projects that have already done much to advance the capabilities of rain enhancement science and new technologies in the UAE and beyond.

Interestingly, Dr. Zou, a Professor at the Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has been able to produce, test and evaluate new cloud seeding materials based on nanotechnology that can increase the number of rain droplets by up to three times their original size, at 100 per cent relative humidity, compared to conventional cloud seeding materials.

“Climate change, increasing water scarcity, population growth, demographic changes and urbanisation already pose challenges for water supply systems. Water issues call for global solidarity and joint measures. What is needed is solid commitment,” concluded the Sharjah-based daily.