UAE Environment and Water Minister Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd (L) UAE Environment and Water Minister Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd has stressed that the green cities enjoy huge support nationwide, as they reflect clearly the UAE Vision 2021, National Agenda and the UAE Strategy for Green Development, as well as endorsed local and federal strategic visions and plans.
He said in a statement on World Earth Day, which corresponds with 22nd April, under the theme: "Green Cities", that the cities and urban centres play a critical role in achieving the sustainable development, as they offer huge economic and social opportunities.
The minister cited the management urban measures adopted by the UAE, notably, implementation of green architecture specifications, He added that the UAE is reaping the fruits of the wise policies of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan when he launched in March last year Shams1 solar energy plant with the capacity of 100 MW.
He added that Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park that aims at producing 1, 000 MW by 2030.
Dr. Fahd said the first nuclear plant will be operational by 2017.
Every year on 22nd April, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. People plant trees, clean up their communities, contact their elected officials, and more all on behalf of the environment. Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world's population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever.
Source: WAM