ANNOUNCEMENTS
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are essential for evaluating the environmental implications of development projects. However, as climate change accelerates, conventional EIAs—particularly in regions like the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—often fail to incorporate long-term climate-related risks. This study investigates the current state of Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) integration in UAE’s industrial EIAs and identifies gaps that undermine the climate resilience of infrastructure planning.
Using content analysis of two recent EIA reports prepared for metal fabrication projects in Ras Al Khaimah, the research evaluates the presence of CRA components such as hazard identification, future climate scenario modeling, GHG quantification, and adaptation planning. Findings reveal that while baseline environmental data is rigorously presented, there is an absence of forward-looking climate modeling and risk-based planning. No scenario-based assessments or climate adaptation strategies are present, and the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) lack resilience-focused measures.
In response, the study proposes a structured framework and checklist for integrating CRA into the UAE’s EIA system. Policy recommendations include mandating CRA elements in national regulations, building institutional capacity for climate modeling, and aligning EIA practices with the UAE Net Zero 2050 vision. The research underscores the need to transition EIAs from compliance documents to strategic tools for sustainable and climate-resilient development.
By bridging the gap between environmental assessment and climate foresight, this study contributes to advancing both academic understanding and practical policy solutions in the field of sustainability governance.
