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Dubai has achieved significant results in reducing its electricity use and carbon emissions during Earth Hour 2018. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recorded savings of 323 megawatts (MW) in electricity consumption in Dubai, a 32% further reduction compared to last year. This is equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 140 tonnes.
Dubai residents joined millions of people around the world in expressing their solidarity with efforts to address the threats posed by global warming and climate change, and raising awareness about pressing environmental issues. This was done by turning off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances during Earth Hour 2018, which the world observed from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday, under the theme ‘Connect to Earth.’ Dubai's landmarks, tourist and government buildings also took part in the event by turning off their lights for an hour.
For the third consecutive year, DEWA continues to offset the carbon emissions from Earth Hour activities, this is done by exchanging the emissions resulting from organising Earth Hour 2018 in Dubai for Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) credits from DEWA’s projects, based on the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Earth Hour 2017 activities were offset with CERs credit from DEWA’s Thermal Energy Storage and Turbine Inlet Air Cooling (TESTIAC) system in L Station in Jebel Ali.
As the National Strategic Partner of Earth Hour UAE, DEWA organised activities to celebrate Earth Hour, under the umbrella of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; and in partnership with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS), in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and with the support of Dubai Properties Group. Many government and private organisations, universities, and schools took part in the activities from 4 to 10pm at Marasi Promenade Business Bay. A large number of families enjoyed the activities to spread awareness about the environment and promote a culture of rational consumption of electricity.
The Earth Hour Walk, the most prominent activity in the event, started at 8:30pm.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, Director General of Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA), Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Saif Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Khalifa Al Darrai, Executive Director of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dr. Essa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, and a large number of officials took part in the walk.
Al Tayer commended their participation in the Earth Hour Walk along thousands of people of all ages and nationalities who carried candles and eco-friendly lanterns to express their solidarity with global efforts to protect Planet Earth.
"Earth Hour is celebrated around the world as a global movement of solidarity for the planet. We strive, as we celebrate Earth Hour every year, to spark public awareness and action for the rational consumption of natural resources to ensure they last for generations to come, in line with the UAE Vision 2021," said Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Al Zeyoudi reiterated that the UAE is strongly committed to the highest of standards to stop the depletion of these resources. He added, "The wise use of natural resources is key to their sustainability. The UAE sees a significant drop in power consumption during the annual celebration of Earth Hour. In 2017 and per official statistics, participating federal and local government entities recorded a reduction of 311MW in energy use. This resulted in offsetting 230 tonnes of carbon emissions."
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment added that in addition to significantly reducing power use for one hour, celebrating Earth Hour is a symbolic act uniting people from around the globe to raise awareness of responsible consumption of resources to ensure their sustainability.
Al Tayer commended the government and private organisations and individuals who support Earth Hour.
"Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, DEWA has been organising Earth Hour annually since 2008. The aim is to highlight sustainable practices that lead to a positive change in climate action. The results Dubai achieved this year underline the important role community members can play to conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint to protect the environment and natural resources and contribute to achieving sustainable development. The goal of organising Earth Hour is to urge everyone to adopt a conscious and responsible lifestyle in their use of electricity and water, to support the national efforts to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, and ensure their sustainability, for generations to come," said Al Tayer.
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