SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The inaugural UAE Antarctic Research Programme Workshop, launched by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, gathering international experts to investigate Antarctica's essential role in comprehending climate change and its effects on a global scale.
The workshop, held at the NCM headquarters and running until October 17, aims to foster collaboration with international researchers and build Emirati expertise in polar studies. Among the topics on the agenda include international polar policies, important Antarctic projects, and the UAE's research focus, highlighting the nation's commitment to science and climate cooperation.
In his opening speech, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the NCM stressed the urgent need for polar research to tackle the severe impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and altered weather patterns.
He also mentioned the threats to water and food security and underlined the necessity for global collaboration.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi, Associate Professor of the Earth Sciences Department at Khalifa University, drew attention to the UAE's growing involvement in scientific research, particularly in the polar regions.
She highlighted the UAE's Presidency of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its role in climate change research, enhancing its knowledge infrastructure.
Dr. Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of polar research for a coastal nation like the UAE, noting: "Loss of ice sheets will significantly affect us, impacting our sea levels and climate. Much of Abu Dhabi sits at sea level, so rising sea levels could lead to water incursions that will affect our land and climate. The poles, both the Arctic and Antarctic, are critical for global ocean health and climate stability, driving many of the lifelines of our planet, including fisheries and overall ocean health."
She also elaborated on the challenges of conducting research in Antarctica and recent technological advances to overcome them. "Antarctica is governed by a series of global treaties, including the Antarctic Treaty System, which the UAE recently joined. Accessing Antarctica requires special logistics, as everything that goes there, including waste, must be removed. This pristine environment makes research logistically challenging and expensive, and the harsh climate further complicates scientific work," Dr. Al Suwaidi explained.
She pointed out that Khalifa University is utilising technologies like weather stations and remote sensing to conduct polar research, but the need for physical presence remains crucial for gaining deeper insights. On the importance of international partnerships, Al Suwaidi said they work closely with strategic global partners and participate in the Scientific Council on Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
"Science is inherently collaborative, and this teamwork enables us to contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change."
She further outlined the UAE's polar research ambitions, focusing on ice sheet melting, ocean circulation, and atmospheric links, noting that Khalifa University's geochemical, geobiological, and geophysical research will help predict future climate changes.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Zhang Wenjian, International Affairs Advisor, at NCM, said that the workshop showcases the UAE's contribution to international polar research and the WMO's initiatives to understand climate change implications on a global scale. "Climate change is altering rainfall patterns and accelerating glacier melt, which affects global water availability.
The UAE's strong focus on rainfall enhancement is crucial, as we seek to understand the impact of polar changes on freshwater resources. This research also touches on biodiversity, vegetation, and environmental changes, which are vital areas for us to engage in," he said.
Dr. Zhang also mentioned the connection between polar research and recent weather patterns in the UAE.
"We have observed unusual extreme weather events in the UAE, such as heavy rainfall last spring. These occurrences in the middle latitudes are linked to changes in the polar regions, but we do not fully understand why. By improving our research and predictive capabilities, we can help the government better prepare for and mitigate future disasters."
Monikumar Ramakrishnan, Advisor to President of WMO, stressed the significance of the UAE's involvement in polar research despite its geographical distance from the poles.
"Some might wonder why the UAE is interested in polar research, given its distance from these regions. However, the weather knows no borders. Changes in remote areas, such as the Atlantic Ocean, can profoundly affect weather systems globally, including in lower latitudes like the UAE," Ramakrishnan told Aletihad.
"A clear example is the alarming increase in cyclone formation over the Arabian Sea. This trend is growing, with cyclones already impacting Oman and the UAE. These weather patterns are influenced by polar ice melting, affecting ocean and atmospheric circulation. The Arabian Peninsula's weather is driven by large-scale systems, such as the Siberian high, the Indian monsoon, and the African monsoon. Any change in these distant regions will affect these circulations, ultimately impacting our local weather," he added.
He noted that the UAE is actively participating in Antarctic research to address the under-monitoring of polar regions and the significant observation gap. The country aims to join the WMO's Antarctic network with international scientists, researchers, and academics to enhance understanding and cooperation in climate services.
"We want to conduct future studies from environmental, scientific, and socio-economic perspectives, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of global efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change," he said.