Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), recently issued Decree No. (2) of 2024, announcing the enforcement of stricter air quality and noise control regulations in the emirate. Environmentalists hailed this as a pivotal moment for environmental governance in the UAE capital, signalling its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of its residents and ecosystems.
As per the decree, the EAD will periodically monitor and evaluate air pollutants and noise levels to ensure compliance with permissible limits by all projects and establishments operating in Abu Dhabi.
Nahla Nabil, a sustainability strategist based in the UAE, described this decision as a game-changer. “This move is a bold and necessary action for a cleaner, healthier Abu Dhabi,” she told Aletihad.
She explained that reducing the levels of air pollutants is a vital measure to safeguard the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Emirate. According to Nabil, cleaner air fosters healthier habitats for wildlife and managing noise pollution contributes to the wellbeing of both humans and animals making their surroundings more serene and harmonious.
Rahaf Ajaj, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Safety at Abu Dhabi University, echoed Nabil’s view, noting that air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds pose a significant threat to respiratory health and overall wellbeing.
“Addressing noise pollution through comprehensive regulations is equally urgent, as it will contribute to creating more peaceful and livable urban environments, positively impacting residents’ mental and physical health. Furthermore, the implementation of these measures will lead to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change,” she said.
Curbing Air Pollution Protects Public Wellbeing
Nabil cited figures by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that air pollution causes around 7 million premature deaths each year due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Cutting down on pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, can directly lower these health risks, she said, noting that “vulnerable groups”, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, will benefit the most.
Ajaj said that measures aimed at reducing pollution and managing noise levels will significantly enhance public well-being by lessening the prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
“The resulting improvements will create a more serene, healthier, and visually appealing living environment, ultimately improving residents’ overall quality of life,” she added.
‘Noise Pollution Isn’t just an Annoyance’
Ajaj affirmed the importance of effective strategies for the reduction of noise levels to support environmental sustainability.
“Noise pollution can significantly disrupt natural wildlife behaviours and habitats. By incorporating methods such as sound barriers and noise-reducing materials, we can aid in safeguarding the delicate equilibrium of ecosystems and maintaining the welfare of diverse species,” she said.
According to Ajaj, excessive noise is associated with heightened stress, sleep disturbances, and detrimental health impacts. “The implementation of these strategies to create a quieter living environment can positively contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community and enhance the residents’ quality of life,” she said.
Reflecting on personal experience, Nabil noted that the long-term impact of implementing noise control measures is profound.
“I used to live on a busy main road where constant traffic noise affected my sleep quality and stress levels. Since moving to the outskirts, my sleeping patterns have improved significantly. Reducing noise can help people sleep better and feel less stressed, which is essential for overall health,” the environmentalist said.
“Noise pollution isn’t just an annoyance; it’s linked to heart disease, sleep problems, and stress. The WHO highlights that reducing noise can help improve mental health and overall wellbeing. This move by Abu Dhabi is a great step towards a healthier, happier community”.
According to Nabil, curbing noise pollution goes beyond “immediate comfort”, proving crucial to fostering a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife.
She explained that reducing noise pollution creates “quieter, more stable habitats”, necessary for species that rely on sound for communication and navigation.
Abu Dhabi is home to native birds which use calls to maintain social bonds, and marine animals like the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, which uses echolocation for navigation and hunting, according to Nabil.
