Climate Change and Environment Ministry, Masdar sign agreement

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MoCCAE, has signed an agreement with Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, for the second Phase of the air quality monitoring project in the UAE.

Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, witnessed the signing at the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences.

The second phase follows the success of phase one of the project that involved the Masdar Institute establishing the air quality monitoring system in the UAE.

Phase-2 of the air quality monitoring by satellite project involves the utilisation of ground-level and satellite data to measure particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels in the air and the use of the air quality network to calculate air quality index and facilitate air quality control programmes and initiatives. It will also use satellite imagery, numerical models, and ground observations to understand the variability of air quality across the UAE and identify sources and nature of transboundary pollutants.

"Air quality is one of the priorities in the UAE because of its health, economic and environmental impacts, where the National Agenda aims at raising the rate of air quality in the country from around 70 percent at present to 90 percent by 2021. This joint venture to remotely monitor air quality via satellites, underlines our belief that state of the art technology and innovative practices and tools are an important and essential part of the spectrum of solutions," Dr. Al Zeyoudi said.

"We have to deal with the growing challenges that we face in our quest to achieve our national aspirations, which include improving air quality. We are relying heavily on employing the latest available technologies and developing innovative solutions that contribute to strengthening our capabilities in this area," he added.

"We are privileged to partner with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment once again for the second phase of the air quality monitoring project. This partnership represents the strength of the Masdar Institute, applying our innovative research to advance the goals of the UAE leadership. Through this agreement we are proud to collaborate with the ministry to contribute toward developing a prompt and accurate method of monitoring air quality throughout the UAE, which will help us to recognise the environmental goals in the country’s 2021 vision," Dr. Al Yousuf, said.