Abu Dhabi: Future climate patterns in the UAE point to drier and hotter weather, suggests a new model created by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, pointing to a need for strong management of climate-related resources in years to come.
Masdar issued the call on Tuesday, noting that its new reliable hydro-climate model is based on a mixed statistical and physical approach and integrates data from different sources, including remote sensing.
“The model has shown that the moisture supplied to the UAE’s soil from rain is offset by evaporation, and thus groundwater recharge is minimal. At the same time, data suggests that climate extremes in the UAE, such as long periods without rain, extremely high temperatures, dust storms and flash floods, are going to increase in intensity and frequency,” said Masdar.
The new tool can help the UAE come up with a longer view on climatic variables like temperature, precipitation and soil moisture, allowing better planning and policy development relating to climate and weather, said the not-for-profit graduate university in the nation’s capital.
The new hydro-climate models have found that the UAE’s weather is getting hotter and drier — with a significant increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation and soil moisture, particularly over Abu Dhabi.
“The UAE’s socio-economic development is closely linked to its climate and weather, underpinning the need for improved weather and climate prediction in the country,” said Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute. “The development of the UAE’s hydro-climate models underpins Masdar Institute’s mission of providing sustainable, high-tech solutions to the issues of climate change affecting the country. These hydro-climate models can be used to ensure proper water resource management, agricultural development, renewable energy deployment, and public health and safety — all of which are key to the country’s prosperity.”
Dr Taha B.M.J. Ouarda, Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering at Masdar Institute and head of the Institute’s Centre for Water and Environment, said: “Our model predictions will provide the UAE with the crucial information needed to support decision-making processes in a number of fields, including water resources management, public health planning and renewable energy development, thus bringing Abu Dhabi closer to its goals of increased welfare, security and sustainability for its people and their future.”
