Dubai Tries To Balance Water Resources With Demand In An Arid Landscape

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 21: Arabian Sand Gazelles munch on shrubs on the edge of the city on November 21, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the population and food consumption demands rise, there is a noticeable increase in land degradation and desertification across the Emirates. In the UAE, where 42 percent of water is sourced from energy-intensive desalination plants, the nation faces the challenge of meeting one of the world's highest water consumption rates - an average of 500 liters per person daily, 50 percent above the global average. In response, the UAE is investing in reverse osmosis technology to cater to surging demands for purified water while also committing to increasing the utilization of recycled wastewater by 2030, a key element of its sustainability strategy. Despite these sustainability efforts, the UAE remains committed to promoting water-rich lifestyles, evident in features like manicured lawns and water parks, underscoring the delicate balance between the nation's aspiration for a high standard of living and the imperative to manage water resources sustainably in its arid landscape. At the end of this month, Dubai will host COP28, the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference. (Photo by Andrea DiCenzo/Getty Images)