ABU DHABI // A project to collect data on greenhouse gas emissions in Abu Dhabi emirate is to begin this year.
The scheme will be led by the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) and involve stakeholders from some of the sectors most responsible for emissions, including agriculture, energy and land use and forestry.
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The data, which is expected to be ready by the end of next year, is to be used to "develop strategies and policies to assess and monitor the levels of emissions as well as the sinks that absorb greenhouse gasses such as wetlands and mangroves", according to the state news agency WAM.
The results of the data collection will be made available on the EAD website for "the general public as well as government stakeholders to access".
Significant sources of greenhouse gases in the UAE include desalination plants.
Sheikha Ahmed Al Hosani, the manager of air quality and climate change at EAD, said: "We will take into consideration our local conditions and requirements ... we will also be drawing on the experience of precious national inventories where possible."
The project will be implemented by a partner of EAD, the Norwegian Institute for Air Research.
University students in the UAE will also be encouraged to take part.
Called the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it is to compile data about gases specified in the Kyoto Protocol including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide.