71% of UAE residents believe climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity.

This is one of the outcomes of the Ecological Transformation Barometer 2024, an international survey conducted by Veolia in 26 countries, including the UAE. The study aims to measure people’s readiness for ecological transformation, assessing their willingness to accept ecological solutions and their perceptions of this transition.

Key findings regarding the UAE’s population:

• 81% of UAE residents are certain that climate change is underway (vs. 89% globally) (+2% from 2022).

• 64% of UAE residents are now convinced that inaction will cost them more than ecological action (vs. 66% globally) (-6% from 2022).

• The seriousness of the health threat has become a certainty: 71% are certain that climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity (vs. 75% globally).

• In the UAE, as in all regions of the world, a desirable ecology is one that protects health and quality of life. These two aspects are considered the most important and are the ones that will incite the population to participate in ecological transformation, take action, and accept changes willingly.

• 88% of UAE residents are ready to pay more for water to eliminate micropollutants and reduce health risks (vs. 84% globally).

• 84% of UAE residents are ready to pay more for fruit, vegetables, and meat to clean up, protect agricultural soil, and reduce health risks (vs. 81% globally).

Overall, it is interesting to note that residents in the UAE are more willing to “pay more” for their health and environmental solutions than the rest of the world.

We see a significant change in UAE residents’ perceptions compared to the 2022 first edition of the barometer, mainly due to the increased climate and environmental awareness in the country. This shift is influenced by hosting COP28 in 2023 and dedicating 2023 and 2024 as the years of sustainability, with numerous ongoing projects and a clear vision for the nation.