The second edition of a groundbreaking survey on ecological transformation, conducted by Veolia in collaboration with the global research and consulting firm Elabe, has revealed that 81% of UAE residents are certain about climate disruption, with 54% being optimistic that the future is still in the hands of humanity and that the cost of climate disruption far outweighs the investments required for ecological transformation.
The findings are part of the second edition of The Barometer of Ecological Transformation, a survey conducted by Veolia to understand the world’s views on the existing solutions for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The Barometer aims to make the public ecological perception more concise by bringing about more solution-oriented discussions and understanding the obstacles and levers of their acceptability to accelerate the ecological transformation in a more positive direction.
High cost of climate disruption
According to Veolia’s latest survey, faced with the “climate and ecological wall,” 81% of respondents in the UAE are certain that climate change is underway, although its anthropogenic origin is still the subject of debate among 21% of them: 14% support the theory of a strictly natural phenomenon, while 7% argue that it is impossible to identify the cause. The number of respondents who believed that climate change is for real in the previous survey stood at 61%, implying an increase of 20% this year.
Additionally, the survey also found that a majority of the respondents – around 64% – agree that costs resulting from climate disruption far outweigh the investments required for ecological transformation, highlighting the financial losses associated with climate change.
The UAE survey this year marked an increase of 19% and 23% respectively in the number of people who are willing to pay more for locally-produced energy with lower emissions of CO2 and those who are ready to pay more for everyday products made from recycled materials, compared to the numbers from last year.
Reflecting on the survey findings, Thierry Dezenclos, CEO of Veolia UAE, said: “The second edition of the Barometer of Ecological Transformation for the UAE highlights the local acceptance of the urgency of climate action amidst pressing environmental challenges and the dire need for ecological transformation. We are delighted to note in this year’s survey a growing sentiment amongst the UAE population to engage in positive action that benefits our environment in the long-term, and aligns with Veolia’s initiatives such as the GreenUp program, aimed at decarbonization, depollution and resource regeneration. The survey underscores the urgency of ecological action and the global demand for accessible solutions, and we must therefore collaborate effectively for a sustainable future. As the benchmark company for ecological transformation, Veolia has been at the forefront of leading this step change for protecting our future and enhancing living conditions globally.”
Optimism on ecological transformation
Despite these challenges, a significant portion of UAE residents expressed optimism about the prospects of ecological transformation with hopes characterised by improved consumption habits, greater unity, higher living standards, enhanced serenity, better health, willingness to relinquish old habits, increased purchasing power, and overall happiness.
The survey also found a significant increase in acceptance rates for various practices, such as reducing meat consumption, washing dishes and clothes with recycled water, consuming food grown using sewage sludge, and drinking water from wastewater treatment.
The overall positive figures in the UAE survey align with global trends captured by the Barometer, which found that more than two-thirds of the world is grappling with ecological concerns. The results highlight a widespread acknowledgment of climate change (89%) and a preference for prioritising health over cost when making decisions about water, waste, and energy (97%). Additionally, two-thirds of global respondents anticipate higher costs from inaction and are open to health-focused solutions despite potential cost increases.
The Barometer also reinforces the UAE’s commitment to environmental protection, evident in its signing of the Paris Agreement and pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The country’s launch of the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway and a raft of pioneering initiatives at COP28 also demonstrate its dedication to sustainability and climate resilience. The results of the Veolia survey reflect a prevailing optimism among UAE residents for a sustainable future characterised by improved living standards and environmental well-being.
UAE highlights:
- 81% of UAE residents in 2024 are certain that climate disruption is currently happening, compared to 61% in 2022.
- 54% of UAE residents think that the future is still in our hands, and we can still limit climate disruption and pollution.
- 60% of UAE residents think that climate disruption is of anthropogenic origin.
- 88% of UAE residents would pay more for water to eliminate micropollutants and reduce health risks.
- 86% of UAE residents would pay a little more for water so it can be recycled and reduce the risks of running out.
- 80% of UAE residents would buy food packaged in recycled materials to reduce plastic pollution and oil extraction.
- 83% of UAE residents would pay a little more for electrical and electronic devices to ensure that the battery and the device itself are recycled.
- A majority of UAE residents would consume food (73%) and water (64%) grown from recycled water.
