Trend Analysis of Industry-Level Carbon Emissions Analysis in the UAE

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly emerged as a global hub for commerce, driven by its strategic location, resources, and ambitious development initiatives. However, this progress has come at a cost, with carbon emissions from industrial activities, particularly the construction industry, posing a significant environmental challenge. This research paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the UAE's industrial carbon footprint, focusing on the construction sector, to understand the trends and drivers of emissions. The study utilizes the Environmentally Extended Multi-Region Input-Output Model (MRIO) to analyze the industry-level carbon emissions and assess the impact of various sectors on the environment. The study combined the data collected over 13 years (2004-2017) from different regions across the world comparing to the UAE. The analysis shows that the carbon emissions from the construction industry in the UAE are significantly greater than the rest of the world combined. The analysis also considers the consumption-based carbon emissions, which exceed production-based emissions, indicating the significant impact of consumption patterns, including imports of high-carbon goods and services. The top contributors to carbon emissions in the UAE's construction industry include ROW-Electricity, Gas, and Petroleum Products, UAE-Metals and Minerals, and ROW-Metals and Minerals. These sectors account for approximately 77.02% of total emissions, highlighting the importance of addressing emissions from these sources through sustainable practices and technologies. The analysis also examines carbon exchange between the UAE and ROW, showing a shift towards more emissions being retained domestically in the construction industry, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Overall, the analysis highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to reduce carbon emissions in the UAE's construction sector, considering both domestic production practices and the carbon intensity of imported materials and energy source.

Date of Award	22 May 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Acquaye (Supervisor)