Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focuses on urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. In Dubai, a city that has witnessed rapid development and faces climate-related challenges, taking proactive steps towards climate action is essential for ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
Climate Action in Dubai:
Dubai recognizes the pressing need to address climate change and its associated risks. The city has adopted a multifaceted approach to combat climate change, which includes renewable energy projects, energy efficiency measures, water conservation, and sustainable urban planning.
CUD’s Commitment to Climate Action:
The Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is actively engaged in climate action efforts both within its campus and in the broader Dubai community. Here’s how CUD is contributing to SDG 13:
Campus Initiatives:
Energy Efficiency: CUD implements energy-efficient technologies and practices on its campus, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes using LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart building management.
Renewable Energy: The university may invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels to generate clean and sustainable electricity for its facilities.
Water Conservation: CUD promotes water conservation through measures such as water-efficient landscaping, wastewater treatment and reuse, and educational campaigns.
Sustainable Transportation: The university encourages sustainable transportation options among students and staff, reducing carbon emissions associated with commuting.
Community Engagement:
Research and Innovation: CUD’s faculty and researchers engage in climate-related research, providing valuable insights into local climate challenges and solutions.
Awareness Campaigns: The university conducts awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops on climate change and its impacts, educating students and the general community about the importance of climate action.
Collaborations: CUD collaborates with local environmental organizations, government agencies, and climate-focused initiatives to actively participate in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in Dubai.
Sustainability Advocacy: CUD may advocate for climate-friendly policies and practices within the city, promoting sustainable urban planning and environmentally responsible behaviors.
By adopting sustainable practices, promoting renewable energy, raising awareness, and collaborating with stakeholders, the Canadian University Dubai contributes to Dubai’s commitment to climate action and resilience. Through its campus initiatives and community engagement efforts, CUD plays a vital role in addressing climate change locally and supporting the global goal of combating climate change, as outlined in SDG 13.
World Environment Day
Here at Canadian University Dubai, we celebrate this important day and work hard to push for a greener future by implementing sustainability around our uni and encouraging our students, faculty and staff to lead a green life.
CUD Partners with UPEI to offer Unique Degree Program in Environment and Climate Change
Canadian University Dubai Partners with University of Prince Edward Island to offer Unique Dual Degree Program in Environment and Climate Change
January 9th, 2019: In an exciting and innovative extension to its existing transfer arrangements with the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has signed an agreement that will enable students in the UAE to complete a unique dual degree program combining environmental studies and climate change.
The agreement, which was signed recently by CUD Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, and President and Vice Chancellor of UPEI, Dr. Alaa Abd El-Aziz, allows students to undertake two years’ study in CUD’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Management program and then transfer to Canada where they can complete their studies in environment and climate change at UPEI. The student can also finish their degree in Dubai and graduate with a dual recognition.
This new collaboration will further cement CUD’s ties with the Maritime Province’s premier higher education institution and lays the foundations for the development of a co-degree combining environmental studies, environmental sciences and climate change, which students could complete either in Dubai or in Canada.
Established in 1969, UPEI has developed a growing reputation as a leader in education, research, innovation and academic excellence. The institution is among several Universities in Canada that hold a general partnership agreement with CUD, providing for a range of different collaboration opportunities, including student transfer and further education.
The initiative will also advance CUD’s strategic approach to supporting the UAE National Climate Change Plan, which calls for the reorientation and upgrading of higher education curricula to prepare the future workforce for the green economy.
On signing the agreement, CUD Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, said that at a time when climate change was a major issue for our world, the introduction of this innovative UPEI program to the University’s existing Environmental Studies portfolio would offer students an exciting new career pathway and enhance CUD’s reputation as an institution committed to providing relevant educational opportunities for society in the 21st Century.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Alaa said this agreement was a wonderful opportunity for Dubai students to come to Canada and experience the welcoming atmosphere of a Canadian Institution, where they would immediately feel at home. Reflecting on his own experience of CUD, where he is always warmly received, he added that students from Canada who wished to study at CUD would feel the same.
Global Climate Change Conference Opens at CUD
The Global Climate Change conference began with an opening ceremony attended by government representatives, members of the Canadian diplomatic community and guest speakers from Canada and beyond.
Opening the ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE, spoke about the UAE government’s plans to address global issues.
Professor Alaa Abd El Aziz, President of the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, also addressed the audience. The University of Prince Edward Island (UPE) is co-hosting the conference with CUD.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed by Dr. Karim Chelli, President and Vice Chancellor of CUD, and Professor Alaa Abd-El Aziz outlines the cooperation between CUD and UPE and includes the proposed launch of new joint degree programs related to a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation.
Among the keynote speakers was Dr. Francisco Dallmeier, Senior Conservation Biologist and Director of the Smithsonian Center for Conservation and Sustainability, who spoke about “global diversity conservation under a changing climate.”
He was followed by Dr. Daniel Scott, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management and Executive Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change at the University of Waterloo, who addressed “global climate change and sustainable tourism.”
Finally, Ms. Mashael Al Ansari, Climate Change Specialist from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE, gave a presentation about “the climate change opportunities and challenges in the UAE.” She is currently pursuing her MBA at CUD.
Over the next few days, a series of keynote speakers from Canada will address other issues surrounding climate change.
The three-day conference, which focuses on the challenges and opportunities of climate change, biodiversity and sustainability, is sponsored by Emirates and Air Canada.
Global Climate Change Conference Hosted by CUD Comes to an End
April 29th, 2018: At the closing ceremony of a very successful conference on Global Climate Change, President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Karim Chelli issued a challenge to the CUD community: to take an active role in fighting climate change.
In his closing speech, Dr. Karim said: “Over the past few days, we have re-focused on issues surrounding climate change, which affects us all. We all have a role to play in preserving our planet, nations, organizations and above all individuals. Make no mistake; if each one of us plays our small part, then cumulatively we will make a difference.”
He added: “I pay tribute to our keynote speakers. Nobody here can fail to be impressed by your passion and dedication to your subjects. You have all given us much food for thought and you have presented us with a challenge which I now pass on to our University family.”
In emphasizing our relationship with the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Dr. Karim, recognizing UPEI as the main force behind the conference, highlighted the opportunities for cooperation in the future. He referred in particular to our new joint Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation programs which he cited as a “direct response to the issues we face, and which would be a driver for a relationship that would continue to grow with further initiatives in the pipeline.”
In response, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President of the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada thanked CUD for its hospitality and for co-hosting the conference. He feels that in order to find global solutions to climate change problems, it is essential for people of goodwill to come together. He commented on the audience’s reaction and seeing the many conversations being generated throughout the breaks and cited this as a mark of success of the conference. He wished CUD well and looks forward to implementing the initiatives outlined in the University’s MoU with UPEI.
Announcement Falling Walls Lab Dubai
At the end of the ceremony, Professor David Santandreu Cologne, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Arts and Sciences, announced the launch of: “Falling Walls Lab Dubai.”
The aim of the Falling Walls Lab is to foster scientific and entrepreneurial innovations and to promote the exchange between outstanding scholars and professionals emerging from different fields of expertise worldwide.
Entrants will be required to present their research project, business plan or social initiative – in just 3 minutes!
Winners will be selected by a jury and will travel to Germany among 100 finalists for the global Lab Finale in Berlin on 8 November.
The Falling Walls Lab Dubai takes place on September 30th, 2018 at CUD. Applications can be submitted online until September 9th, 2018
CUD will be the only institution to host a Falling Walls Lab in Dubai.
For more information, visit the links:
CUD Professor Takes Climate Change Message to Dubai Youth
Dr. Rami El Khatib, Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) had been discussing the issues associated with global climate change at a recent conference hosted by the North American International School.
Under the theme ‘Change Climate Change – Road to Marrakech Conference’ Dr. El Khatib delivered a keynote speech at the youth-focused event, which was organized by Green Hope UAE. He was also called upon to join the judging panel for the environmental competitions that took place alongside the Conference.
The event was organized in the run up to the 22nd session of the United Nations Conference of the Parties, which will take place in November in Marrakech, with the aim of addressing issues of global climate change. Bringing together students from schools across Dubai, it aimed to unite young people in developing a shared vision for a sustainable future.
Dr. El Khatib said, “The consequences of climate change have a direct impact on the future of young people and therefore it is important to engage them from an early age in developing solutions and implementing action that will help to mitigate the effect of this global challenge.”
CUD students accompany Minister of Climate Change and Environment during Bio Farm field trip
April 22nd, 2019: Students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) got the chance to accompany His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on a two-hour educational tour during their recent field trip to Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain.
Organized by Dr. Rami El Khatib, Associate Professor and Dean of Student Affairs, the field trip aimed to introduce senior students from CUD’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences to the principles of organic farming and the best practices in agriculture and integrated pest management, with a focus on maintaining a clean environment and preserving biodiversity.
Visiting the facility at the same time, His Excellency Dr. Thani and his team interacted with CUD students while they observed the various growing and harvesting activities taking place across the farm. Speaking about the experience, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Management student, Shaikha Mohammed, said, “This visit revealed to me why bio farming is so important, not just from an environmental perspective, but also in terms of food safety and health.
“We learned about the practices followed in greenhouses, while having the opportunity to harvest different organic vegetables and fruits. It was a great honor for us to accompany His Excellency Dr. Thani during the tour as he shared his own personal insights and experiences with us, and encouraged us to pursue research that will help to promote the UAE bio farming industry.”
Dr. Rami El Khatib, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, concluded, “We are privileged to have so many facilities in the UAE that are at the forefront of their industry in the environmental and health sciences, as well as a Ministry that is actively supporting this progressive work. We are very grateful to His Excellency Dr. Thani for sharing his knowledge and adding great value to the students’ learning experience during our visit.”
Happy Earth Day!
At CUD we treat everyday like it’s Earth Day!
Conference on Global Climate Change
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, presided by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the Canadian University Dubai (CUD) in association with the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Canada, hosted the “Conference on Global Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities”. Held from April 23 – 25, the 3-day event examined the challenges and opportunities for integrating the three key issues of global climate change, biodiversity and sustainability in the MENA region.
The conference featured renowned international and local climate change experts, conservationists and academics. Among the keynote speakers were Dr. Francisco Dallmeier, Senior Conservation Biologist, Director of the Smithsonian Center for Conservation and Sustainability; Dr. Daniel Scott, Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo who praised the UAE for its innovation and positive response to the issues of climate change; Dr. Adam Fenech, Nobel Laureate and Director, Climate Research Lab, UPEI, Leanne Bilodeau, Associate Director Sustainability Operations, The University of British Columbia, and Mashael Al Ansari, Climate Change Specialist at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Figure 3. GCC Conference, taken from [3]