Spatial-Environmental Assessment of the Transport System in the Northern Emirates, UAE: Toward Policies and Practices

Abstract

AbstractEnvironmental degradation that is related to economic growth includes greater consumption of non-renewable resources, increased levels of pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, and natural habitat destruction. The chapter examines the relationship between economic growth, environmental degradation, and transport infrastructure development in the northern emirates, an emerging economic region in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The main research question is to what extent does economic growth and transport development affect environmental degradation? The objectives are to display the transport infrastructure across the northern emirates, examine the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation, and recommend policies and practices. Primary data was collected using geographic information systems and interactive interviews with personnel from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Secondary data was gathered from government publications, global organizations, and other researchers. The findings demonstrate that the northern emirates’ economy will continue to expand. Transport development will allow for a booming logistics sector, building on the location of the east–west trade routes and further development of the tourism sector. Furthermore, investment in transport has brought increases in local access to healthcare, education, and non-local job markets. Sustainable development, however, remains a challenge. Infrastructure development has been ad hoc with little planning and proper assessment of the effects on the environment. Proposed policies and practices include the introduction of low emission zones, investment in ecofriendly public transport, a gradual decarbonization of the public and private transport system, and the introduction of walking and cycling paths.KeywordsEnvironmental degradationNorthern emiratesTransport systemSustainable developmentUnited Arab Emirates