ɫ��ֱ��

Climate change may be a global issue demanding global solutions, but it often has specific, localised impacts. The artificial islands of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are a clear example of where the effects of climate change can be felt. Kosmas Pavlopoulos, professor of environmental geomorphology in the Department of Geography and Planning at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Walid Mekni, PhD student at Sorbonne University in France, have been examining these effects and innovations that can mitigate them. 

“In the Arabian Gulf and the coastline of the UAE, the predominant threat posed by climate change is sea-level rise,” Pavlopoulos says. Artificial islands are primarily constructed from reclaimed land, utilising dredged and compacted sandy seabed materials and carbonates. These materials, which contain a large percentage of marine organisms’ shells and skeletons, are susceptible to global warming and the resultant acidification it causes. “We are seeing acidification weaken the carbonate sediments used in constructing the islands. We also anticipate more frequent and intense meteorological events, which may affect the artificial island bodies and protective structures in the coming decades.” This vulnerability is a critical concern.

“While raising the height of the islands can mitigate sea-level rise effects, the issue of sediment weakness is more complex,” Pavlopoulos says. “The combination of weakened sediment of the artificial island body and potential submersions can lead to liquefaction, where the island soil starts to behave like a fluid. This poses a significant threat, especially after an earthquake,” he adds. 

Ongoing research conducted by researchers at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi employs physical modelling of sediment bodies using geotechnical centrifuge tests on soil samples from artificial islands. The research also involves simulating earthquake scenarios and soil liquefaction under long-term acidification effects and determining the sediments’ behaviour and geotechnical resilience.

The technologies and innovations being used to protect the UAE’s artificial islands from climate change-related challenges include elevated designs, coastal defences, dynamic modelling for material stability and the construction of breakwaters.

“Geotextiles and synthetic materials for core stabilisation are also being explored,” says Pavlopoulos. “Remote sensing data is crucial for monitoring, utilising techniques like Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and numerical modelling to detect ground deformation and identify areas of weakness.”

Other approaches to safeguarding the islands’ long-term stability include regular assessment and monitoring, regional and local-scale planning and material science improvements. Governance, policy and legal considerations are also essential.

“Collaboration with international partners facing similar challenges is crucial,” says Pavlopoulos. “The accuracy of predictive models, such as those developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is constantly evolving. Research and laboratory testing are essential to validate and refine these models and observe real-world responses.”

Environmental research being pursued by Pavlopoulos and his colleagues plays a critical role in informing policy and strategies for safeguarding the UAE’s artificial islands. For instance, the public sector is exploring the creation of new mangrove areas around the islands to restore coastal ecosystems. Mangroves act as natural coastal defences, carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Supporting their growth around artificial islands could provide a sustainable method for protecting against some of climate change’s negative impacts. 

“By working collaboratively with other universities, industry players and government agencies, the UAE looks to continue its economic development while safeguarding against the harshest impacts of climate change,” says Pavlopoulos. “New construction projects are important to the UAE, as is evidenced by our reclaimed islands. But it’s essential that these projects are resilient against the projected effects of climate change.” 

about Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.