Abu Dhabi Signs ‘A Climate of Hope’ Milestone
Abu Dhabi, UAE- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) hosted the signing of “A Climate of Hope: The Rise of Abu Dhabi as a 21st Century Environmental Superpower”, by His Excellency Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors, and its author, British writer Graeme H. Wilson, at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026. The book charts the emirate’s journey towards global leadership in environmental conservation and climate action.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Bowardi is the visionary patron behind the book and the author of its preface, in which he reflected on the environmental legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and its continuation under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Reflecting on that legacy, His Excellency writes: “Sheikh Zayed taught us to use the power of our example, rather than the example of our power.”
Driven by a deep belief in this mission, His Excellency has devoted decades to the environmental cause, supporting the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD, to consolidate the emirate’s leading position in sustainable environmental work at both the regional and global levels..
More than a record of a historic journey, the book is a tribute to an exceptional environmental legacy, offering a comprehensive account of the emirate’s rise as a global environmental force in the 21st century. Written by Graeme H. Wilson, “A Climate of Hope” traces six decades of Emirati environmental leadership, drawing on three decades of archival research and more than 100 interviews.
Author Graeme H. Wilson said: “The late Sheikh Zayed is not only history’s greatest philanthropist, touching the lives of billions of people, but our work has uncovered his deep convictions as a conservationist. His impact on our planet remains powerfully present to this day. It is an honour to shed some light upon this most dynamic aspect of his vision.”
Wilson added: “Collaborating with His Excellency Mohamed Al Bowardi has been remarkable. For decades he has been a champion of the environment and its protection, and his guidance and support were pivotal in bringing this book to fruition.”
At its core, the book carries a central message: a nation representing a fraction of the world’s land and population chose to shoulder a responsibility far greater than its size. It traces this outlook to its roots, recalling how in 1972, the late Sheikh Zayed sent the first environmental delegation to international forums, bearing a message that would shape a philosophy for generations. They went not as Emiratis alone, but on behalf of all the people of the planet.
From that conviction grew a legacy whose impact reached beyond the species long associated with the Founding Father’s name at home, extending into some of the world’s most vital conservation causes. That same vision reached the renewable technologies that would come to define the 21st century, spanning hydro, solar, wind and geothermal power, decades before these sustainable sources rose to the top of global agendas. It also sheds light on the late Sheikh Zayed’s diplomatic efforts in support of the global ban on the ivory trade and the moratorium on commercial whaling, which helped protect species threatened with extinction.
The book extends to the present day, taking in several of the foremost initiatives and institutions that carry this approach forward, among them the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Masdar, alongside the UAE’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). These milestones stand as living testaments to a legacy that continues to grow, reflecting the UAE’s enduring commitment to leading global efforts to protect the environment and address climate change.
About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
