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'Share if you care for fragile earth'

Abu Dhabi - Scientists and experts from across the globe converged in the UAE capital on Tuesday morning for the Eye On Earth Summit 2015.

A three-day summit that could revolutionalise data sharing system for sustainable development of the world kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Scientists and experts from across the globe converged in the UAE capital on Tuesday morning for the Eye On Earth Summit 2015 urged nations to provide citizens with greater access to green data, which they believe will support sustainable development.
Achim Steiner, Undersecretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme said that this is a critical time for the environment, which every individual must focus on.
Steiner highlighted on the notion that although the world is developing dynamically, it is also a vulnerable time for our planet.
"We live on something that is quiet unique, but also very vulnerable," he said. This is why scientists are demanding countries to allow their citizens to have access to data information, which he called 'citizen science'.
Steiner believes that the current fragility of the planet demands for greater action from world leaders. Thus, providing data information to citizens will spark wider knowledge and awareness for a healthier environment.
"What would our countries, economies and societies look like 20 to 30 years down the line?" He questioned, with a great deal of concern.
Razan Al Mubarak, Secretary General of Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi, also noted that the time is ripe for individuals to become aware about data information and that global action must be taken for the sake of the planet's future.
"We are here because we believe in concrete action. We are proud to say that there is specific action on the ground in the context of initiatives. We are moving away from just theoretical speaking to more concrete action on the ground," she said.
She pointed out that making vital decisions based on data information has certainly been crucial for the nation, as well as its transparency with its people.
"We have been working hard to collect data to engage with international organisations, and also building capacity in terms of analytics. We're not only doing this in Abu Dhabi, but also regionally....
For instance, in air quality monitoring, we will be launching new and updated websites to ensure we are reaching people."
Barbara Ryan, Director of Global Earth Observations told Khaleej Times that the UAE is certainly on the right track.
"The role the UAE has been playing as a global leader in the conversation movement in establishing effective, equitable and sustainable conservation in Abu Dhabi and elsewhere in the world has been huge," she said.
The UN undersecretary-general also noted that countries are also calling for global alliance to freely share information, whether it may be environmental, social or economic.
"At the UN last week in New York, the world has just committed itself to a new conquest of sustainable development," he said.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com