Climate change and environmental awareness: A study of energy consumption among the residents of Abu Dhabi, UAE

The rising levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) have caused great concern about the impact of climate change on almost every aspect of our lives. Urban expansion and changing lifestyles have led to an increase in energy consumption. The main aim of this empirical study is to explore the environmental and socioeconomic impact of climate change on the energy consumption of a stratified random sample of the residents of three main regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi city, Al-Ain city and AlDhafra) and to investigate residents' awareness of this change. Data was gathered from 321 residents from these three regions. The response rate for the survey was 97 percent. Descriptive statistical methods and nonparametric tests were used to compare quantitative data at different levels of the sociodemographic variables. The findings revealed that more than 50 percent of the participants agreed that climate change is controlling their energy and water consumption. About 94 percent of participants believe that their energy consumption is increasing, while 44 percent of the sample spent 30 percent more money on water and electricity bills in the past 20 years. About 50 percent of participants consider moving to another city if energy prices increased due to energy consumption and the effects of climate change. Respondents over age of 40 tend to be more conscious and aware of climate change. Eighty-eight percent of the Emiratis believe that weather and climate change are affecting their energy and water consumption.