Climate change has emerged as a major cause for concern in recent years, as the world has become aware of the extent of damage done to the environment over several decades. The alarming impact of harmful greenhouse gases on the planet has triggered a race to cut emissions, and oil suppliers in the Middle East have accelerated efforts.

In addition to development of renewable sources of energy, Dubai has also launched its own small satellite to gauge changing climatic conditions and monitor level of pollutants in the air. Following these initiatives, the Emirati climate change ministry has turned the spotlight towards water bodies, in an attempt to understand how the oceans have been scorched by global warming.

For this purpose, the authorities have brought smart tech into the equation with a robot that will dive under the sea and relay data on the deterioration of marine life around UAE. The remotely operated machine will work in tandem with a drone, to provide inputs that can be stitched together to create a comprehensive map of marine habitats.

In addition to seagrass and creeks in the depth of the ocean, coral reefs will be a key focus area for the data collection exercise. The formations are underwater ecosystems which are at risk because of seawater heating up from greenhouse effect.

Insights obtained from the undersea robo-surveyor will be crucial for initiatives like genetic modification of corals, which is known to increase their capacity to recover by 70%. Other attempts at saving the marine wealth from erosion, include creation of an artificial reef near the coast of Fujairah.

The impact of climate change on the ocean has started to affect gulf nations, among which Qatar faces reduction in the supply of sea food. The country has hence started focusing on aquaculture to ensure food security, and is making fish feed out of natural gas to boost the yield.