The Dubai flooding last week illustrated how urban engineering is failing a major climate change test. The United Arab Emirates' city and others like it built on previously uninhabitable areas reflect 20th century urban development ideas that result in the blocking of natural water absorption systems. What's known is that Dubai was built on sand, a natural environment which lets water seep into the soil very easily. But by pouring massive amounts of concrete on top of Dubai's natural terrain, the developers effectively blocked the soil from absorbing water. Plastic products don't absorb water well, and when they end up in landfills around the world, massive piles of trash contribute to a global backup of natural drainage systems.

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Persons: Ana Arsky, Arsky Organizations: United Arab, UAE, CNBC Locations: Sharjah, UAE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it's