CONNECTOR.AE 58 CONNECTOR.AE 59 Lifestyle Lifestyle Green Living In The UAE: Simple Steps Residents Can Take To Help Preserve The Environment COP28 hosted by the UAE at Expo City, Dubai, running until 12 December, is poised to prioritise discussions on reining in fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions over the 13-day summit. COP28 is the summit where nations unite to devise solutions for the climate crisis, assisting vulnerable communities in coping with climate change impacts and striving to achieve netzero emissions by 2050. While world leaders connect in Dubai for COP28 to deliberate on environmental sustainability, UAE residents can also play their part in leading more eco-conscious lives and reducing their carbon footprints. As glaciers melt, temperatures rise, and incidents like forest fires, floods, and earthquakes escalate globally, the time to act and preserve the Earth is now. Here’s how individuals can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and make a positive impact in their daily routines. Some Steps UAE Residents Can Take To Help Preserve The Environment Say Yes To Public Transport Transportation accounts for nearly a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions. If you commute daily using a car, consider switching to public transport, as taking a train or bus for medium-length distances could reduce emissions by around 80%. Opting for trains and buses whenever possible can significantly lessen our carbon footprint. For those still inclined towards cars, choosing an electric vehicle is a greener option. Driving an electric vehicle emits less carbon than a petrol or diesel car, even in regions with a relatively high-carbon electricity mix. RTA DUBAI In fact, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) aims to achieve a fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle fleet for Dubai’s public transport network by 2050. Say ‘No’ to Plastic Bottles! Choosing sustainable water practices, both for drinking and other uses, stands as a highly effective way to cut down on emissions. Globally, there’s a widespread dependence on bottled water, with the average person in the UAE using up to 450 plastic bottles annually, and only a small portion get recycled. Making the switch to filtered water isn’t just environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. Drinking filtered water is healthier, reducing exposure to toxins and micro-plastics, and it’s environmentally responsible by minimising plastic waste. Dubai Can Initiative Dubai authorities launched ‘Dubai Can’ in February 2022, a citywide sustainability movement that has successfully cut down the use of over 7 million single-use plastic water bottles in its first year. The initiative has gained widespread acceptance in the city, involving homes, offices, hotels, schools, and the installation of 50 water fountains in various locations. Strategically placed water fountains, thanks to Dubai Can, can be found in public parks, beaches, and tourist spots like Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.
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