Eating out, poor hand hygiene and erratic weather may be among causes, say medics
These changes can be big or small, at your home or at your office.
Our planet is facing big challenges that need a big change, and big change needs each and every one of us. Even small changes, when they are sustained and done on a large scale, can make a tangible difference and Earth Hour is symbolic of that theory and belief.
Launched in 2007 in just one city, the event now spans more than 152 countries and covers 6,950 cities worldwide, including 14 Arab nations. It continues to gather pace as the number of countries, cities, business and individuals grows yearly.
However, how can we stop old habits from creeping in? When millions of people switch off lights around the globe during Earth Hour, as a unit, we can all make a difference, and for an hour, darkness shrouds entire cities. But how can we ensure that we remember to turn lights off when we head out, switch the computers off overnight, turn the tap off when we brush our teeth?
One good tip is to always remember that we are interco
nnected, with each other and with the world, and each decision or choice that we make will have an impact on the environment around us. When we consume more energy than what we actually need, it is not only about the cost that we incur but, more importantly, it is about the price that the planet pays in resources that will be squandered with no return or benefit. We often forget that everything we consume and buy uses resources that we share with other ecosystems and other residents of our planet.
Rethinking our choices can help us take responsibility for our actions, ensuring a prosperous and a sustainable lifestyle for us today and for the generations to come. Since Earth Hour shows the power that we have when we unite for just one hour, we are calling on everyone to make every hour count by adopting long-term sustainable change.
(Reem Al Thawadi is the Communications Manager of EWS-WWF)
Let’s start today by conserving energy and water to reduce our impact on the planet. We all have an important role to play and it is imperative that each individual takes action.
Follow these simple tips towards a more sustainable lifestyle:
Eating out, poor hand hygiene and erratic weather may be among causes, say medics
The goal-scoring striker is suffering from a muscle injury sustained during the Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, made the announcement on Wednesday
6G will further elevate capabilities of robots, AI, autonomous transport and remote surgery/diagnostics among others
The Nobel laureate has been condemned for partnering with Hillary Clinton, an outspoken supporter of Israel's war against Hamas
Net profit (after tax) up 32% per cent y-o-y to Dh1.45 billion
Goalkeeper Eisa delivered a fantastic performance against Al Hilal to help Al Ain reach the final
Volunteers of the Samantha Kerala Sunni Student Federation used the machine to navigate challenging terrain