TIME FOR A CHANGE

UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7 - 18 - 2009 Gulf News Special on the most important problem the world faces today TIME FOR A CHANGE Carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 What is the footprint from the things we do and enjoy? billion metric tons. That's 40% 18% above levels in 1990 The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that livestock is responsible. Research and Infographic: GUILLERMO MUNRO, LUIS VAZQUEZ CO2 concentrations hit record levels Through this decade, global emissions have grown by 23 percent. In 2008, almost three-quarter of the increase came from China. 400 parts per million (ppm) Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations 385 380 They produce 37 percent of methane, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and they emit 65 percent of nitrous oxide. Something to think about next time you go to a restaurant, maybe chicken is not that bad of a choice after all. 360 540 315 320 Scientists warn of serious climate disryptions if concentrations reach 450 ppm, expected in 30 years 300 1958 8% '60 165 "80 35 90 05 08 The amount of global water use that is dedicated to irrigate the crops for cattle PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CHANGE Cities, states and countries around the world are starting to adapt to climate change or at least talking about it and setting aside money for the looming modifications. BANGLADESH, a poor country, is spending more than $50 million on adaptation and will include ways to fend off rising sea levels. EUROPE-LED BY GERMANY-passed Japan to lead the workld in PV manufacture, producing an estimated 1,063 megawatts of solar cells in 2007, up 56 percent over 2006. About 40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany alone THE NETHERLANDS is making its crucial flood control system stronger. UNITED STATES: Offer to cut emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, deepening to 30 per cent by 2025, 42 per cent by 2030 and 83 per cent by 2050. THAILAND, there are large-scale efforts to protect places from rising sea levels. Monks at one temple outside Bangkok had to raise the floor by more than 3 feet. 40% COUNTRIES Coal was responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels A handful of countries have emerged as leaders in renewables development, thanks to strong government support. A study commissioned by the German government found that in 2006 the country had some 259,000 direct and indirect jobs in the renewables sector. ENGLAND is strengthening the Thames River flood control NORWAY:Says it is willing to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 over 1990 levels, and says it is willing to consider going to 30 or 40 per cent. Also aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. barrier which is costing about half a billion dollars. AUSTRALIA announced it will provide $126 million to America Europe establish the Australian UNITED STATES led the world in new Center for Climate Change and Adaptation. installations for the third year in a row with a record-shattering 5,244 megawatts of wind capacity added, increasing cumulative installed capacity by 45 percent A jet crossing the Atlantic burns up to 60,000 liters of fuel It would take a person 50 years driving a car to use that much fuel. "ONE PERSON FLYING IN A JET FOR AN HOUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAME GREEN HOUSE EMISSIONS AS A TYPICAL BANGLADESHI IN A Stockholm in 2008 Munich: There are WHOLE YEAR" Beatrice Schell, European Federation for Transport and Envirormert Singapore Half of the coty's waste is recycled and two new metro lines are being built Honolulu: In BOSTON raised a sewage plant to keep it from being flooded when sea levels rise. New York is looking at similar plans. there where 28 per cent more bike users than the 780 solar facilities. The 2008 hawaii Amsterdam One hundred percent of house waste is recycled to produce electricity for the citys opublic transport city is also a hub for environmental technology became the fist US state to require solar water heaters in each new home year before is instaling 100 electric car charging What about Windpower? stations |CITIES CHICAGO has a program to promote rooftop vegetation and reflective roofs that absorb less heat. That could keep the temperature down and ease heat waves. Dubai: Implemented Public transit and has been expanding its public transportation Global wind power capacity reached 94,100 megawatts by the end of 2007, up 27 percent from the previous year, and then topped 100,000 megawatts by April 2008. 用 用 MADRID Solar panels obligatory in all new buildings, biodiesel buses and solar-powered street lamps are standard Is there money in alternative energy? 20m Investing in alternative energy and conservation is predicted to create more than 20 million new jobs in everything from wind farming to biofuels to weatherproofing. A healthy environment and a healthy economy according to hopenhagen.org. Try eating organic and locally grown vegetables and fruit. Or if you are in Dubai at least try to buy the produce that is grown closer to the peninsula 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash. In bottle production alone, the more than 70 million bottles of water consumed PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. A lot of driving involves frequent trips nearby, to go shopping or run errands, for example. Plan and combine trips to reduce the miles you need to travel. BAG YOUR GROCERIES and other purchases in a reusable tete. If you missed out on the the ones GUIH News Gave, most stores now offer them and many are very stylish. each day in the U.S. drain 1.5 million barrels of oil over the course of one year. So is there an actual climate change? CHECK LIGHTS. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandes- cent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs 15% The rise in global temperatures since 1997 since the first RECYCLE. most communities provide facilities for recycling, and this does not exlude Dubai, if you do not find a place close to home go to the offices by SAFA park Slow down, going from 88kmh to 120kmh can elevate fuel consumption by 20% international accord in Kyoto, Japan INDIVIDUAL Buy things that last. Choose durable items over disposable ones. repairing rather than discarding, and passing on itmes that are not used instead of discarding- World temperature departure from normal Compared with 1901-2000 average Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 2009* Modify your Diet to include less meat. A high meat diet means a tremendous amount of carbon 0.8 0.86 emissions. It's a good thing that UAE holds the first place per capita in chicken consumption Encourage schools and your employeers to reduce emissions. There is always room to grow, but here ast Gulf News we have had 2 Succsefull campains, Go Green and the WOW (wipe out waste) campaign 0.6 * Through September 04 97 "00 "05 "09 SOURES: National Doanik and tnepheric Aonisistration; Soops nstitution of Onogaphy, UN, P, DOL, IEA, press mports, National Cimatic Data Ceter, Vital statistis 008, Val Statistis 2009 Nationa Gengaphic, Gobal Waing. The Wuther Maien, Ling Green, Our Ounging Panet, Vanishing Worlts, Menode, Wake up and smell the plaret. Hopenhagen.og. K, NGNC Gaphic New, Asocated hre, Restes Mold Bark; Australan Govennent UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7 - 18 - 2009 Gulf News Special on the most important problem the world faces today TIME FOR A CHANGE Carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 What is the footprint from the things we do and enjoy? billion metric tons. That's 40% 18% above levels in 1990 The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that livestock is responsible. Research and Infographic: GUILLERMO MUNRO, LUIS VAZQUEZ CO2 concentrations hit record levels Through this decade, global emissions have grown by 23 percent. In 2008, almost three-quarter of the increase came from China. 400 parts per million (ppm) Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations 385 380 They produce 37 percent of methane, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and they emit 65 percent of nitrous oxide. Something to think about next time you go to a restaurant, maybe chicken is not that bad of a choice after all. 360 540 315 320 Scientists warn of serious climate disryptions if concentrations reach 450 ppm, expected in 30 years 300 1958 8% '60 165 "80 35 90 05 08 The amount of global water use that is dedicated to irrigate the crops for cattle PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CHANGE Cities, states and countries around the world are starting to adapt to climate change or at least talking about it and setting aside money for the looming modifications. BANGLADESH, a poor country, is spending more than $50 million on adaptation and will include ways to fend off rising sea levels. EUROPE-LED BY GERMANY-passed Japan to lead the workld in PV manufacture, producing an estimated 1,063 megawatts of solar cells in 2007, up 56 percent over 2006. About 40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany alone THE NETHERLANDS is making its crucial flood control system stronger. UNITED STATES: Offer to cut emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, deepening to 30 per cent by 2025, 42 per cent by 2030 and 83 per cent by 2050. THAILAND, there are large-scale efforts to protect places from rising sea levels. Monks at one temple outside Bangkok had to raise the floor by more than 3 feet. 40% COUNTRIES Coal was responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels A handful of countries have emerged as leaders in renewables development, thanks to strong government support. A study commissioned by the German government found that in 2006 the country had some 259,000 direct and indirect jobs in the renewables sector. ENGLAND is strengthening the Thames River flood control NORWAY:Says it is willing to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 over 1990 levels, and says it is willing to consider going to 30 or 40 per cent. Also aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. barrier which is costing about half a billion dollars. AUSTRALIA announced it will provide $126 million to America Europe establish the Australian UNITED STATES led the world in new Center for Climate Change and Adaptation. installations for the third year in a row with a record-shattering 5,244 megawatts of wind capacity added, increasing cumulative installed capacity by 45 percent A jet crossing the Atlantic burns up to 60,000 liters of fuel It would take a person 50 years driving a car to use that much fuel. "ONE PERSON FLYING IN A JET FOR AN HOUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAME GREEN HOUSE EMISSIONS AS A TYPICAL BANGLADESHI IN A Stockholm in 2008 Munich: There are WHOLE YEAR" Beatrice Schell, European Federation for Transport and Envirormert Singapore Half of the coty's waste is recycled and two new metro lines are being built Honolulu: In BOSTON raised a sewage plant to keep it from being flooded when sea levels rise. New York is looking at similar plans. there where 28 per cent more bike users than the 780 solar facilities. The 2008 hawaii Amsterdam One hundred percent of house waste is recycled to produce electricity for the citys opublic transport city is also a hub for environmental technology became the fist US state to require solar water heaters in each new home year before is instaling 100 electric car charging What about Windpower? stations |CITIES CHICAGO has a program to promote rooftop vegetation and reflective roofs that absorb less heat. That could keep the temperature down and ease heat waves. Dubai: Implemented Public transit and has been expanding its public transportation Global wind power capacity reached 94,100 megawatts by the end of 2007, up 27 percent from the previous year, and then topped 100,000 megawatts by April 2008. 用 用 MADRID Solar panels obligatory in all new buildings, biodiesel buses and solar-powered street lamps are standard Is there money in alternative energy? 20m Investing in alternative energy and conservation is predicted to create more than 20 million new jobs in everything from wind farming to biofuels to weatherproofing. A healthy environment and a healthy economy according to hopenhagen.org. Try eating organic and locally grown vegetables and fruit. Or if you are in Dubai at least try to buy the produce that is grown closer to the peninsula 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash. In bottle production alone, the more than 70 million bottles of water consumed PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. A lot of driving involves frequent trips nearby, to go shopping or run errands, for example. Plan and combine trips to reduce the miles you need to travel. BAG YOUR GROCERIES and other purchases in a reusable tete. If you missed out on the the ones GUIH News Gave, most stores now offer them and many are very stylish. each day in the U.S. drain 1.5 million barrels of oil over the course of one year. So is there an actual climate change? CHECK LIGHTS. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandes- cent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs 15% The rise in global temperatures since 1997 since the first RECYCLE. most communities provide facilities for recycling, and this does not exlude Dubai, if you do not find a place close to home go to the offices by SAFA park Slow down, going from 88kmh to 120kmh can elevate fuel consumption by 20% international accord in Kyoto, Japan INDIVIDUAL Buy things that last. Choose durable items over disposable ones. repairing rather than discarding, and passing on itmes that are not used instead of discarding- World temperature departure from normal Compared with 1901-2000 average Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 2009* Modify your Diet to include less meat. A high meat diet means a tremendous amount of carbon 0.8 0.86 emissions. It's a good thing that UAE holds the first place per capita in chicken consumption Encourage schools and your employeers to reduce emissions. There is always room to grow, but here ast Gulf News we have had 2 Succsefull campains, Go Green and the WOW (wipe out waste) campaign 0.6 * Through September 04 97 "00 "05 "09 SOURES: National Doanik and tnepheric Aonisistration; Soops nstitution of Onogaphy, UN, P, DOL, IEA, press mports, National Cimatic Data Ceter, Vital statistis 008, Val Statistis 2009 Nationa Gengaphic, Gobal Waing. The Wuther Maien, Ling Green, Our Ounging Panet, Vanishing Worlts, Menode, Wake up and smell the plaret. Hopenhagen.og. K, NGNC Gaphic New, Asocated hre, Restes Mold Bark; Australan Govennent UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7 - 18 - 2009 Gulf News Special on the most important problem the world faces today TIME FOR A CHANGE Carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 What is the footprint from the things we do and enjoy? billion metric tons. That's 40% 18% above levels in 1990 The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that livestock is responsible. Research and Infographic: GUILLERMO MUNRO, LUIS VAZQUEZ CO2 concentrations hit record levels Through this decade, global emissions have grown by 23 percent. In 2008, almost three-quarter of the increase came from China. 400 parts per million (ppm) Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations 385 380 They produce 37 percent of methane, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and they emit 65 percent of nitrous oxide. Something to think about next time you go to a restaurant, maybe chicken is not that bad of a choice after all. 360 540 315 320 Scientists warn of serious climate disryptions if concentrations reach 450 ppm, expected in 30 years 300 1958 8% '60 165 "80 35 90 05 08 The amount of global water use that is dedicated to irrigate the crops for cattle PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CHANGE Cities, states and countries around the world are starting to adapt to climate change or at least talking about it and setting aside money for the looming modifications. BANGLADESH, a poor country, is spending more than $50 million on adaptation and will include ways to fend off rising sea levels. EUROPE-LED BY GERMANY-passed Japan to lead the workld in PV manufacture, producing an estimated 1,063 megawatts of solar cells in 2007, up 56 percent over 2006. About 40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany alone THE NETHERLANDS is making its crucial flood control system stronger. UNITED STATES: Offer to cut emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, deepening to 30 per cent by 2025, 42 per cent by 2030 and 83 per cent by 2050. THAILAND, there are large-scale efforts to protect places from rising sea levels. Monks at one temple outside Bangkok had to raise the floor by more than 3 feet. 40% COUNTRIES Coal was responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels A handful of countries have emerged as leaders in renewables development, thanks to strong government support. A study commissioned by the German government found that in 2006 the country had some 259,000 direct and indirect jobs in the renewables sector. ENGLAND is strengthening the Thames River flood control NORWAY:Says it is willing to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 over 1990 levels, and says it is willing to consider going to 30 or 40 per cent. Also aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. barrier which is costing about half a billion dollars. AUSTRALIA announced it will provide $126 million to America Europe establish the Australian UNITED STATES led the world in new Center for Climate Change and Adaptation. installations for the third year in a row with a record-shattering 5,244 megawatts of wind capacity added, increasing cumulative installed capacity by 45 percent A jet crossing the Atlantic burns up to 60,000 liters of fuel It would take a person 50 years driving a car to use that much fuel. "ONE PERSON FLYING IN A JET FOR AN HOUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAME GREEN HOUSE EMISSIONS AS A TYPICAL BANGLADESHI IN A Stockholm in 2008 Munich: There are WHOLE YEAR" Beatrice Schell, European Federation for Transport and Envirormert Singapore Half of the coty's waste is recycled and two new metro lines are being built Honolulu: In BOSTON raised a sewage plant to keep it from being flooded when sea levels rise. New York is looking at similar plans. there where 28 per cent more bike users than the 780 solar facilities. The 2008 hawaii Amsterdam One hundred percent of house waste is recycled to produce electricity for the citys opublic transport city is also a hub for environmental technology became the fist US state to require solar water heaters in each new home year before is instaling 100 electric car charging What about Windpower? stations |CITIES CHICAGO has a program to promote rooftop vegetation and reflective roofs that absorb less heat. That could keep the temperature down and ease heat waves. Dubai: Implemented Public transit and has been expanding its public transportation Global wind power capacity reached 94,100 megawatts by the end of 2007, up 27 percent from the previous year, and then topped 100,000 megawatts by April 2008. 用 用 MADRID Solar panels obligatory in all new buildings, biodiesel buses and solar-powered street lamps are standard Is there money in alternative energy? 20m Investing in alternative energy and conservation is predicted to create more than 20 million new jobs in everything from wind farming to biofuels to weatherproofing. A healthy environment and a healthy economy according to hopenhagen.org. Try eating organic and locally grown vegetables and fruit. Or if you are in Dubai at least try to buy the produce that is grown closer to the peninsula 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash. In bottle production alone, the more than 70 million bottles of water consumed PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. A lot of driving involves frequent trips nearby, to go shopping or run errands, for example. Plan and combine trips to reduce the miles you need to travel. BAG YOUR GROCERIES and other purchases in a reusable tete. If you missed out on the the ones GUIH News Gave, most stores now offer them and many are very stylish. each day in the U.S. drain 1.5 million barrels of oil over the course of one year. So is there an actual climate change? CHECK LIGHTS. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandes- cent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs 15% The rise in global temperatures since 1997 since the first RECYCLE. most communities provide facilities for recycling, and this does not exlude Dubai, if you do not find a place close to home go to the offices by SAFA park Slow down, going from 88kmh to 120kmh can elevate fuel consumption by 20% international accord in Kyoto, Japan INDIVIDUAL Buy things that last. Choose durable items over disposable ones. repairing rather than discarding, and passing on itmes that are not used instead of discarding- World temperature departure from normal Compared with 1901-2000 average Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 2009* Modify your Diet to include less meat. A high meat diet means a tremendous amount of carbon 0.8 0.86 emissions. It's a good thing that UAE holds the first place per capita in chicken consumption Encourage schools and your employeers to reduce emissions. There is always room to grow, but here ast Gulf News we have had 2 Succsefull campains, Go Green and the WOW (wipe out waste) campaign 0.6 * Through September 04 97 "00 "05 "09 SOURES: National Doanik and tnepheric Aonisistration; Soops nstitution of Onogaphy, UN, P, DOL, IEA, press mports, National Cimatic Data Ceter, Vital statistis 008, Val Statistis 2009 Nationa Gengaphic, Gobal Waing. The Wuther Maien, Ling Green, Our Ounging Panet, Vanishing Worlts, Menode, Wake up and smell the plaret. Hopenhagen.og. K, NGNC Gaphic New, Asocated hre, Restes Mold Bark; Australan Govennent UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7 - 18 - 2009 Gulf News Special on the most important problem the world faces today TIME FOR A CHANGE Carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 What is the footprint from the things we do and enjoy? billion metric tons. That's 40% 18% above levels in 1990 The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that livestock is responsible. Research and Infographic: GUILLERMO MUNRO, LUIS VAZQUEZ CO2 concentrations hit record levels Through this decade, global emissions have grown by 23 percent. In 2008, almost three-quarter of the increase came from China. 400 parts per million (ppm) Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations 385 380 They produce 37 percent of methane, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and they emit 65 percent of nitrous oxide. Something to think about next time you go to a restaurant, maybe chicken is not that bad of a choice after all. 360 540 315 320 Scientists warn of serious climate disryptions if concentrations reach 450 ppm, expected in 30 years 300 1958 8% '60 165 "80 35 90 05 08 The amount of global water use that is dedicated to irrigate the crops for cattle PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CHANGE Cities, states and countries around the world are starting to adapt to climate change or at least talking about it and setting aside money for the looming modifications. BANGLADESH, a poor country, is spending more than $50 million on adaptation and will include ways to fend off rising sea levels. EUROPE-LED BY GERMANY-passed Japan to lead the workld in PV manufacture, producing an estimated 1,063 megawatts of solar cells in 2007, up 56 percent over 2006. About 40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany alone THE NETHERLANDS is making its crucial flood control system stronger. UNITED STATES: Offer to cut emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, deepening to 30 per cent by 2025, 42 per cent by 2030 and 83 per cent by 2050. THAILAND, there are large-scale efforts to protect places from rising sea levels. Monks at one temple outside Bangkok had to raise the floor by more than 3 feet. 40% COUNTRIES Coal was responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels A handful of countries have emerged as leaders in renewables development, thanks to strong government support. A study commissioned by the German government found that in 2006 the country had some 259,000 direct and indirect jobs in the renewables sector. ENGLAND is strengthening the Thames River flood control NORWAY:Says it is willing to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 over 1990 levels, and says it is willing to consider going to 30 or 40 per cent. Also aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. barrier which is costing about half a billion dollars. AUSTRALIA announced it will provide $126 million to America Europe establish the Australian UNITED STATES led the world in new Center for Climate Change and Adaptation. installations for the third year in a row with a record-shattering 5,244 megawatts of wind capacity added, increasing cumulative installed capacity by 45 percent A jet crossing the Atlantic burns up to 60,000 liters of fuel It would take a person 50 years driving a car to use that much fuel. "ONE PERSON FLYING IN A JET FOR AN HOUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAME GREEN HOUSE EMISSIONS AS A TYPICAL BANGLADESHI IN A Stockholm in 2008 Munich: There are WHOLE YEAR" Beatrice Schell, European Federation for Transport and Envirormert Singapore Half of the coty's waste is recycled and two new metro lines are being built Honolulu: In BOSTON raised a sewage plant to keep it from being flooded when sea levels rise. New York is looking at similar plans. there where 28 per cent more bike users than the 780 solar facilities. The 2008 hawaii Amsterdam One hundred percent of house waste is recycled to produce electricity for the citys opublic transport city is also a hub for environmental technology became the fist US state to require solar water heaters in each new home year before is instaling 100 electric car charging What about Windpower? stations |CITIES CHICAGO has a program to promote rooftop vegetation and reflective roofs that absorb less heat. That could keep the temperature down and ease heat waves. Dubai: Implemented Public transit and has been expanding its public transportation Global wind power capacity reached 94,100 megawatts by the end of 2007, up 27 percent from the previous year, and then topped 100,000 megawatts by April 2008. 用 用 MADRID Solar panels obligatory in all new buildings, biodiesel buses and solar-powered street lamps are standard Is there money in alternative energy? 20m Investing in alternative energy and conservation is predicted to create more than 20 million new jobs in everything from wind farming to biofuels to weatherproofing. A healthy environment and a healthy economy according to hopenhagen.org. Try eating organic and locally grown vegetables and fruit. Or if you are in Dubai at least try to buy the produce that is grown closer to the peninsula 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash. In bottle production alone, the more than 70 million bottles of water consumed PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. A lot of driving involves frequent trips nearby, to go shopping or run errands, for example. Plan and combine trips to reduce the miles you need to travel. BAG YOUR GROCERIES and other purchases in a reusable tete. If you missed out on the the ones GUIH News Gave, most stores now offer them and many are very stylish. each day in the U.S. drain 1.5 million barrels of oil over the course of one year. So is there an actual climate change? CHECK LIGHTS. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandes- cent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs 15% The rise in global temperatures since 1997 since the first RECYCLE. most communities provide facilities for recycling, and this does not exlude Dubai, if you do not find a place close to home go to the offices by SAFA park Slow down, going from 88kmh to 120kmh can elevate fuel consumption by 20% international accord in Kyoto, Japan INDIVIDUAL Buy things that last. Choose durable items over disposable ones. repairing rather than discarding, and passing on itmes that are not used instead of discarding- World temperature departure from normal Compared with 1901-2000 average Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 2009* Modify your Diet to include less meat. A high meat diet means a tremendous amount of carbon 0.8 0.86 emissions. It's a good thing that UAE holds the first place per capita in chicken consumption Encourage schools and your employeers to reduce emissions. There is always room to grow, but here ast Gulf News we have had 2 Succsefull campains, Go Green and the WOW (wipe out waste) campaign 0.6 * Through September 04 97 "00 "05 "09 SOURES: National Doanik and tnepheric Aonisistration; Soops nstitution of Onogaphy, UN, P, DOL, IEA, press mports, National Cimatic Data Ceter, Vital statistis 008, Val Statistis 2009 Nationa Gengaphic, Gobal Waing. The Wuther Maien, Ling Green, Our Ounging Panet, Vanishing Worlts, Menode, Wake up and smell the plaret. Hopenhagen.og. K, NGNC Gaphic New, Asocated hre, Restes Mold Bark; Australan Govennent UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 7 - 18 - 2009 Gulf News Special on the most important problem the world faces today TIME FOR A CHANGE Carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 What is the footprint from the things we do and enjoy? billion metric tons. That's 40% 18% above levels in 1990 The amount of greenhouse gas emissions that livestock is responsible. Research and Infographic: GUILLERMO MUNRO, LUIS VAZQUEZ CO2 concentrations hit record levels Through this decade, global emissions have grown by 23 percent. In 2008, almost three-quarter of the increase came from China. 400 parts per million (ppm) Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations 385 380 They produce 37 percent of methane, which has more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and they emit 65 percent of nitrous oxide. Something to think about next time you go to a restaurant, maybe chicken is not that bad of a choice after all. 360 540 315 320 Scientists warn of serious climate disryptions if concentrations reach 450 ppm, expected in 30 years 300 1958 8% '60 165 "80 35 90 05 08 The amount of global water use that is dedicated to irrigate the crops for cattle PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CHANGE Cities, states and countries around the world are starting to adapt to climate change or at least talking about it and setting aside money for the looming modifications. BANGLADESH, a poor country, is spending more than $50 million on adaptation and will include ways to fend off rising sea levels. EUROPE-LED BY GERMANY-passed Japan to lead the workld in PV manufacture, producing an estimated 1,063 megawatts of solar cells in 2007, up 56 percent over 2006. About 40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany alone THE NETHERLANDS is making its crucial flood control system stronger. UNITED STATES: Offer to cut emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020, deepening to 30 per cent by 2025, 42 per cent by 2030 and 83 per cent by 2050. THAILAND, there are large-scale efforts to protect places from rising sea levels. Monks at one temple outside Bangkok had to raise the floor by more than 3 feet. 40% COUNTRIES Coal was responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels A handful of countries have emerged as leaders in renewables development, thanks to strong government support. A study commissioned by the German government found that in 2006 the country had some 259,000 direct and indirect jobs in the renewables sector. ENGLAND is strengthening the Thames River flood control NORWAY:Says it is willing to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 over 1990 levels, and says it is willing to consider going to 30 or 40 per cent. Also aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. barrier which is costing about half a billion dollars. AUSTRALIA announced it will provide $126 million to America Europe establish the Australian UNITED STATES led the world in new Center for Climate Change and Adaptation. installations for the third year in a row with a record-shattering 5,244 megawatts of wind capacity added, increasing cumulative installed capacity by 45 percent A jet crossing the Atlantic burns up to 60,000 liters of fuel It would take a person 50 years driving a car to use that much fuel. "ONE PERSON FLYING IN A JET FOR AN HOUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAME GREEN HOUSE EMISSIONS AS A TYPICAL BANGLADESHI IN A Stockholm in 2008 Munich: There are WHOLE YEAR" Beatrice Schell, European Federation for Transport and Envirormert Singapore Half of the coty's waste is recycled and two new metro lines are being built Honolulu: In BOSTON raised a sewage plant to keep it from being flooded when sea levels rise. New York is looking at similar plans. there where 28 per cent more bike users than the 780 solar facilities. The 2008 hawaii Amsterdam One hundred percent of house waste is recycled to produce electricity for the citys opublic transport city is also a hub for environmental technology became the fist US state to require solar water heaters in each new home year before is instaling 100 electric car charging What about Windpower? stations |CITIES CHICAGO has a program to promote rooftop vegetation and reflective roofs that absorb less heat. That could keep the temperature down and ease heat waves. Dubai: Implemented Public transit and has been expanding its public transportation Global wind power capacity reached 94,100 megawatts by the end of 2007, up 27 percent from the previous year, and then topped 100,000 megawatts by April 2008. 用 用 MADRID Solar panels obligatory in all new buildings, biodiesel buses and solar-powered street lamps are standard Is there money in alternative energy? 20m Investing in alternative energy and conservation is predicted to create more than 20 million new jobs in everything from wind farming to biofuels to weatherproofing. A healthy environment and a healthy economy according to hopenhagen.org. Try eating organic and locally grown vegetables and fruit. Or if you are in Dubai at least try to buy the produce that is grown closer to the peninsula 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash. In bottle production alone, the more than 70 million bottles of water consumed PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. A lot of driving involves frequent trips nearby, to go shopping or run errands, for example. Plan and combine trips to reduce the miles you need to travel. BAG YOUR GROCERIES and other purchases in a reusable tete. If you missed out on the the ones GUIH News Gave, most stores now offer them and many are very stylish. each day in the U.S. drain 1.5 million barrels of oil over the course of one year. So is there an actual climate change? CHECK LIGHTS. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandes- cent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs 15% The rise in global temperatures since 1997 since the first RECYCLE. most communities provide facilities for recycling, and this does not exlude Dubai, if you do not find a place close to home go to the offices by SAFA park Slow down, going from 88kmh to 120kmh can elevate fuel consumption by 20% international accord in Kyoto, Japan INDIVIDUAL Buy things that last. Choose durable items over disposable ones. repairing rather than discarding, and passing on itmes that are not used instead of discarding- World temperature departure from normal Compared with 1901-2000 average Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 2009* Modify your Diet to include less meat. A high meat diet means a tremendous amount of carbon 0.8 0.86 emissions. It's a good thing that UAE holds the first place per capita in chicken consumption Encourage schools and your employeers to reduce emissions. There is always room to grow, but here ast Gulf News we have had 2 Succsefull campains, Go Green and the WOW (wipe out waste) campaign 0.6 * Through September 04 97 "00 "05 "09 SOURES: National Doanik and tnepheric Aonisistration; Soops nstitution of Onogaphy, UN, P, DOL, IEA, press mports, National Cimatic Data Ceter, Vital statistis 008, Val Statistis 2009 Nationa Gengaphic, Gobal Waing. The Wuther Maien, Ling Green, Our Ounging Panet, Vanishing Worlts, Menode, Wake up and smell the plaret. Hopenhagen.og. K, NGNC Gaphic New, Asocated hre, Restes Mold Bark; Australan Govennent