Many companies take stock at the end of the year to check profits, gains and losses and achievements throughout the year. The year 2012 has seen developments towards a more sustainable world but there is still much to be done. With the Doha Climate Negotiations having concluded recently we hope that some significant progress has been made so that 2013 can be a year to build even further on the developments at governmental, corporate and local levels. The World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, which runs from 13 – 17 January, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, is the ideal place to find out more about what is being done on all levels to increase global sustainability. Clean Up UAE The December 12 will see over 22,000 people across the country engaged in the ‘Clean Up the UAE’ bid to raise awareness of the effect that litter has on our fragile environment. Each year the Emirates Environmental Group visits more sites and more volunteers join the cause to help reduce the amount of litter left around the UAE. It is amazing how much rubbish is found in the sand in the desert, and how wantonly it is thrown out of cars and left at the side of the road. It affects wildlife not just on land but in the sea as well with turtles and camels both suffering from the affects of eating plastic bags that they mistake for food. Assessing Emissions in the UK Have you ever wanted to be Prime Minister or leader of your country? Have you thought of how your decisions as a leader could affect the emissions and climate policy of your country? UK newspaper, The Guardian, has developed a tool where you can put yourself in David Cameron’s shoes (current UK Prime Minister) and see how changing the emissions of major industries and consumer emissions can effect total UK emissions and energy demand.
Find it here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2010/apr/21/national-carbon-calculator
By Emma Kirkman
