In the spirit of welcoming a new year, Tempo, an enthusiastic proponent of conservation and sustainability, presents The Planetarian’s special focus on the capital’s January events on how we can save our planet through saving energy, resources and recycling.
The global spotlight turns to the UAE capital this month with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (13 – 17 January), which includes the sixth World Future Energy Summit and the inaugural International Water Summit, both hosted by Masdar. Tempo spoke with Peter McConnell, Show Director for event organizer Reed Exhibitions, about the build-up to the International Water Summit, from 15 – 17 January.
Tempo: Peter, what do you think makes a successful exhibition?
Peter: An incredible amount of work! We have been planning the International Water Summit for almost 12 months. Firstly, there is the programme planning which requires a great deal of thought from a number of people, including our Steering Committee. Then, we have to contact potential speakers who can take months to confirm, then there are the onsite logistics: from exhibition design to broadcast vans to signage. And then there are things like publicity, visitor promotion, show marketing, catering, media, collateral, visa coordination, sponsorships, exhibitors, accommodation…the list goes on and on.
Tempo: We are exhausted already! What are some of things that can go wrong during the show?
Peter: Well, you can never control everything, but we have a highly experienced team putting the International Water Summit together, so we have come across most things that could go wrong and have contingency plans for them.
Tempo: Do you conserve water at home?
Peter: (Laughs) Yes, I do – all of the things that the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi tells us. Things like turning off taps when brushing teeth, minimal water in the basin, full loads of washing instead of several loads and those types of things. My wife and I are well trained now!
Tempo: Were you a water expert before you became Show Director of the International Water Summit?
Peter: No, I was not a water expert. But, I am a keen environmentalist. I don’t own a car, I try not to eat meat and fish often and I have been actively involved with non-profit conservation organizations.
Tempo: What do you hope will be achieved from the International Water Summit?
Peter: Greater collaboration between the key stakeholders, including the matching of investors and innovators in our Sustainable Solutions Village. Also, to continue to raise the issue of sustainable lifestyle and business decisions at the top of the personal and corporate agenda.The time for planning is almost over, and, on a global scale, firm action needs to be taken in the search of solutions, be it government regulation, product innovation or knowledge sharing between experienced and new players in the water market. The stark reality is that if we don’t do something to manage our consumption, capture and efficient re-use of water, then there’ll be nothing coming out of our household taps in a few years’ time.
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ABOUT ABU DHABI SUSTAINABILITY WEEK
Sustainability is woven into the heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Since its inception, the late President and Founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was adamant about conservation, and encouraged the reduction of the UAE’s environmental footprint. Today, his spirit and belief in sustainability continues to drive Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global platform that reinforces the role Abu Dhabi is playing as an international energy hub – assembling the most influential decision makers to explore new ideas and collaboration opportunities that will usher in an era of sustainability.
ADSW is the combination of five global gatherings happening in Abu Dhabi: 1) The 3rd general assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency; 2) The 4th International Renewable Energy Conference; 3) The inaugural International Water Summit; 4) the 6th annual World Future Energy Forum, and 5) The 5th annual Zayed Future Energy Prize.
Uniting more than 30,000 participants from 150 countries, ADSW will gather leaders from academia, industry and government to tackle the business, technology and financial challenges required for sustainable development and renewable energy adoption.
ADSW is a testament to the commitment the United Arab Emirates has for sustainable development and the new energy economy.
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GET YOURSELF INVOLVED – START SAVING OUR PLANET TODAY!
Every small thing that an individual does to conserve water, electricity, recycle paper and glass, all adds up to a huge cumulative effect on the amount that we consume as a nation. It is not just the large companies and industry that are solely responsible for the amount that the UAE consumes, but each and every one of us.
Greening the Home
The World Future Energy Summit is open to the public and will showcase, amongst other things, an Eco-Home, showing just how eco friendly your home can be, no matter if you rent or own it, and a Green Ideas Fair, so be sure to check these out.
Practical Living
Practical tips can be integrated into our daily lives and with time can be positively habit forming. How much paper do you use, as an individual, both at the office and at home? Every tonne of paper uses 24 trees. Imagine if we all recycled more, or printed less, and how much an office of 100 people could save in a month, let alone a year. By using less water in the ways that EAD recommends, such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, and only using the washing machine when it is full, we can all do our small but significant part in reducing the stress that we place on our planet.
Technology’s Role
Technology is also playing its role in helping us to reduce the burden that we place on our planet. Many companies are developing small, waterproof gadgets that can be used in the shower to help reduce the amount of time spent in the shower, and the amount of water that we use through it. Although showers use less water than baths, that only depends on not spending all day in it, no matter how much we may like to in the morning!
Water, Water…But Not Everywhere
Although the UAE relies on desalination to produce much of its water this requires a huge amount of energy, which makes it a very costly process to the environment. Some of the discussion at the International Water Summit which runs alongside WFES will be about developing sustainable desalination solutions for global use. Pressures on water supplies will be one of the larger factors in the coming decades around the world, not just the Middle East but in many parts of Europe, Australia, South-east Asia and North America. So the beginning 2013 is the perfect time to start conservation in your family, and if you don’t do anything else at least use less water!
By Ian Mason & Emma Kirkman
