This NASA image shows a massive fracture along Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf that has shrunk by about 10 per cent since a nearly 5,800-square kilometre iceberg broke away. NASA / EPA
This NASA image shows a massive fracture along Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf that has shrunk by about 10 per cent since a nearly 5,800-square kilometre iceberg broke away. NASA / EPA
This NASA image shows a massive fracture along Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf that has shrunk by about 10 per cent since a nearly 5,800-square kilometre iceberg broke away. NASA / EPA
This NASA image shows a massive fracture along Antarctica's Larsen C ice shelf that has shrunk by about 10 per cent since a nearly 5,800-square kilometre iceberg broke away. NASA / EPA

The challenge of climate change lies in how to act


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Scientists have been raising the alarm over the environment for years. Yesterday marked this year's “Earth Overshoot Day”. This is the day estimated when the world’s population will have consumed all the natural resources our planet can produce in a year.

Environmental policies are essential, and though several countries have taken a considerable number of initiatives to bring about change, others seem reluctant to see the repercussions their current policies may have on their future economic interests. Recently, the US announced its intention to pull out of the Paris climate accords.

Over the past decade, the UAE has worked on launching various initiatives to raise awareness, and to diversify its energy use to include nuclear power and solar energy, with extensive research and development in the broad range of renewable energy. Despite the crucial role of governments in establishing environmental policies, initiatives should also engage at the community level. Each of us plugged to the power grid and living off the planet’s resources is equally responsible for our environmental footprint.

In July, a massive glacier broke off an ice shelf in the Antarctic. The rising sea-level that may result is not the only impact we must worry about. Climate change, global warming and how it affects agriculture and food security over the long term are some of the other concerns.

A fierce climate advocate, former US vice president Al Gore believes that "we still have the ability to slow it down”. And to do that, crucially, means addressing the root causes at an individual level. It requires a new sense of urgency and a shift in mentality to bring about a desire to protect the richness our planet, a willingness to moderate our consumption habits and a dedication to building a sustainable environmental legacy for our children.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff

Blonde
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Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

PROFILE BOX

Company name: Overwrite.ai

Founder: Ayman Alashkar

Started: Established in 2020

Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai

Sector: PropTech

Initial investment: Self-funded by founder

Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda