Carbon emissions will be the focus of the Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow.
Global leaders will be under pressure to outline their steps for delivering a net-zero future and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
But the world cannot rely on governments alone to make the required changes, people need to step up with their contributions along the way.
Here are some changes that can help reduce the damage to environment.
Cut down on red meat
The farming industry is a huge driver of carbon emissions and helps fuel deforestation. Livestock farming alone creates 14 per cent of all greenhouse gases.
Making the right diet choices can help to reverse these trends, particularly reducing consumption of red meat such as lamb and beef.
Experts say that consumers should be conscientious and get to know how food is produced and where it comes from. Going vegan could also help save the planet.
Cop26 preparations — in pictures
A study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal this month found the shift away from red meat in recent years is already having a positive impact on land use, water use and emissions in the UK.
But scientists have said that meat consumption needs to be cut by 30 per cent by 2030 to reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep that help drive global warming, and to free up land for absorbing carbon and boosting nature.
Drive less, fly less and take the train more often
Transport is responsible for almost a quarter of carbon dioxide global emissions, with flying particularly bad for producing CO2.
Domestic flights may shave hours off your travel time but produce the largest emissions per person per kilometre.
Although they are often more expensive, train journeys can have less than a fifth of the impact of a domestic flight.
Ethical shopping
Fast fashion is bad for the environment. The industry is responsible for 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions and 85 per cent of clothing is disposed of every year.
For example, it takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans, according to a UN report.
Shoppers should think before they buy, donate clothing rather than throwing it away, and choose better-made garments that will last longer. Second-hand clothing is also preferable to buying new.
Remember: it's not all or nothing
Some action is better than none. If you can’t give up meat, your car or flying completely, then it is best to simply cut back.
By taking action, you make it mainstream for the public to demand alternatives to carbon intensive products and services, and profitable for companies to do the right thing.
Dr Stuart Capstick, deputy director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations, says there is a delicate balance between individual and collective responsibility.
He points out that the bigger your footprint, the bigger the benefits when you decide to make changes.
“The top 10 per cent [of incomes] have a disproportionate share of emissions, and for those groups transport and travel comprises a big part of their footprint, and a lot of that is flying,” he says.
“So not doing those things that contribute to having a massive footprint clearly does make a difference.”
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
RESULT
Huddersfield Town 1 Manchester City 2
Huddersfield: Otamendi (45' 1 og), van La Parra (red card 90' 6)
Man City: Agüero (47' pen), Sterling (84')
Man of the match: Christopher Schindler (Huddersfield Town)
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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