Small steps make significant impact

Nine out of ten residents in the United Arab Emirates believe global warming is occurring and is a cause of concern. But perhaps more telling is that the same number is willing to make a change in their lifestyle to protect the environment. Global warming is, in more ways than one, a hot topic. It is not easy to keep up with the scientific data, not least because the international scientific community is split on the cause of global warming. But it is heartening to realise that people are aware that their actions in everyday life, for better or worse, have an environmental impact.

Reducing the use of plastic bags is an idea that is already taking hold, as is making more efficient use of transport and saving energy by turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. These are small actions that can have a significant impact if they become routine.