Global focus is on polar ecosystems

Dubai: Saving water, reducing greenhouses gases and applying controls to curtail climatic changes are the priority for environmentalists as World Environment Day is marked today.

The theme for 2007 is 'Melting Ice - a Hot Topic?' in support of International Polar Year. World Environment Day 2007 will focus on the effects that climate change is having on polar ecosystems and communities, and the resulting consequences around the world.

Tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more can be done to do your bit for the environment or educate your children or students.

"On this day, we would like to take the opportunity to remind the public that small changes in their lifestyles can make a big difference to the environment," said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).

According to EAD, climate change may affect Abu Dhabi by increasing the sea level, resulting in flooding and extreme weather.

Climate change already struck the UAE in 1996 and 1998 when coral bleaching occurred. Live coral cover declined by more than three-quarters. Recovery is now beginning to take place.