Human energy
The raging debate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources affecting the climate has literally polarised the world. Then there is the "great green goal", with green having more to do with the colour of money than something that is truly environmentally friendly. Let’s step back and analyse a factory, for example, one that manufactures bread. Energy is needed for the machines that process and pack the bread and for the trucks to transport the bread. Electricity drawn from the grid powers the machines, keeps the lights and perhaps air conditioning on and gasoline is used for trucks. But, the most important energy needed to produce the bread has gone unnoticed. Our fantasy with automation has blinded us and we don’t realise that it is human energy that drives the business. It is perhaps the single biggest source of renewable energy in the world, something that we seem to ignore in our pursuit of energy solutions. What would happen if the bread was made by humans, just like in the past? I need energy to think about it!
From Mr Noor Al Deen Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Stop water wastage
Future wars are likely to be fought over uncontaminated, clean drinking water rather than oil! To stop wastage of this vital resource, we need to build discipline into our character. It comes with exercising patience and restraint and staying dedicated to the causes we work or live for. Taps for domestic and public use could do with some modifications. They should allow a narrow stream of water which switches off in around 15 seconds and should not restart for at least 30 seconds. The mechanism to turn on the tap could coincide with a soft alarm — two successive alarms would mean the water supply is turned off for two minutes. It’s a proposition I believe could make a difference in water conservation. Specifications are not absolute — this is just a suggestion aimed at remedying the current situation.
From Ms Sara Murtaza
UAE
An enriching experience
I’m counting days for the Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature (EAIFL) to begin (“Literature festival growing from strength to strength”, Gulf News, February 1). Last year I attended the event and had the opportunity to meet many famous authors. It was an amazing experience! Such festivals should be held more often as they give students the chance to meet authors and learn about their work. Reading as a hobby is definitely not very popular these days — most children are busy with the computer and television. However, it is a habit that if inculcated from a young age can definitely become very popular among children. I would like to thank the organisers of this festival for providing us with such an enjoyable and educational event.
From Ms Kehkashan Basu
Dubai
A working solution
Recently, I was talking to an old colleague in Canada and came to know that he is working two jobs — one full time and the other part-time. I think we could also benefit from a similar option where a person could take up a part-time job to meet needs, obviously after getting approval from the authorities. Many companies do not need full-time workers in certain positions, so they could hire people on part-time basis and pay them accordingly. Companies could then save time on processing work permits and visas and also save money over salary payments and other overhead expenses. People will have a chance to work two jobs and generate extra income to repay outstanding loans and lead a comfortable life.
From Mr A. P.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
A matter of trust
Should teenagers be allowed to drive? Can teenagers be trusted with the responsibility of a driving licence? This topic has been the subject of debates for decades now. I was very pleased to hear that the authorities in Dubai are considering the possibility of issuing driving licences to those aged 16. At the same time it was very disheartening to read comments by Gulf News readers who found this idea completely atrocious.
I am 16 years old, and I have often experienced the tendency to underestimate teenagers. We are generally branded as reckless and irresponsible. I agree that we are inexperienced and we tend to make mistakes, but that cannot be called irresponsibility. It is unfair that the actions of a few teenagers are being used as an excuse to write off youngsters as a whole. I think when people trust us with responsibilities, we learn to be responsible. You were all teenagers once and I hope that I’ve encouraged you to trust us and give us a chance!
From Ms Mariam Seddiqa
Dubai
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