Our cover this week is striking for two distinct reasons. Most immediate is our exclusive image of The World, the Nakheel mega-project that has finally been completed after six years spent working on one of the most prestigious destinations on the planet. Look closer, though, and you'll notice another Arabian Business exclusive.
This week's issue bears the proud stamp of a CarbonNeutral publication. What does that mean? It means that we have managed - with the help of Dubai firm EcoVentures and its partner The CarbonNeutral Company - to offset the cost to the environment of producing and distributing this magazine.
The average issue of Arabian Business produces around 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the course of its printing and distribution. This includes the carbon footprint left by flying tens of thousands of copies abroad, and even the relatively short trip from the printers to a Dubai newsstand. Some bright spark (perhaps with too much time on his hands) has calculated that this is equivalent to 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools ‘full' of CO2, 6000 family fridges, or 150,000 party balloons.
This week, for every tonne of CO2 produced by this magazine, The CarbonNeutral Company is investing in a project elsewhere in the world that saves the equivalent amounts of CO2. I am told that the particular project in this case will promote the installation of solar water heating systems in the Indian state of Karnataka. The systems will generate emission reductions of an estimated 78,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent between 2007 and 2013.
Closer to home, there are clear signs that a carbon credit scheme could be successful in the Middle East, particularly within energy-producing countries. For instance in the UAE, Masdar, an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Government to promote advanced energy and sustainability, last year signed an agreement with Dubai Aluminium Company Limited to develop and register a project under the Kyoto Protocol.
The Masdar Inititive itself is a remarkable undertaking. Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar City will be the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, aiming to exceed the 10 sustainability principles of ‘One Planet Living', a global initiative launched by the Worldwide Fund for Nature and environmental consultancy BioRegional. Looking back, 2007 may be remembered as the year that the Middle East properly woke up to the threat of global warming, and the opportunities offered by the business of climate change mitigation.
The CarbonNeutral logo carried on our front cover has been designed as a call to action for climate change. It asks people to sign on the dotted line, and symbolises a proven commitment as that line in turn can be used to carry a significant logo or signature. It's a partnership, a co-branding, and a small gesture of support for an issue that is set to dominate 2008 and beyond. Isn't it time you signed up?
CLICK HERE TO POST A COMMENT
| 3 stories | 3 stories
The Gulf faces a power shortage of unprecedented proportions, due to rapid growth in consumption.
Offshore protective coatings experts speak about the demands and rigours placed by the offshore market.
Of the world's vast offshore rigs, each has hundreds of workers onboard who keep production going.
Sean Cronin meets Mohamed Al-Mady, the figure behind the corporate phenomenon that is Sabic.
Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, on the global food crisis.
TAQA CEO Peter Barker-Homek on how the company is set to splash out $5bn before the end of the year.
SURVEYS & REPORTS
Print this page
Email this to a friend
Discuss this article (0 Comments)
Mobile
