The last post

In the article “we’ll save the planet only if we’re forced to” the author says that it’s not enough for anyone to reduce the number of traveling hours or using public transportation and bicycles instead of cars or eating less meat or changing your regular light bulb to the florescent light bulb because some people wont do these things that’s why government should force people to change their living and behavior to become greener. Also he mentioned that people should donate to organizations like Green space, Friends of the earth, Plane stupid and Campaign Against Climate Change instead of buying green house products because you will help to change the law.





In my opinion, I totally agree with the author. Governments should set rules against those who harm our planet because some people don’t care about global warming and what is the point of buying green products while others are not. People around the world should co-operate with each other to reduce our carbon emission and to keep our planet clean for our generations.

Why I would like to live in Masdar city ?

Masdar city is under construction and it is supposed to be a cool-city that uses alternative resources that have harmless impacts on the planet. There are many reasons that make me want to live in Masdar City, the main reason is that it will help me change my way of using the planet’s resources. Also it will help me reduce my carbon footprint. Other reasons are that cars are not allowed in it which means less traffic and more calmness. Also there would be many job opportunities that would make me start a good life. Add to that, the city would be clean and have fresher air, and that’s a very good and healthy thing that every person would want for there family and the next generations.

My Carbon Footprint

Many people around the world are using energy and technology to live easier life. However, these kinds of resources are harming our planet and causing global warming. Each one of us has a carbon footprint which measures how much planets he would need if he continues living with the same lifestyle. I took the quiz and I discovered that I need 2.65 planets which mean that I’m using many things that have harm effects on our planet.

There are many problems but I think the main problem is driving my own car instead of using public transportation. Another problem is that sometimes I don’t support locally produced meat which releases more CO2 tones as a result of importing it from overseas. A further problem is that I travel a lot by plane and air travel has the fastest growing CO2 emission. Another problem is that I keep the lights on when I go out of my room.

The main solution is to use public transportation and transfer by bicycle to reduce my carbon footprint. Another solution is to support locally produced meat, fruits and vegetables instead of importing them. A further solution is to reduce the number of travelling hours during the year. Another solution is to switch off the lights if I don’t need lighting or if I’m not in my room.

In general, I think that our planet damaged because of our impact on the environment and the way we use the planet’s resources. I believe that energy and technology make our lives easier but we have to use alternative resources and change out lifestyles to save our planet.

American Cool Cities

1. Seattle: They reduced global warming pollution by more than 60 percent by constructing green buildings and operating alternative fuel vehicles.

2. Washington DC: DC has replaced 414 of its polluting diesel buses with buses that burn natural gases.

3. Houston: convert a substantial portion of the city of fleet of cars and trucks.

4. Marion County/Florida: they use gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

5. The city of Scottsdale: has introduced Arizona’s first green building program which helps builders and home owners learn about how to integrate energy efficiency and water saving.

6. Salt Lake City: they changed 861 traffic lights to LED light signals.

7. Colorado: is working to produce 50 percent of the city electricity with renewable energy by 2017.

8. Charlotte: they switched from a gas only Ford Taurus to a hybrid Toyota Prius or Honda Civic and that would save city taxpayers approximately $800-1200 per vehicle including over $400 in annual fuel cost.

9. Twin Falls/ Idaho: Reduce energy cost and cut pollution by increasing the energy efficiency of its 11 schools.

10. St. Paul: they use a system that uses heat drawn from a biomass-fired power plant.

Abu Dhabi - A cool city ?

I believe that Abu Dhabi is not a cool-city yet but i think that its working hard to reduce the carbon footprint with " Masdar City " project. As for the business i think you should sell things that have harmless effect on envinroment with a brief summary about global warming written on the cover of the product.

One Planet Living

If everyone lived like an average North American we would need 5 planets.

If everyone lived like an average European we would need 3 planets.

If everyone lived like an average Emirati we would need 7 planets.

Our global footprint grew by 150% between 1961 and 2003. It is now 25% above the planet’s biological capacity to support life on earth.




Masdar is going to be developed using these principles:

1- Zero carbon: The climate is changing as a result of the rising CO2 emission because of human being.

2- Zero waste: Canned products and plastic bags cause problems for valuable resources.

3- Sustainable transport: Traveling by cars and airplanes help causing different kinds of pollution.

4- Local and sustainable materials: To recycle the wastes and to use local materials instead of importing them.

5- Local and sustainable food: producing healthy food, to support local agriculture and boosting local economy.

6- Sustainable Water: increasing local water, reusing and recycling water.

7- Natural Habitats and Wildlife: increase the capacity of natural areas and using natural resources.

8- Culture and Heritage: Celebrating with cultural events and protecting heritage foundation.

9- Equity and fair trade: Promoting equity and fair trading to give a beneficial impact on other communities.

10- Health and happiness: raising health and quality of life members and others.

I believe that the Local and sustainable food and sustainable water principles are difficult to maintain for Masdar city.



The goals of our One Planet Living Programme:

1. To create a global group of One Planet Living environment and other projects to show One Planet Living in action.


2. To establish an education centers in each One Planet Living
environment.


3. To encourage the guiding principles to change with governments,
business and individuals.




The Emerging One Planet communities:

1. Meadowbrook
2. OPL London Project
3. Sibaya
4. JinShan
5. Masdar City


The Officially Endorsed One Planet communities:

1. Sonoma Mountain Village
2. Mata de Sesimbra
3. One Gallions & One Brighton

Global Warming