Ziwira October Issue 2015

October Issue 10 2015

W W W. Z I W I R A . C O M

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

SUSTAINABLE

FLyINg a mIRaCLe

MEET SOLAR IMPULSE PIONEER, BETRAND PICCARD

maSS mIgRaTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

THE

CHANGING FACE OF

OIL IN THE

UAE

daNIeL yeRgIN

KING OF ENERGY TO SPEAK AT ADIPEC

+ THE LATEST TECH SOLUTION TO CONTAMINATED DRINKING WATER

LOUIS VUITTON SPIRIT OF TRAVEL 2015

Content

4

Building a green future

CONTENTS ZIWIRA OCTOBER 2015

32

COVER STORY 32 The Changing Face of Oil in the UAE As the price of fuel for UAE residents is deregulated, the hope is that this will mean good news for the environment.

ENTERTAINMENT 94 FILM: The Wisdom to Survive This film, by Old Dog Documentaries, features thought leaders and activists in the realms of

science, economics and spirituality discussing

how we can evolve and take action in the face

COVER STORY

of climate disruption.

interview TRAVEL 96 Exotic Wildlife Awaits you at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort

74 ‘Flying a Miracle’ - Bertrand Piccard, Co-Founder of Solar Impulse

Emirates Park Zoo & Resort in Abu Dhabi, is an

Meet the man who flew Solar Impulse around

exotic establishment, which constitutes a perfect fun-

the world (almost!)

filled weekend getaway spent amongst monkeys and giraffes.

AUTO 78 Dubai Driving Center Switches to Green Fuel Pledging its commitment towards the environment, Dubai Driving Center is set to use biofuels for its vehicles.

FEATURE 24 Surge for Water

The amazing story of Shilpa Alva and how she is

successfully addressing the world’s water shortage crisis.

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54

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

56

88

WILDLIFE 88 Dubai’s Plan to Save Sand Tiger Sharks Innovative local project seeks to preserve the lives of this endangered species.

BUSINESS 28 Lamps4U Committed to saving energy, reducing carbon foot-

print, and facilitating the recycling of lamps to avoid millions of pounds of waste in landfills, Lamps4U is involved in sustainably conscious light recycling.

ECO-TECH 82 The Latest Tech Solution to Contaminated Drinking Water The latest high-tech technology called “The

90 Tragic Whale Deaths Could be Linked to Ocean Warming When a creature as big and majestic as a whale mysteriously dies, the world has to wake up and wonder why.

Green Sports 84 Is Rio Fit to Host the 2016 Olympic Games?

“Filthy”, “unfit”, and “contaminated”. These are just some of the brutally honest words used to

describe Rio de Janeiro, leading up to the Brazilian city hosting the 2016 Olympic Games.

Drinkable Book”, carries high hopes of solving the

Green celeb

issue that claims thousands of lives every year in

52 Richard O’Barry – The Dolphin Savior

age-old issue of contaminated drinking water – an countries such as Ghana, Haiti, and Bangladesh.

energy 20 Daniel Yergin, King of Energy to Speak at ADIPEC

Many recognize him as the Dolphin Savior while others as a dedicated animal activist. Richard

O’Barry, deserves to be recognized as one of the most influential animal rights contributors of our time.

Sustainability will be a key topic at this year’s AD-

local

the oil and gas industry. The opening ceremony will

be addressed by Dan Yergin, the man who is rightly

18 USGBC Lists UAE Amongst Top 10 green building nations

about energy and its implications”.

16 Global Solar Leaders’ Summit

IPEC conference, the biggest event of the year for

named as “one of the planet’s foremost thinkers

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Content

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52

98

wORLD 46 Climate Change and the Mass Migration Crisis As the effects of climate change become worse,

people will be forced to migrate in search of natural resources.

FASHION 66 Future Fashion – Future of Unique, Ethical Fashion Green entrepreneur Ayesha Siddequa fronts a contemporary fashion market website rooted in Dubai.

Future Fashion stocks the best of ethical fashion, with a glamorous twist, and an admirable cause.

FOOD 70 Healthy Cooking with Okra Okra is a fabulous, flavor-filled ingrdients low in

calories and high in fiber, it will leave you feeling full and satisfied without packing on the pounds.

HEALTH 72 Do You Really Need Those Supplements?

Health supplements certainly come with benefits,

but medical experts fear that people are becoming too reliant on them.

INDUSTRY 40 New Biofuel Pilot Project Underway The new bioenergy research that uses salt water

and arid land to produce sustainable, commercially viable fuel for aviation.

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LIFESTYLE 59 Eco-Friendly OfďŹ ce Gifts Planning a conference or seminar, or even if you just want to give you staff some parting gifts, rather do so the eco-friendly way.

58 Beach to Bottle Cleaning products that are 100% eco-friendly,

from the packaging to the building in which they are manufactured.

56 Waste Not, Want Not Is everything we produce really that disposa-

ble? No. Some products, if not all of them, have a second chance at usefulness. Take a look at some excellent ideas for upcycling used tires from around the world.

60 Succulents & Cacti: Give the Gift of Life From office arrangements, to birthdays, or even weddings, Gifts of Life can provide the perfect idyllic arrangement of hardy plants to brighten up a room.

BEAUTY 64 Alika Natural Cosmetics

Stay beautiful while treating your skin with Eco-

friendly and organically sourced cosmetic range from Alika Natural Cosmetics.

Earth Cries earth cries she doesn’t cry for water she runs rivers deep she doesn’t cry for food she has suckled trees she doesn’t cry for clothing she weaves all that she wears she doesn’t cry for shelter she grows thatch everywhere she doesn’t cry for children she’s got more than she can bear she doesn’t cry for heaven she knows it’s always there you don’t know why she’s crying when she’s got everything how could you know she’s crying for just one humane being

BYJEAN ‘BINTA’ BREEZE

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OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015 Building a green future

Publisher Ziwira CEO and Founder Adam Merza adam@ziwira.com Editorial Saba Khan saba.khan@ziwira.com Nasreen Rasool nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Zane Small zane.small@ziwira.com Imran Khan imran@ziwira.com Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Fahad Balabhai fahad@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc. 445 Park Avenue 9th Floor New York City New York

EDITORIAL Greening the UAE! As the UAE Government announced the deregulation of oil prices, environmentalists are all

gung-ho over an energy efficient UAE. With this decision, UAE has become the first country in the Persian Gulf to end fuel subsidies. Our cover story this month focuses on this key declaration, its consequences, and long term goals. Turn to page no.32 to read the full story.

The current world scenario of wars and mass migration is not only affecting the health of the migrants, but also amassing an impact on the already appalling situation of climate change.

Millions are migrating not only because of civil war, or shortage of food, but also to search for natural resources to secure their future. Read more on page no.46.

To widen our audience and fulfill the interests of all our readers, we have decided to add a few more sections to the magazine, namely; Beauty, Fashion and Food. With our healthy and

mouthwatering recipes, boost your metabolism, cut down those excessive calories, and main-

tain a vigorous lifestyle. Beauty and fashion sections will keep you updated with the latest sustainable trends and tips in the industry.

With organizations realizing the importance of conserving fossil fuels, bi the next big thing in the

fuel industry. Dubai Driving Center adopts used cooking oil as an eco-friendly source of fuel. (page no.78 ) Also, don’t miss our story on new technology that uses salt water and arid land to produce sustainable, commercially viable fuel for aviation. (page no.82)

The lifestyle section this month provides a warm insight into cleaning products, an interesting

piece on tire upcycling, and a catch-up with Renee Lang, Founder of local business Gifts of Life. page no.60.

Dreams certainly do come true! We were given an exclusive opportunity to meet Bertrand Piccard, Swiss Explorer and Co-Founder of Solar Impulse 2, for a compelling interview about his much talked about solar-powered trip around the world. Read the full conversation on page no.74.

Sure it’s hot and vast, and may not seem like an ideal place to host wildlife species, but the UAE

is in fact home to a vibrant, diverse range of creatures. Exotic wildlife awaits you at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. Get ready for a perfect fun-filled weekend getaway amongst monkeys and

giraffes. (page no.96). In addition, don’t miss the story on Dubai’s plan to preserve our sand tiger sharks on page no.88.

That’s not all, we have lots more for you to indulge. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we had compiling it.

Like always, we look forward to hearing from our readers.

Enjoy!

10022 United States of America Canada Office Ziwira Inc. Toronto, Canada © Copyright 2015 Ziwira. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be reproduced in

parts, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in

any form or by any means without the prior written

permission of the publisher.

Saba Khan E D I T O R

@ZIWIRA

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LoCAL neWS

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100,000 pEopLE sign pETiTion AgAinsT duBAi SeaWORLd As plans developed for US-based SeaWorld Entertainment to

signatures from individuals across the globe, from Singapore

based on past animal rights violations. A SeaWorld park was

natures from the UAE specifically, and it has obviously gotten

establish a park in Dubai, the world has expressed concerns, once on the table in Dubai, in conjunction with a larger World

of Discovery theme park to open by 2012, but the plan never materialized in the fallout of the global economic crisis in 2008.

As rumors of new plans have risen, an online petition hosted by social media group Care 2 is taking aim at a possible SeaWorld park in Dubai, citing alleged problems with the company. Ac-

cording to Gulf News, the petition has collected around 100,000

and Austria, to the UAE and Argentina. “There are 2,803 siga lot of attention from the international community as well,” said

Emily Logan from Care 2. “We have seen some great success with petitions like this influencing governments and private companies to scrap plans that are bad for animals or bad for the environment.” To sign the petition, visit www.thepetitionsite.

com and search for ‘Tell the Government of Dubai not to open a SeaWorld!’

ABu dhABi’s eye ON eaRTh SUmmIT Sign up for the Eye on Earth Summit, from 6-8 October, held

foremost events dedicated to identifying solutions for greater

ShaRJah’S gReeN mIddLe eaST exPO

data to address sustainable development. “Lending our

Sign up for Green Middle East to be held at the Expo Center in

under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al

Nahyan, President of the UAE. The Summit is one of the world’s access to, and sharing of, environmental, social, and economic support to international initiatives like Eye on Earth is necessary

to help us realize the sustainable development goals globally and locally under the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda and the Abu Dhabi Environment Policy Agenda,” said H. E. Razan

Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of the Environment

Agency, Abu Dhabi. The Summit is already attracting world respected leaders in sustainable development including heads

of the Alliance partner organizations: Achim Steiner, Barbara J. Ryan from GEO, Inger Anderson from IUCN, and Janet

Ranganathan from WRI. Attendees can expect to be addressed

by scientific experts and business professionals from UNEP, PlanetiQ, Conservation International, and ConservationDrones. org. For more information on the event, or to register, visit link www.eoesummit.org

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Sharjah, to get your fill of eco-information. Green Middle East

will see participations from top business houses from the energy sector. The event will provide the exhibitors a center stage with the help of which the participating companies will be able to

promote all their goods and services. From the latest energy related technologies, to equipment and devices, from products

and methods of purification, to treatment of industrial waste water, this mega trade event will have practically everything under one roof. It provides a fabulous opportunity to get to know

more about the latest eco products and services. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in allied conference

programs for getting all the technical details of commodities and products. For more information, visit the website below.

WORLD NEWS

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

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Sign the petition to stop ‘Crushing’ of Elephants The practice of phajaan, more commonly known as ‘crushing’, is a traditional practice carried out in some parts of Asia on young elephants.

The practice involves torturing the elephants to break their spirit, so that they are submissive to humans. They are often caged, starved,

beaten, stabbed, poked, and cut. Some elephants, particularly those with stronger wills, die from shock or lack of water, stress, and sever injuries, because the handlers will not stop until the elephants are

judged to be “broken” or “submissive”. Change.org is calling on the

Government of Thailand to stop the horrific practice once and for all – especially since there are other ways to ensure elephants used in the

tourist trade are submissive by means of humane, cruel-free methods

demonstrated by people such as Lek, the founder of Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for elephants near Chiang Mai. To sign the petition

to stop the practice of ‘Crushing’, visit www.change.org and search for “stop the practice of Crushing”.

Thousands gathered in Beirut to protest rubbish collection crisis Thousands turned out near parliament in central Beirut, Leba-

told AP News Agency that at least 15 protestors were wounded,

following political dysfunction, according to Al Jazeera. In re-

country,” read one poster in the crowd. Some residents resorted

non, in the biggest protest to date over uncollected rubbish,

sponse to the mass of protestors, police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons at the crowds. An online group

called “You Stink!” and other civil society groups organized the rallies, calling on Lebanese to join them in a revolt against a cor-

rupt system. Lebanese Red Cross spokesman George Kattaneh

and one of them was in critical condition. “We want to live in our to burning rubbish on the streets, sending toxic fumes over the city’s skyline and into homes. The health minister has warned of

a catastrophe as some people began dumping waste in valleys, rivers and near the sea.

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WoRLD neWS

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WORLd’S LaRgeST LeSSON ON susTAinABLE deVeLOPmeNT The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) together with the Global Goals campaign,

oBAmA TRAVELs To ALAskA To hIghLIghT CLImaTe ChaNge ISSUeS United States President Barack Obama, recently traveled to Alaska, where on the second day of his trip, stood near the foot of the Exit Gla-

cier, which has receded 1.25 miles since 1815 and 187 feet last year

alone. “This is as good of a signpost of what we’re dealing with when it comes to climate change as just about anything,” he said. He took a short hike up to the face of Exit Glacier, a massive two-mile-long ice

block that flows down from the larger Harding Ice-field. At the park station, there are markers recording the years when the glacier extended further than it does today, beginning with the 1800’s and moving up

over the more than one mile of ferns, cottonwoods and alders that have grown up where the glacier once stood. “What it indicates, because of the changing patterns of winter and less snow, and longer, hotter summers,” said Obama, “is how rapidly the glacier is receding. It sends a message.”

launched the World’s Largest Lesson, an initiative to teach children in more than 100 countries about the new Sustainable Development Goals

that will be adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Launched at the UN Headquarters in New York, the campaign “will do more than teach children about the global goals,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “It will engage them in

the effort to achieve those goals – educating

them about the challenges that are shaping their futures and encouraging them to drive change in

their own communities.” The initiative, according to UNICEF, has already gained support from

influential public figures such as Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan; Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram; and tennis star Serena Williams. The global goals range from ending extreme poverty,

to tackling climate change, and giving all children the opportunity to gain a quality education.

VeRge PReSeNTS: TeChnoLogy-BAsEd susTAinABiLiTy soLuTions VERGE, from 26-29 October, GreenBiz Group’s global event se-

but practical, scalable, solutions-orientated exchanges through

sustainability solutions across sectors in a climate-constrained

ies, Connected Transportation, Intelligent Supply Chains, Food

ries focusing on the technologies and systems that accelerate world takes place this month. The event draws together the world’s largest companies, technology innovators, utilities and

cities, creating a broad ecosystem of players to accelerate opportunities for business, the environment, and society. According to their website, the focus of the event will be on transformative

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seven program tracks: Grid 2.0, Next-Gen Buildings, Smart Cit& Ag Tech, and Sustainable Water Systems. Just some of the

amazing speakers at the event will include: Cady Coleman from

NASA, Sonia Aggarwal from Energy Innovation, Lindsay Bass from World Wildlife Fund, and Greg Callman from Tesla Motors.

Follow the link below to sign up for the event.

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duBAi pRoVidEs A WeLCOmINg PLaTFORm FOR The SOLaR INdUSTRy Dubai is never short of a few lavish conferences gathering a host of influential speakers and delegates.

The Global Solar Leaders’ Summit, held in conjunction with GulfSol at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was one of the most highly anticipated events in Dubai, shining a light upon the vision, leadership and strategic action powering solar market transformation.

P

ushing the boundaries of solar innovation was high on the agenda at the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit, as

gy Strategy 2030, formulated by the Dubai Supreme Council of

Energy, to diversify energy resources and improve efficiency of

well as progressive policies to drive solar market trans-

electricity and water usage, and aiming to generate 15 percent

tracting capital to develop solar schemes. As always, the Dubai

“Over the last five years, solar energy has made huge strides for

convene and be inspired by some truly exceptional presenta-

for Engineering & Planning at Dubai Municipality in his ministe-

formation, harnessing the potential of rooftop solutions, and at-

of total power output from renewable energy by 2030.

World Trade Centre provided the perfect place for delegates to

the future,” said Mr. Abdulla Rafia, Assistant Director-General

tions.

rial address. “There’s been a change in mindset. Dubai was

The Summit, held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng.

we are raising it to 15 percent.”

UAE, was designed as a platform to bring together representa-

In his speech, he explained how the primary advantage of solar

Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Germany, to discuss their role in

popularity all over the world. “The advantages of solar power

Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazourei, Minister of Energy for the

going to produce about 5 percent of energy from solar, but now

tives of the MENA region and beyond, with representatives from

power is that it carries positive connotations, and is growing in

the solar industry, and the importance of renewable energy.

are that governments all around the world are backing the im-

Dubai in particular, is set to experience significant growth in the

has integrated the Dubai Energy Strategy 2030. The demand

working to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Integrated Ener-

were installed in 2013, enough to power over 3.5 million homes.”

coming years in terms of renewables. Our progressive city is

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plementation of solar energy,” he said. “Dubai, no exception, has never been higher. 4.75 gigawatts of photovoltaic panels

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

“

“

The general consensus is that solar is becoming the energy of choice. It is becoming increasingly cost effective.

-His Excellency Ahmed Belhoul CEO, Masdar, UAE

He further mentioned how Chinese production of solar panels has significantly shifted solar panel implementation to what it is today in terms of financing solar projects. “From 2012 to 2013, commercial development of solar power grew 30 percent,” he said. “The majority of the world are supporters, and we feel

lucky that way. Japan has increased its capacity by 500 percent, and in 2009, China increased its solar capacity by 6,000

percent! So what should we do in Dubai? We are going to ride the same wave.”

One of the great highlights that Mr. Rafia included in his presentation, was an introduction to the Desert Rose Housing Project – a sustainable city expected to accommodate 20,000 plots for Emiratis, located between Al Ruwaya and Al Aweer, built in the shape of a desert flower.

The city will have recreational and sustainable features, where the roofs of homes and buildings will be covered with solar pan-

els that will provide 200 megawatts of electricity. The city will also recycle over 40,000 cubic meters of waste water.

In addition, the pedestrian path will be designed in an eco-

friendly way that will be air-conditioned only during the hot sea-

son, and will have a green belt equipped with environmental and economic benefits that will be used for agricultural purposes.

On another note, His Highness Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO at DEWA, fittingly referred to as the

“rock star of renewables”, assured the crowd of delegates that DEWA is striving to support the implementation of the vision of

His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of Dubai’s UAE Vision 2021, and Dubai Plan 2021.

Dubai Plan 2021 addresses the urban environment including both natural and built assets, and looks at the living experience of the people of Dubai and its visitors as a result of their interac-

tion with the environment and the economic and social services provided.

“DEWA is committed to the sustainable development of the citi-

zens, residents, and achieving a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Mr. Al Tayer.

Providing a wealth of relevant information regarding solar ener-

gy, from industry professionals around the world, and compelling panel discussions addressing progressive policies to drive solar market transformation, and harnessing the potential of

rooftop solutions, the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit cemented the UAE’s reputation as a progressive city that actively encourages renewable energy.

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USGBC lists UAE amongst top 10 green building nations Thanks to the vision of our esteemed leaders, the United Arab Emirates has been recognized by the US Green Building Council, as one of the top 10 nations for green building. It’s a significant achievement, especially for a country that has directed so much effort to becoming a greener and more sustainable place to live. With Expo 2020 on the way, we can expect more green initiatives to come from the UAE.

I

n 2012, a key initiative called ‘A Green Economy

road infrastructure, and electricity. This vision of a green

Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

made by the country in terms of green building.

for Sustainable Development’ was launched by His

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler

UAE, has been recognized recently, thanks to efforts

of Dubai. He envisioned a greener, healthier, more

Green Building Regulations were issued by Dubai

generation.

for government bodies and optional for private developers.

Since then, the UAE has grown, with initiatives such as

private developments which went into effect from March

sustainable country, with high hopes for the impending

the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda, which primarily

focuses on improving the quality of air, preserving water resources, increasing the contribution of clean energy, and implementing green growth plans. It also stresses the importance of infrastructure, aiming for the UAE to be

among the best in the world in the quality of airports, ports,

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Municipality in 2011 and were immediately made mandatory Green Building Regulations are now mandatory for all

1, 2014. The regulations were issued to initiate change in a nation with a rather large carbon footprint relative to its size – aiming to reduce the consumption of energy,

water and materials; improve public sector health, safety

and general welfare; and enhance the planning, design, construction and operation of buildings.

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

“

The global community is increasingly recognizing the imperative for action as we combat the extraordinary challenge of worldwide climate change

“

Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and Founding Chair of USGBC

Recently, these efforts were recognized by one of the

key players in the green building industry. The US Green Building Council, committed to changing the way buildings and communities are designed, promoting cost-efficient and energy-saving buildings through LEED certification

(Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), ranked the UAE ninth among the Top 10 nations with the biggest

China and India, two of the world’s fastest growing economies

and rapid adopters of sustainable building practices, took

second and third place on the list, respectively boasting 14.30 million and 11.64 million GSM of LEED-certified space.

“The global community is increasingly recognizing the

energy-efficient buildings outside the US.

imperative for action as we combat the extraordinary

The list, based on LEED figures obtained from April

CEO and Founding Chair of USGBC.

2014, demonstrates the global transformation of the built

challenge of worldwide climate change,” said Rick Fedrizzi,

environment into healthy, high-performing structures that

“This new achievement is a fruit of the long-term national

India, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Brazil, and Singapore.

Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

benefit residents. Canada tops the list, followed by China,

initiative launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and

Finland finished the list, behind the UAE.

Rashid Al Maktoum in 2012 to build a green economy in

Among the notable projects in the UAE, USGBC cited, is the

Development’,” said Abdullah Al Muaini, Director-General

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Headquarters, which has a LEED Platinum rating (highest possible under this system). Canada, topping the list, has an astonishing 17.74

million gross square meters (GSM) of LEED space. Perhaps one day the UAE could take this place? Only time will tell.

the UAE under the slogan, ’Green Economy for Sustainable of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, speaking to news agency WAM. USGBC noted that countries

outside the US are making, “significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation.”

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OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

dAniEL yERgin, king of EnERgy To spEAk AT AdipEC Sustainability will be a key topic at this year’s ADIPEC conference, the biggest event of the year for the oil and gas industry. Addressing guests and delegates at the opening ceremony will be none other than Dan Yergin himself, the man who is rightly named as “one of the planet’s foremost thinkers about energy and its implications”.

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ENERGY

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22

hen Daniel Yergin speaks about oil and the future

of energy, the world listens. He is probably the most respected personality to comment and

advise on the subject, given his extensive research, and expertise in the field. Daniel serves as the Vice Chairman of IHS, the global research and Information Company that works with the oil and gas industry worldwide, and he is also the

founder of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates. The

Pulitzer Prize winning author has written two books that gives

an insight of the oil industry over the years and how the energy landscape is expected to change in the future.

awareness, the basic tenets of industrial society are being challenged.” And certainly the oil industry tops the list to be

scrutinized, criticized and opposed. As much as oil has shaped the modern world it is now under threat for the environmental degradation it has caused in the process. We are now in what

he calls the Hydrocarbon Society, in which man is still nowhere near ready to give up his dependence on oil.

“This has put a new imperative on technological innovations to mitigate the environmental challenges,” he says.

His second book, The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World, takes a sweeping look at the energies we use today, how they built up the modern world, and the new resources available that could replace them.

In this book, he says, “In this century, climate change has become a dominant political issue, and central to the future of

energy. This shift has turned greenhouse gases into a potential

rationale for rolling back the supremacy of hydrocarbons and expanding renewables.”

“

“If there is one man whose opinion matters more than any other on global energy markets – its Daniel Yergin.”

“

Yergin has been officially confirmed as the keynote speaker at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibitions and Conference (ADIPEC) in November, where the focus of plenary

Time Magazine

discussions will be Innovation and Sustainability in a New

Energy World. The conference is hosted by ADNOC in Abu

Dhabi, the energy capital of UAE and brings together thousands of industry professionals annually. There could be no better

choice than Danial Yergin to address such a conference, as he has served as both an analyst and advisor on energy related topics including unconventional oil and gas development, the

economics of oil and climate change. A person with immense

wealth of knowledge and realistic outlook on climate change and environmental degradation caused by oil, is much needed

within an industry where profits can easily overshadow its harms.

Yergin recognizes that since oil is the world’s most pervasive business, it has also “proved that it can be fool’s gold,” as he

says in the prologue to his first book, The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power.

“In the twenty first century, we are so dependent on oil, and oil is so embedded in our daily goings, that we hardly stop

to comprehend is pervasive significance,” he says. But at

the same time, he admits, “With the rise of the environmental www.ziwira.com

Dr. Yergin has received the United States Energy Award for “lifelong achievements in energy and the promotion of international understanding.” He is also a member of the

National Petroleum Council and sits on several international

advisory boards for energy, such as the MIT Energy Initiative.

Time Magazine has identified Dr. Yergin as one of the “hundred people who mattered” worldwide. His work is appreciated by CEO’s, conservationists, lawmakers and politicians, among many others.

In 2014, he was awarded the James Schlesinger Medal for

Energy Security by U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernie Moniz. He

is also a member of the advisory board that issued the report on shale gas at the request of President Obama.

While the title of his speech at ADIPEC has not yet been

revealed, Dr Yergin’s words will undoubtedly be interesting, powerful, and important for the future of sustainable energy.

FEATURE

24

Surge for Water How a young girl’s dream became a reality for the world.

T

he setting is India. The children are not playing, instead fetching water for their families’ survival.

A seven-year old girl, Shilpa Alva, is visiting extended family. As she looks around, she felt dejected to see the

through this first-hand experience that I realized it was now my responsibility to

make a difference,” she tells me. In 2008,

Shilpa Alva founded Surge in response to this life-long calling.

hardships that people are bearing due to how the world should be…

people’s lives by providing them the

Access to safe water is a critical aspect

says Shilpa.

of daily life, and everyone should have it.

impact. We were going to transform access to safe water and sanitation!”

is

established

Shilpa wanted to make a difference. She

Surge

21-year old Shilpa attending a volunteer

the United States and the United Arab

Rajgarh. It was here that she realized

and sanitation to those most in need,

In an effort to save the limited water they

crisis. Today, Surge is operated by a

only allowed to shower once in four days,

with a personal story of being moved

wash their clothes in a murky river.

the organization. They have witnessed

“We were among the fortunate ones

as

a

global

around the world, and have come

just didn’t know how. Fast-forward to a

nonprofit

camp in the remote Indian village of

Emirates, bringing life-sustaining water

the importance of water and sanitation.

and increasing awareness of the global

had, she and the other volunteers were

global team of talented volunteers, each

flush the toilet sparingly and often had to

by water crisis that brought them to

who had some access to this precious resource; many of our friends in the

village didn’t share in this luxury. It was www.ziwira.com

poverty,

organization

inequalities

left

her

corporate

job

last

September to dedicate time to building Surge into an organization that would be sustainable well into the future. She

describes herself as a mission-driven

“It was my way of making a lasting

lack to water and realised that this is not

Shilpa

registered

and

in

injustices

together because of a shared belief that every person has an equal right to access safe water and sanitation.

wanderer at the moment, managing her schedule according to where she is

needed the most for Surge. Unsettling as it may seem, she also says it’s been

an incredibly rewarding period of her life.

Funding, surprisingly, has not been

the biggest challenge, although they

could always do with more funds! Since Surge is running solely by volunteers, administration costs are low so they

can pledge to donors that 100% of their

contributions go towards safe water, sanitation, and associated education

projects. They depend on partners, sponsors, private donors, to cover costs.

Providing fresh water to the world is a challenging task to take on. Nearly 800

million people lack access to safe water

and approximately 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation –

these are some whopping figures to deal

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015 with! How does she cope? Shilpa believes in the extraordinary human ability to rise up and face challenges. She admits

that Sub-Saharan African countries are amongst those most affected. In fact, she describes the situation there as wildly disproportionate, and limiting the much needed sustainable

development and progress. But across the world, million die

annually due to waterborne illness. She knows from personal experience, not just Google stats, that women and children

are most severely affected, as they often bear the burden of collecting water, walking up to six kilometers in some cases.

“I keep reminding myself and our team members that every life

saved or improved makes it all worth it. We continue to face challenges head on. We keep working, adapting, innovating

and succeeding in making that sustainable difference — one drop at a time!”

The World Health Organization reports that more than 3.6 percent of the global disease burden can be prevented by improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. They also

estimate that for each $1 invested in safe water and sanitation solutions, there are returns of $3 to $34, depending on the

region and the technology. When I ask Shilpa how it feels to

help a community, her response is that it’s “truly priceless”

and “humbling”. But it’s not just about the mushy feelings, it has real bearings too. Surge provides disaster relief support and facilitates long-term sustainable development in tragedy stricken places like Nepal, Haiti and the Philippines that are

grappling in the aftermath of natural disasters which destroy water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Access to safe water truly transforms a community. It equates to health, income, education, and playtime!” says Shilpa.

‘Relationships are an important element to our success’ Surge’s model involves forming strong

“This past year, I’ve spent extended

work in, so Shilpa and her team often

representing

partnerships with the communities they travel to each country to personally meet

the people to witness their sufferings.

Naturally, I am curious to know about their lives and problems.

“It’s crucial to gain deep insight in the

lives of each community. This allows us

to understand the issues more clearly and work with community members on finding the right sustainable water and

sanitation solutions. These relationships are an important element to our success in the field,” she explains.

periods of time in the field. My travels several

small

Surge

have

communities

included in

the

Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Haiti,

India, Philippines, and Uganda. I’ve had the opportunity to form strong

experience proved to be impossible, so instead she left me with this collage of memories: Imagine: •

personal and professional bonds with

•

political, historical, environmental and cultural

understanding

drive change.”

Recounting

her

most

to

Cambodia

running

ecstatically to fresh water being

Children in Uganda screeching in joy, as they participate in our signature

effectively

memorable

in

school.

several beautiful friendships and found

into communities also give us the

child

pumped out from a new well in her

our community partners. I have forged inspirational role models. These travels

A

program.

•

game-based

training

Meeting a family in the Dominican Republic whose lives have been www.ziwira.com

FEATURE

26

transformed now that they have access to safe water.

•

Bonding with community leaders

and discussing ways to transform a village in Haiti.

•

Singing and dancing with a tribal community in the Philippines to

celebrate the joy of fresh water access!

“Since our start in 2008, Surge has

provided safe water and sanitation access to over 170,000 people in 11

countries. Our projects have helped thousands of families in Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic,

Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nepal, Pakistan,

the Philippines, Tanzania, and Uganda.

That is our proudest achievement!” says Shilpa.

A model to end poverty Future plans for Surge are to continue growing and providing safe water and sanitation access to as many people as possible. Working in 11 countries has

given the organization invaluable global

experience and knowledge, through which they can develop a repeatable process model that can be adapted to

www.ziwira.com

new communities. According to Shilpa, the model will address water and sanitation issues in order to end poverty.

“I’d love if we all become more mindful of our water footprint. We are part of

one global ecosystem and every action (positive or negative) that we take has an impact on the rest of humanity. Our

personal water footprint is made up of

everything we purchase and consume

whether we directly see the water or not.

We each need to understand our water footprint and how our lifestyle choices impact it,” she says.

“From a global perspective we need to see significant improvements in how we use water in agriculture and industry, as globally they account for 70% and 20%

respectively of all the water consumed.

Efficiency improvement in this area can

significantly improve the water situation we are in.”

The UAE chapter of Surge is dedicated to raising awareness of the global water

crisis as well as the local situation. To

do this, they reach thousands of people annually by actively integrating with the

social fabric of the Emirates through

unique events catered to both youth and adults.

The Design, Dine, Donate gala is one of them, which reached out to the interior design industry in the UAE. Designers were asked to create innovative and sustainable seating elements for a cause

using non-toxic renewable materials.

The result was eight stunning designs

displayed at the event, which was attended by more than 250 guests.

Some of these creations were later

displayed at the UAE Index Exhibition.

The Surge UAE team also has a signature

youth

education

program

called Water: The Global Passport,

whereby students embark on a virtual

journey to gain an understanding of the water related challenges people face globally. Through game-based activities, participants learn about the global water crisis and ways to protect and conserve our local water sources.

As I learn more about Shilpa, I am

inspired, as I can see that little girl who was so affected by the water crisis in India is still very much alive in her, and I am sure that she will continue to do great

work. She ends our interview by quoting Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a

small group of thoughtful, committed

citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

hoW CAn you ConTRiBuTE TO SURge PROJeCTS? You can dedicate your voice, time or money to support the

good work done by Surge. Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They would love to hear from you!

www.ziwira.com

Business

28

Lamps4U

Mahesh Patel of Lamps4U talks with Ziwira about sustainably conscious light recycling.

by Nasreen Rasool

In January this year, the UAE banned the use of incandescent

and the environment is saved from the hazardous chemical.

and LED technology, we had new solutions that were more

“We are trying to enlighten everyone about the risk and manage

of mercury creeped into the manufacturing process of these

the less electricity we use, the less greenhouse gases, the less

questions about how this would affect the environment when

but it’s important to also be commercially green,” he says. With

lightbulbs in an effort to reduce energy consumption. With CFL

energy efficient, but posed a different kind of problem. The use

the risk,” says Patel. “We all want to save electricity, because

bulbs, and given the high toxicity of mercury, it started to raise

carbon emissions. The social mandate today is to go green,

the lamps were discarded.

his company, he hopes to provide an end-of-life management

“CFL’s are here to stay,” says Mahesh Patel, founder and CEO

seeping into the earth.

of Lamps4U, a light recycling company in Dubai. “They may

system that prevents harmful chemicals and components from

be more efficient, but they also release more chemicals into

Many people may want energy efficiency and we are certainly

environment and that’s where the problem is. This can leach

we also don’t realize the harms of throwing the lightbulbs away.

the mercury,” he says.

that Patel has created collects, tracks and disposes of the

the system. When the lamps break, mercury leaks into the

doing the right thing by switching to more efficient lighting, but

into the sea, and into the fish. When we eat this fish, we ingest

It can actually be more costly to the environment. The system

Patel then decided to create a sustainable solution for light

lamps, creating what he calls, a chain of custody.

bulb recycling after he realized that there was a lack of proper

His solutions can work for large waste generators as well as

as he was in the process of setting up his own lighting business

Lamps4U provides machines that crush the bulbs, extract the

facilities for his kind of recycling in the UAE. He discovered this

consumers. For establishments that use a lot of light bulbs,

representing Eurolux, a company based in South Africa.

mercury in them and separate the glass, plastics and metal

“I started to think about supplier and manufacturer responsibility

waste.

and I decided to provide a cradle-to-cradle solution,” he said.

For consumers, the company provides specially-designed

household waste, but this is not how it should be. Halogen

other public places. They even provide special aluminum bags

At the moment, CFLs are thrown into landfills along with regular

boxes for the collection of old lights, at shopping malls and

should also be recycled, even though it contains no mercury.

that can hold up to four lamps, so people can transport the

Lamps4U operates on a closed loop system. The company

breaks inside the bag, the mercury will be contained, and the

provides certified energy efficient lamps, and then takes back the used lamp so it doesn’t end up in the rubbish. Through this system, mercury is successfully diverted away from landfills, www.ziwira.com

lightbulbs safely from their homes to the drop off point. If it consumer is not at risk. The bags are approved for both safe storage and transport of potentially toxic waste.

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

MAHESH PATEL

Founder and CEO of Lamps4U

www.ziwira.com

Business

30

Box it, store it, process it The drop off boxes are transported safely by the company to the recycling site. Here they are fed into processing machines, which are built in Europe.

The machines crush the lamps on site, segregate the different parts, and

safely remove and contain the mercury powder. The recyclable waste from

the lamps is sent elsewhere in the UAE for recycling and then reclaimed for further use. The system can cater for 90% of lamps currently on the market.

Regulations for safe disposal of these bulbs do exist, both globally and in the UAE. They are now classified as hazardous waste and must be stored

in safe storage containers. They should not be disposed of with regular waste. If just one lamp is thrown away, it contaminates the entire bin, and this now becomes hazardous waste that must be disposed of very carefully.

Patel’s clients include industrial organizations like Enoc, Dewa, RTA for the street lights, as well as hotels, shopping centers (mainly the fashion

stores which are brightly lit) and villas. Each client that participates in the

Lamps4U program receives a certificate that says how many bulbs they recycled and how they saved the environment. These green credentials

can be used by the company to validate their CSR compliance. According to Patel, many companies have been storing fluorescent lamps for years,

but this is more dangerous, because if something breaks and the halogen leaks out, it will cause contamination on a much larger scale than if it was just one light bulb.

Besides the recycling, the company’s main priority is actually educating

the public. Many are still not fully aware of the consequences of discarding old lightbulbs and the environmental hazards of mercury poisoning.

“Facilities management companies come and replace bulbs in our homes, so we have to encourage them to recycle as well,” says Patel.

While the company is supported by Dubai Municipality, it is still in its starting

up phase and is now at the point where it needs strategic partners to come

on board and help take it to the next level. Some people may wonder if it’s a free service, but Patel’s approach is a realistic one.

“There is a cost involved in the whole process, but we are trying to work

it out for consumers. So far it needs more investment and the growth opportunity is the entire GCC” he says.

The company is also looking for a rewards partner, so they can offer

consumers coupons or rewards for recycling as an incentive. In the meantime, Mahesh Patel and Lamps4U continue in their efforts to save the environment, one bulb at a time.

(Top to Bottom): The shocking amount of old lightbulbs discarded by UAE businesses.

www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

www.ziwira.com

COVER STORY

32

The Changin

Oil in t

www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

ing Face of

the UAE

www.ziwira.com

CoVeR StoRY

34

TIPS FOR RedUCINg FUeL CONSUmPTION •

Start by doing a value chain analysis of your transportation costs. This will include fuel cost over the projected number of km per year, include elements such as tires and maintenance and will clearly see which vehicle classes fit their driving habits best.

•

Maintain an efficient speed.

•

Avoid aggressive driving.

•

Avoid idling.

•

Conduct regular vehicle maintenance.t

•

Switch to energy efficient cars and use of public transportation.

Courtesy of Dubai Carbon

Is the UAE on the road to cleaner air? As the price of fuel for UAE residents is deregulated, the hope is that this will mean good news for the environment.

www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

T

he UAE, Opec’s third largest oil producer, recently be-

The transport sector was responsible for 22% of the total green-

port fuel subsidies. The decision had initially stirred

tons of carbon dioxide. Given this stark reality, Al Mazrouei noted

came the first country in the Persian Gulf to drop trans-

some controversy, but the move was welcomed, as the country’s leaders were sure that the end results would be good for both the economy and the environment.

The Ministry of Energy announced in a statement that this was an “Initiative to help curb consumption and save natural resources for future generations, encourage the use of public transport and decrease harmful carbon emissions.”

Speaking on the environmental benefits of the decision, UAE Minister of Energy, Suhail Al Mazrouei said that deregulating

fuel prices would help decrease fuel consumption and preserve natural resources for future generations. It will also encourage individuals to adopt fuel-efficient vehicles, including the use of electric and hybrid cars.

house emissions in the UAE in 2013, amounting to 44.6 million that the decision would encourage the use of public transport, especially in areas of Dubai that are notorious for traffic conges-

tion. He added that increasing the use of public transport and reducing dependence on individual vehicle usage will have a

positive impact on lowering carbon emissions. The UAE already has an advanced public transport system with eco-friendly options such as taxis that operate on natural gas.

Before the deregulation came into effect, prices were sitting at

1.83 dirhams (50 cents a liter) for unleaded gasoline 98 octane, while the US price for the same was 84 cents a liter. The price

of oil in the UAE rose marginally in August but then dropped again in September. The reason for this was to keep up with international prices. So from now on, as the international prices fluctuate, so will UAE prices. Gone are the days when our fuel prices were immune to global events.

www.ziwira.com

COVER STORY

36

A prime opportunity to end reliance on fossil fuels Now that we have made the leap, it presents a prime opportunity for the UAE to progress, edging away from its reliance on oil for

economic growth. As the oil price fluctuates, the economy will need to rest on the strength of other sectors now more than ever.

It is something that has been present in national conversation for a long time, but now we will be forced into action. And ultimately, a greener economy that is not dependent on fossil fuels can flourish in the most sustainable way possible.

For most motorists, the deregulation has no major consequences

yet, though they might have felt a slight pinch in August when they noticed a hike from the usual price to fill up the tank.

efficient driving. Drivers would now tend to do their shopping and errands closer to their homes in an effort to save fuel. Also, it may lead to a switch to more fuel-efficient car models or even further use of public transportation. The low cost of petrol was a

barrier to reducing our consumption. As a result, we expect to see commercial operators switch back to more efficient engines whilst individuals will be more responsible in their consumption patterns,” he said.

Bosse added, “In terms of carbon footprint per capita, the UAE

has almost halved its negative stigma, thus dropping out of the

top ten list. According to the UAE State of Energy Report 2015,

“

We have already received a number of calls from large fleet operators asking how they can convert their petrol vehicles to diesel, so I think the price rise of petrol compared to diesel has been felt by these fleet users. However, I think the domestic petrol car drivers are still oblivious to the price of petrol as many come from countries where petrol is 3 times more expensive than the UAE. I have not heard any

“

of my friends complain about the new petrol prices in UAE, so I think the prices for petrol and diesel should be raised higher.

Global oil prices are still quite low, and will probably remain

- Karl Feilder

subsidized by the government, and the UAE has paid a flat rate

it’s just under 20t of CO2 per person (based on 2013 analysis)

that way for a while. Until now, both oil and diesel have been despite the fluctuations in oil prices worldwide.

For individuals, simple lifestyle choices can make a big difference when done collectively, such as taking the metro or carpooling instead of driving their own car. Those who have

felt it most are businesses, particularly SMEs who need large amounts of fuel for their daily operations. Price increases may even filter down to the customers who will have to pay more for goods or services.

According to Thomas Bosse, Technical Director of Dubai Carbon, the deregulation of petrol prices will definitely have positive outcomes in terms of reducing carbon emissions.

“It may result in various changes in behavior such as more www.ziwira.com

which is a 63% decrease compared to the year 2000. The leadership of the UAE has always included the impact on the

environment and climate change as part of the long-term vision

for the nation as clearly evident in the UAE Vision 2021. Several emission reduction initiatives are being implemented especially in the recent years; in the areas of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, waste management, etc. The most important

element is recognizing the steady and consistent efforts of the

UAE towards decreasing per capita emissions whilst the world is meeting later this year to discuss ways on how to get this done.”

For businesses, a solution at this time could be switching to

biofuel. Karl Feilder of Neutral Fuels says, “From a sustainability

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

perspective, I am in favor of any move which makes the use of any fossil fuels more expensive as this provide even more

opportunities for sustainable alternatives such as our biodiesel.”

“We have already received a number of calls from large fleet

operators asking how they can convert their petrol vehicles to

diesel, so I think the price rise of petrol compared to diesel has been felt by these fleet users. However, I think the domestic

petrol car drivers are still oblivious to the price of petrol as many come from countries where petrol is 3 times more expensive

than the UAE. I have not heard any of my friends complain about the new petrol prices in UAE, so I think the prices for petrol and diesel should be raised higher.”

According to Feilder, an expert in the business now, the situation certainly presents an opportunity for more vehicle users to switch to diesel vehicles as diesel and biodiesel

are now for the first time in the UAE

cheaper than petrol. Furthermore, as

diesel engines are about 30% more

efficient than petrol engines, a switch to

biodiesel from petrol could save a driver 40% of his new UAE fuel bill.

Neutral Fuels has been producing biodiesel from waste

in Dubai for almost 5 years and Feilder’s customers have so

far saved over 12,800 tons of CO2 emissions. “That’s about the same as planting 10,400 acres of trees or the same as switching 335,000 light bulbs over to energy efficient lights,” he says. In terms of exhaust emissions, a motorist driving a vehicle on biofuel pushes 50% less carbon monoxide and 50% less carbon particles into the air.

While Fielder claims he is by no means an environmentalist, he is certainly determined to do what he can to save the planet,

for practical rather than emotional reasons. Hence, his attitude towards CO2 reductions is why wait when you can do something about it now?

“I really don’t think people appreciate the scale of the problem.

It has taken us humans about 100 years to become addicted to fossil fuels as a source of not just fuel, but plastics, materials,

power, in fact pretty much everything we take for granted in modern life. It is going to take us a while to move to low carbon

alternatives, but at least we can all make a simple decision today to use biofuels wherever possible,” says Feilder.

A survey was conducted by YouGov shortly after the

announcement to raise fuel prices. The results revealed that nearly a quarter of UAE car owners said they would be increasing their use of public transport to avoid digging

deeper into their pockets to pay for fuel. In

addition, 20 percent said they would reduce their commutes by moving closer to work

or public transport. Another 18 percent

claimed they would use other fuel saving methods such as carpooling, buses and shuttles, whilst 15 percent

said they would buy a smaller car. The

poll also showed that nearly half of the

respondents said they would be more

aware of travelling unnecessarily, such

as making frequent trips to the mall.

When it comes to the medium to long term

impact of the rise in fuel prices, there is a mulling

fear that the cost of rental property in areas closer to public

transport will rise. But in general, we seem to be on the right

track. From the YouGov survey, 46 percent of the respondents said they believed the decision was necessary for the nation’s long term economic sustainability.

In order to ultimately green the UAE, we have to see a complete shift away from oil. Vehicles that have diesel engines can use

biofuels and the costs are much lower too. The country is already rapidly advancing in its renewable energy sector, and

this is now neatly complimented by the recent deregulation of fuel prices. While it may take a while for things to stabilize, we may just be on the road to cleaner air and a brighter economy.

www.ziwira.com

inDUStRY

40

NeW BiofuEL PILOT PROJeCT UNdeRWay T he Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System

The new bioenergy research that uses salt water and arid land to produce sustainable, commercially viable fuel for aviation.

(ISEAS) launched earlier this year at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, and is expected to be up and running this month.

The research is being conducted by the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Center, a non-profit consortium established by Masdar.

If all goes according to plan, Abu Dhabi could soon be rolling out a completely sustainable, plant-based form of fuel, a breakthrough achievement for the desert region.

Jorik Visser, Senior Researcher at Masdar Institute of Technology and Project Manager for ISEAS, said that most biofuels use freshwater, making them very costly to the environment. The

Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System is essentially a closed loop system using plants that thrive on sea water. The best part is that not only does it produce fuel, but cultivates mangrove swamps for carbon storage and also supports aquaculture, making it a perfectly harmonious method of food and fuel production.

www.ziwira.com

The system is dependent on halophyte plants, which are best

suited for the desert and can tolerate saltwater, making them

a perfect choice for a Middle East environment. There is also ample space available for harvesting, so there is no need to cut trees for biofuel producton.

Seawater is pumped into ponds in order to grow fish and shrimps for food. The fish waste, which is rich in nutrients, then flows into

the fields of halophyte plants to fertilize them and biologically clean the effluent. No chemicals are used. The plant’s biomass

and oils are harvested for the production of aviation biofuel and other products. Finally, the effluent is diverted into cultivated mangroves before being discharged back into the sea. The

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015 There are many positives to using biofuels, one of them being

the reduction in carbon emissions. Biofuels are a renewable

source of energy against the ground-based fossil fuels which will eventually run out.

But unfortunately, there are cons too. The process of producing crop-based fuel requires a lot of energy. And much of the energy used in production comes from coal and natural gas, raising the question of sustainability for certain biofuels. The

answer may lie in the type of plant used for biofuel production and how it is grown.

National Geographic has suggested that a better future for

mangroves act as a valuable form of carbon storage.

biofuels lies in using grasses and saplings, which contain more

The consortium behind the pilot project includes Masdar

makes up plants’ cell walls, and makes up most of the weight of

Institute, Etihad Airways, the Boeing Company, Honeywell UOP, Safran, and GE.

cellulose, for production. Cellulose is the tough material that

the plant. This could arguably be more efficient, and fuels made from these are expected to emit less carbon dioxide.

“Knowing that about 20% of the world’s land is desert and 97%

of the world’s water is salt water, this approach will provide a solution to the long-drawn problem of land and water scarcity by creating bioenergy applicable in countries around the globe,” said Masdar CEO Ahmad Belhoul.

As climate change wreak havoc on the earth and its inhabitants, it is becoming more and more pertinent that the era of fossil

fuels must come to an end. Photosynthetic biomass can clearly help create a sustainable and renewable energy source to ultimately displace traditional fossil fuel as an energy dense commodity, as Masdar and so many others have proven. The global stage is ripe for new research and innovations to make biofuels

BiofuELs VS. FOSSIL FUeLS

and bioenergy as harmless to the earth as possible.

Surprisingly, biofuels have been around longer than we realize.

Henry Ford planned to use ethanol in his earliest models. But

with the low prices of gasoline and diesel, the idea of biofuels

was put aside and forgotten for decades. Now, the growing concern about global warming and a significant role played by fossil fuels in producing CO2 emissions have seen biofuels regaining popularity.

Some countries around the world are already using various kinds of biofuels. Brazil has turned sugarcane into ethanol, and some of its cars run purely on ethanol, while some countries use it as an additive to fossil fuels. In Europe, biodiesel,

which

is

diesel-like fuel made

a

from palm oil, is available.

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inDUStRY

42

aLgae aS aN aLTeRNaTIVe To TRAdiTionAL BiomAss SOURCeS There are possibly over 200,000 species of algae in the world. According to scientific studies, algae can be an alternative feedstock for biomass

production without impinging on food sources and arable land. Algae

growth systems can be positioned in non-arable land or cultivated in

high saline conditions or wastewater thus making use of non-arable land and reducing fresh water use for biomass production. They are also capable of producing a wide range of carbon-based nutritionals, pharmaceuticals, and valuable chemical feedstocks. Microalgae has

several key features that make it a strong candidate for continued research and development. These features are: Higher biomass yield per cultivated acre Minimize competition with arable land and nutrients Utilize waste water and saline water Recycle CO2 from fuel emissions Compatible with current fuels and co-product bio-reďŹ nery infrastructure Use as dietary supplement for humans and livestock Produce high value metabolites

maSdaR’S aLgae PROCeSSINg FLOW ChaRT

Genomic sequencing

Metabolic modeling

GIS data analysis for sampling sites

Bioprospecting for UAE native algae

Environmental chemistry analysis

Genomic data mining

Pure culture isolation

Growth characterization

Metabolic profiling

Microscopic analysis

Lipid biofuels Sugar based biofuels Sugar based fermentation

Genetic engineering

Nutritional Products Pharmaceutical Products Intellectual Property

Long Term Storage

www.ziwira.com

WORLD

46

Climate Change and the Mass Migration Crisis As the effects of climate change worsen, people will be forced to migrate in search of natural resources.

I

t‘s safe to say that the world’s mass migration problem

has reached crisis point. It has been shocking and heart wrenching to hear the stories of so many people displaced,

for disease and host countries are under immense strain to accommodate the high influx of refugees.

risking their lives to find a better life in an alien country. And in

Many analysts have already predicted that something else will

a drastic shift in mindset – not politically but environmentally.

countries witness unending drought, ice caps melt, habitats are

For the most part, people have been fleeing their homelands

left for inhabitants is to seek a better life somewhere else. Like

all likelihood, it is going to get worse, not better, unless there is

because of violence and civil war. But on a deeper level, they

are also migrating because of the lasting effects of political turmoil in their country. War and political corruption destroys people, infrastructure, economies and ultimately the natural

resources of a country. For example, recent reports have stated that Israel’s policies will render Gaza uninhabitable in just a few

fuel mass migration in the near future – climate change. As destroyed and natural resources are depleted, the only option war, climate change too, destroys not just the environment, but

the economy, quality of life and everything else that depends on it. Greenhouse gas emissions will pollute the air to the point that

it’s not breathable in some places, and sea level rises in other places will force its residents to migrate.

years. Thousands have died in an attempt to cross borders.

“Thanks to global climate change, mass migration could be the

Channel from Calais to England. Refugee camps are hotbeds

expert, Professor Norman Myers, argues that climate change

Some have even attempted swimming across the English

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new normal,” says Ellie Mae O’Hagan of the Guardian. Another could cause 200 million people to be displaced by 2050.

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

Besides Climate Change, food shortages and chemical weapons contribute to fuel Mass Migration

Of course, fighting isn’t the only aspect of war that pushes a population to its tipping point. The devastating civil war

that began in Syria is the result of complex interrelated factors. In his article Water, Drought, Climate Change,

and Conflict in Syria, Peter H. Gleick from Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, explains how the focus

of the conflict is regime change, but the triggers include a broad set of religious and sociopolitical factors, the erosion of the economic health of the country, a wave

of political reform sweeping over the MENA region, and challenges associated with climate variability and the availability of fresh water.

According to Gleick, water and climate issues have played a significant role in the turmoil that has unfolded

in Syria – an aspect that is often overlooked. There is a long history of conflict over water in the Middle East because of natural water scarcity, the early development of irrigated agriculture, and complex religious and ethnic diversity.

“In recent years, there has been an increase in

incidences of water-related violence around the world at the subnational level attributable to the role that water

plays in development disputes and economic activities,” says Gleick.

“The drought has contributed to the displacement of

two million in Syria,” says Francesco Femia, from the

Center for Climate Security based in Washington DC. “That internal displacement may have fueled the social

unrest that precipitate the civil war, which generated the refugee flows into Europe.”

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WORLD

48

Across the Middle East and Africa, climate change has already affected

weather, and therefore food supply,

according to climatologists at the US Department of Defense-funded Strauss Center Project on Climate Change and African Political Stability in Texas.

Agricultural land is turning to desert, and

heat waves are killing crops and grazing animals.

It’s currently estimated that about 9

million Syrians are currently suffering from food insecurity, including 6.8 million who require food aid, according to the

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Since 2011, the

ongoing conflict has all but destroyed

Syria’s agricultural sector.Syria’s wheat crops for 2015 are estimated at about

2.4 million tons, thanks to rain, which

is higher than 2014, but 40 percent less than what it produced before the

a welcome relief to residents whose taps

had run dry due to wars and frequent power cuts.

“These water cuts came at the worst

conflict. Livestock has also plummeted,

possible time, while Syrians are suffering

percent, sheep and goats by 40 percent,

UNICEF Representative Hanaa Singer in

have remained in Syria have reportedly

without running water for nearly three

more in cities such as Sweida, Aleppo,

of children thirsty, dehydrated, and

with cattle populations decreasing by 30

in an intense summer heat wave,” said

and poultry by 50 percent. Families who

Syria. “Some neighborhoods have been

been spending half of their income or

weeks, leaving hundreds of thousands

and Hama.

vulnerable

In August (2015), the United Nations

could be cut again any time adding to

Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that the restoration of water supplies to the

war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo, came as

to

disease.

We

remain

concerned that water supplies in Aleppo

what is already a severe water crisis throughout the country.”

Chemical Weapons As if violence and food shortages weren’t enough, according to a BBC report, in

August 2013, a chemical attack went off

attacks since only they have access to helicopters.

just outside the Syrian capital Damascus.

The 117-page report focuses on three

chemical weapons had been used in

Hama, where it states there is a “high

did not say who was responsible.

used in the weapon. According to BBC,

United Nations inspectors confirmed that

Syrian villages, two in Idlib and one in

Syria in September 2013, but the report

degree of certainty” that chlorine gas was

In January 2015, Al Jazeera published

an article sharing leaked information they had obtained containing a copy of a report by a chemical weapons watchdog that offers further evidence about the use

the effort to eliminate Syria’s chemical

weapons program was launched after a sarin gas attack on August 21, 2013, that killed hundreds of civilians in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta.

of chemical weapons in Syria.

Sarin is a horrifying man-made chemical

The report by a fact-finding mission of

Germany in 1938 as an insecticide.

the Organization for the Prohibition of

Chemical Weapons (OPCW), who deal with investigating the use of chemical weapons, includes eyewitness accounts

of helicopters dropping barrel bombs with

toxic

chemicals.

Al

Jazeera’s

Diplomatic Editor, James Bays, reported that members of the UN Security Council blamed the Syrian authorities for the

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warfare agent, originally developed in According to Homeland Security News, if sarin is released into the air, people may

be exposed though skin contact or eye contact. The effects of sarin cause the

prevention operation of the chemical that

acts as the body’s “off switch” for glands and muscles. Without an “off switch”,

the glands and muscles are constantly being stimulated. They may tire and

no longer be able to sustain breathing function. Exposure to large doses can cause paralysis.

“The

main

problem

with

chemical

weapons is that they’re very difficult to

control - they are subject to wind, and

the delivery is much easier than high explosives,” research

says

chemist

Martyn

at

Poliakoff,

University

of

Nottingham. “You don’t know where exactly it’s going to go. A substance such as sarin can often persist in the

environment, killing in a prolonged fashion.”

It is this anonymous way of killing

random people that the international community have found so repugnant

in Syria, in addition to the unspeakable crimes committed by Islamic State. For

now, millions of Syrian citizens have fled

to refugee camps in Jordan, Turkey,

and Lebanon, or made the perilous trip across the Mediterranean to seek asylum in Europe. It is a country utterly torn apart

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

Angela Merkel The unlikely hero to refugees

M

ama Merkel is what she has been dubbed

by many refugees. She has lowered a wing of compassion, welcoming asylum seekers

from Syria, Palestine and other countries facing similar challenges. She was once accused of taking a cold stance towards the migrant crisis, and was even silent on

the matter for quite some time. But German Chancellor

in Dresden, she commented on the violence from antimigrant protestors, saying such behavior was “shameful

and appalling.Germany is a country which respects the dignity of every single individual” she said on a separate occasion. “If Europe fails on the question of refugees, it won’t be the Europe we wished for,” she said.

Angela Merkel has now stepped up to the challenge

Merkel has gone out of her way to make others aware

to accommodate for the recent influx of refugees. Not

before making the brave decision to flee. She urged

for them. The Economist has called her leadership a

into European society, and learn the German language,

connection between European values and the country’s

taken in more than 450,000 migrants so far, the largest

and spoken boldly about how European countries need

of the extreme suffering experienced by these individuals

only that, she has also warned others against intolerance

female asylum seekers in particular, to try and integrate

‘shining exception’, as no other country has drawn a

rather than just staying at home. Merkel’s government has

acceptance of migrants.During a visit to a migrant shelter

share to date compared to any other country.

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Green Personality

52

RICHARD O’BARRY THE DOLPHIN SAVIOR

His story is somewhat contradictory. You may recognize “Ric” O’Barry as the vicarious character who captured and trained dolphins for the 1960’s TV show Flipper. Others may recognize him as a dedicated activist who has been arrested on multiple occasions.

Whatever it is you’ve heard about O’Barry, he deserves to be recognized as one of the most influential animal rights contributors of our time.

In light of a significant event earlier this year, Richard O’Barry

is this month’s “Green Personality”. After years of international pressure, in May 2015, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) finally suspended JAZA (Japanese Asso-

ciation of Zoos and Aquariums) as a member of its organization. Responding to WAZA’s move, JAZA has decided to finally stop sourcing dolphins from the inhumane hunts in Taiji, Japan.

This excellent turn of events was made possible by the endless

campaigning efforts of one man, who has selflessly dedicated his life to defending a highly intelligent species from trauma and potential extinction.

Richard O’Barry was born on October 14, 1939 (75-years-old).

By the 1960’s, Ric O’Barry had developed a passionate love

for dolphins. He spent a lot of time with them, capturing them

and then training them as the Head Trainer for the hit American TV show Flipper at the Miami Seaquarium, serving as a stunt

double for show cast member Luke Halpin. The strong bond with the dolphins helped O’Barry to recognize and understand www.ziwira.com

“

“

FOR THE LOVE OF DOLPHINS

A dolphin’s smile is nature’s greatest deception.

It’s the illusion that they’re always happy.

their behavior. He noticed that one of the dolphins in particular seemed to be showing signs of depression. The dolphin named

“Kathy” who most often played the role of “Flipper”, didn’t resurface for air one day. O’Barry was ultimately convinced that she

had committed suicide because dolphins, unlike humans, consciously decide when to breathe and can decide not to. That was the time when O’Barry changed his perspective of the op-

eration he was running, and decided that capturing, displaying and training such intelligent creatures is an act of inhumanity.

In the award winning documentary film The Cove, O’Barry says, “When you become conscious of this non-human intelligence, you realize after a while that they shouldn’t be kept in captivity.”

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

dOLPhIN PROJeCT It was on Earth Day in 1970 when Richard O’Barry formed the

organization “Dolphin Project” which ultimately aimed to cease the capture, slaughter and exploitation of dolphins around the

world. It is the longest running and leading organization creat-

ed solely for the protection of dolphins. O’Barry has pioneered

the re-adaption and release of captive dolphins into the wild around the globe. In fact, O’Barry has rescued and released

over 25 captive dolphins in Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, and the United States. There is no doubt that activism can be a dangerous activity, especially when there

are powerful companies involved with high profits at stake. A

Ric O’Barry rescuing a captive dolphin in Brazil.

colleague of O’Barry’s, Jane Tispon, was murdered in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia in 2003. It is alleged that she

was the victim of a contract killing for her work against the con-

struction of dolphin tourist attractions by the Dolphin Fantaseas Group. However, this only seemed to motivate O’Barry, who

became more determined than ever to see the end of dolphin captivity.

More recently, O’Barry is recognized for his outstanding docu-

mentary film The Cove, an Oceanic Preservation Society film.

Initially released in 2009, the film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary. The film, directed by Louie Psihoyos, follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on what O’Barry describes

as, “The little town with a really big secret.” At the beginning of

the film, we are introduced to O’Barry who boldly enters Taiji, knowing the risks that he faces from authorities protecting the regions secret. Taiji is the largest supplier of dolphins to ma-

rine parks and “swim with dolphin” programs around the world.

Each dolphin sells for up to $150,000. The Taiji Whale Museum

fuels. In the ocean, at the top of the food chain sits dolphins,

and they are consuming mercury contaminated fish. Dolphin meat eventually poses a serious threat to health.

O’Barry’s struggle for world recognition of the cruelty dolphins endure has not been easy. In 1986, the International Whaling

Commission (IWC) had a small victory banning commercial

whaling. However, one year later Japan responded by tripling its kills of dolphins and porpoises and starting lethal research programs on large whales. After watching the film and understanding the selfless dedication O’Barry committed to dolphin

wellbeing, it is satisfying to hear the news of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums finally agreeing to stop sourcing dolphins from the inhumane hunts in Taiji. However, there is

still more to be achieved with protecting whales and dolphins.

Even though he is in his 70’s, it’s safe to say that we can most

likely expect more heart achievements from Richard O’Barry, The “Dolphin Savior”.

brokers make deals with the town and fishermen, sharing the profits.

In the film, O’Barry explains how the dolphin drive began in

September and was carried till March. An estimated 23,000 dolphins and porpoises were being killed in Japan annually. In

a gut-wrenching scene, O’Barry explains how during this sea-

son, the dolphins were herded towards the shore by creating

loud noises under the water by men in boats hammering on

metal poles. Dolphins have extremely sensitive hearing, and therefore try to flee from the sound. They are then trapped in

“the cove” and either selected for commercial use, or slaughtered for meat. O’Barry points out how ironic it is that guests at the Whale Museum in Taiji can, “watch the dolphin show and

eat dolphin at the same time.” What’s more, there has been a lot of media coverage on dolphin meat in Japan, since it contains

high amounts of mercury – a substance that has risen 1- 3% annually since the Industrial Revolution due to the burning of fossil

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LIFE STYLE

56

Waste Not, Want Not

The Art of Tire Upcycling As frivolous consumers (nothing to be ashamed of) waste is a guaranteed byproduct of the things we use and consume, because nothing lasts forever. Items have their use, and then one day they don’t. But is it really that black and white? Is everything we produce really that disposable? No. Some products, if not all of them, have a second chance at usefulness. Take a look at these excellent ideas for upcycling used tires from around the world.

Environmentally Concerning It may sound bizarre, but the tires on your vehicle contain heavy

void space, which quickly consumes valuable space. They can

water while coming in contact with wet soils. Unfortunately, tires

ble to the surface. Stockpiles also pose a safety risk, as fires

metals and pose a risk for the leaching of toxins into the groundon vehicles don’t last forever. Though you can get them retread-

ed perhaps a couple of times, but after that, safety is a priority and it’s time to get new ones. But what happens when you dispose of them? Eco-toxicity is a major concern with dispos-

ing of tires. Studies show that zinc, heavy metals, and rubber

chemicals leach into the water from tires in landfills. Contaminated tire water has been shown to kill some organisms. Tires

are not desired at landfills, due to their large volumes and 75%

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trap methane gases, causing them to become buoyant, or bubcan easily occur, burning for months, creating substantial pollution in the air and ground. Clearly, recycling can reduce all of these risks. Although tires are usually burnt instead of recycled

(which is harmful for the environment ), efforts are continuing to find value. Tires can be recycled into asphalt pavement, green buildings, fuel gas, oils, solid residue (char), or even new tires.

Check out the following upcycled tire ideas that you could try for yourself.

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

sTACk TiREs Recycled tires can add an authentic, rugged twist to a modern garden setting. An intelligent way to upcycle tires is to stack them in your garden, and fill them with earth to make simple raised

planters that cost next to nothing. The heat absorbed by the black rubber helps plants like potatoes and tomatoes to thrive. Another

way is to hang tires on the walls, filling just the bottom portion with soil, to create exceptional, but eye-catching wall planters.

This also keeps them off the ground, thus saving them from soil contamination.

RUgS & FLOOR maTS This is a creative and fun way to repurpose your old tires, especially because of how

hardy tire material is, providing an excellent non-slip surface. Etsy seller ReTIRED

Mats weaves strips of reclaimed tire rubber around metal frames. Bicycle inner tubes, as demonstrated in the image, is even flexible enough to crochet. According to crafter

Michaela, “After several attempts, I found out that it’s the easiest way to use a tent peg. I cut out the valves and then slit the tubes lengthwise. Washing the tubes has to

be done thoroughly because the valves are covered with a thick layer of powdered talc from inside.

sCuLpTuREs By yong ho Ji Korean artist Yong Ho Ji has gone above and beyond all of these innovative re-

uses for old tires with a sculptural series that binds strips of used tires together with synthetic resins. His complex artwork, depicting humans and animals, displays

our responsibility towards nature. His sculptures generally represent endangered and mythological species blended perfectly with a near human physical structure and features of animals known to us with the help of meticulously cut strips of tire representing flesh, muscles and curves of the bodies. Yong Ho Ji proves to us that any discarded item has the potential to become useful once again.

PLaygROUNdS This is possibly one of the most traditional and playful ways of tire upcycling, and one of the most successful. I bet most of you reading this remember growing up

playing on used tires at your local playground. Kids don’t care if the tires are old and used up, they just want something fun and creative to play with. Tires are great because they are sturdy and won’t break easily, providing safety for children. With

some creative thinking, the possibilities are practically endless for exciting upcycled

tire playgrounds. Of course, tire swings are also nothing new, but they’re no longer just as simple as screwing on some bolts and chain. ‘Wildlife Creations’ cuts and bolts tires into dragons, sharks, horses, dogs, elephants, dinosaurs and more. All that’s needed is a bit of creativity…

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LiFe StYLe

58

BEACh To BoTTLE Cleaning products that are 100% eco-friendly, from the packaging to the building in which they are manufactured.

I

t may be shocking to hear this, but it

is estimated that several million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every

year. This ultimately pollutes the environment and harms the marine populations.

They started out small but now have their

very own headquarters in San Francisco, a LEED certified building with its very own wind tower.

Two roommates, Adam Lowry and Eric

With the help of local beach clean-up vol-

ing to disappear any time soon, and de-

plastic from the beaches of Hawaii. That

Ryan realized that this problem wasn’t go-

unteers, they collected more than a ton of

cided to do something about it.

very same plastic has now been turned

Adam and Eric knew that they couldn’t

The pair hopes to raise awareness that it’s

clean up the oceans on their own, but they thought if they started something small, it

would eventually grow and make a difference in some way. They founded Method

plastics and cleaning products that are en-

into bottles that actually serve a purpose. possible to make practical products without harmful plastics and without wasting

water. By reusing existing plastic, we save on countless valuable resources.

vironmentally friendly in every sense. The

Customers can shop online and choose

from recycled plastic that is collected from

beyond the bottle, such as air freshener,

ber of different cleaning products from

hand soap, and body washes, knowing

dishwashing liquid, all of which are non-

of ethics behind it and is clean and safe

bottles they use for the products are made

from a wide selection of products that go

ocean shores. They also produce a num-

liquid soaps, laundry detergent, dish and

hand wash, to multi-purpose cleaners to

that each product carries a strong sense

toxic and eco-friendly.

to use.

Founders, Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan.

PLaSTIC FaCTS: Of all the debris floating in the

world’s oceans, plastics represent an estimated 80%.

For each square mile of ocean, there is an average of 46,000 pieces of plastic.

At least one million sea birds and

100,000 sharks, turtles, dolphins and whales die from eating plastic every year.

In certain parts of the ocean, fish are ingesting as much as 24,000 tons of plastic every year.

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OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

eCO

FRIeNdLy OFFICe

gIFTS

Corporate events are great for networking, information sharing and

business development. However, they can also lead to unnecessary

waste. Next time you plan a conference or seminar, or even if you just want to give you staff some parting gifts, rather do the ecofriendly way! We’ve selected some great looking office stationery

from Peacock Dubai that are made from recycled, biodegradable and sustainably sourced materials, so you can use them as the

perfect gifts and be assured that there was minimal harm to the environment during their manufacture.

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LIFE STYLE

60

Succulents & Cacti:

Give the gift of life Renee Lang is the owner of a blissful little business in Dubai called Gifts of Life. Her company offers a vast range of specialty Succulent plants in the UAE. From office arrangements, to birthdays, or even weddings, Gifts of Life can provide the perfect idyllic arrangement of hardy plants to brighten up a room.

R

enee hails from down-under in Australia – one of many

expatriates living the UAE dream. Inspired by her own personal success of public requests via word of mouth,

and her love of all green things, she initiated Gifts of Life in

Dubai, to provide a range of hardy plant arrangements for those who need a touch of nature.

also known as fat plants, are commonly found in dry conditions, having some

parts that are more than normally thickened and fleshy, retain water in arid climates or soil conditions.

“I’m generally a succulent specialist,”

said Renee, at a Green SME Event organised by Green Emirates. “I specialize in arrangements of succulents as corporate gifts, for baby showers, wed-

dings, and recently the outfitting of offices to create more of a green office

have grown into the thousands through delicate “propagation and patience”.

“I am surrounded by them!” she exclaims. “With plants, it’s

such a positive thing. They promote higher oxygen.” She spoke

“

I believe it is a very special and personalized action to give or receive a living gift, it is the Gift of Life.

environment.”

The desert climate of the UAE is an ideal setting for providing succulents. It’s not only the ideal place to grow them, but also for them to flourish. Succulents have a unique hardy constitu-

tion, meaning that they are at their best and thriving when given trace amounts of water for survival.

“I have successfully collected, imported, and cultivated over www.ziwira.com

South America,” said Renee. Over the last year, her succulents

“

What are Succulents? Succulent plants,

a hundred succulent species, from Australia, South Africa and

about the influences behind her idea for

a Succulent business. “In the beginning it was about the plants, and I was fas-

cinated by them, and had a great appetite to learn about them,” she said.

“Also, the strength of the plants – they’re initially from the desert, so they’re very

resilient, and are used to living on low water. They need incredibly low maintenance which is ideal for Dubai, and also for offices, and apartment living.”

Gifts of Life caters to anyone willing to

green their interior design, wedding, baby shower, or corporate office. There

is a vast range of exotic looking plants to choose from, with equally as exotic names, such as Sedeveria Starburst, Ghost Plant, California Sunset, and Royal Flush.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on some of these re-

markable plants to spice up your living space, whatever it is, visit www.giftsoflifedubai.com.

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

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BeAUtY

64

ALikA nATuRAL

COSmeTICS

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OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

d

ubai is home to some of the most luxurious brands

Natural Cosmetics is one such make up retailer that brings a

the finest quality beauty products designed to make

natural, free of chemicals, sustainably sourced and not tested

in the world. Every mall is decoratively laced with

the end user feel and look exquisite. The best part about

this diamond city is that now we are finding more and more brands that blend luxury and environmental awareness. Alika

Cool Water Blue, Pure Luxe lipstick from Cailyn

scintillating dynamic to the beauty world. All products are 100% on animals. Alika represents class, innovation and above all, feminine enhancement with the promise of gentle care. Find them in Deira, Dubai.

Cailyn Mineral Lipstick

Lip Colour Pot in Vibrant Berry Pink

Tinted lip balm in Scarlet shade

Candles by Alika

Pure Lust Extreme Matt Tint Mineral foundation

BB Cream in Nutmeg

Out of this world Glitter Manicure Sets. Chemical-free glitz and sparkle, we love it!

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FAShion

66

FUTURe

FaShION

Green entrepreneur Ayesha Siddequa fronts a contemporary fashion market website rooted in Dubai. Future Fashion stocks the best of ethical fashion, with a glamorous twist, and an admirable cause.

Ayesha Siddequa FOUNDER OF FUTURE FASHION

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“

“

In Dubai, it’s all about branding as opposed to quality, and there aren’t many brands here who are following ethics. There’s things happening here, but not on a big scale. I would love to get local signers involved in this where they actually build sustainability and ethics into their production chain.

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

WhaT IS FUTURe FaShION? •

Ayesha initiated Future Fashion as a marketplace website

to ensure that the garments sourced are of high quality,

to cater to what she felt was severely lagging behind in the UAE: Ethical fashion. Future Fashion supplies Ayesha’s own

clothing collection, as well as a variety of complementing

and sustainably produced.

•

products to cater to a varied population. Her personal

to tell and has been successful in its respective country.

all custom made, catering to modest wearers and local

Collection, Bambootique, and Jan Laurent.

Featured brands include: Abury, Babouka, Leomax

brand is made from locally sourced sustainable products, buyers.

•

Each brand that Future Fashion features has a unique story

•

Future Fashion also features bamboo sunglasses, scarves,

In order to get featured on the website the brand is

bags, and Ottoman-style jewelry from Turkey. There are

of the sustainability section of Future Fashion. Future

were picked up from the traditional Moroccan culture, and

required to pass through at least 4 among 12 – 15 criteria

also beautiful bags from Abury which are satchels that

Fashion background examines the process of production

are hand embroided by the locals there.

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health FOOD

70

Healthy Cooking with

Okra

O

kra is a fabulous, flavor-filled vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. It will leave you

feeling full and satisfied without packing on

the pounds. Okra is a common dinner table delight here in the UAE, but many of us may not be aware that it originated in Africa.

Okra as we know it, comes from a vegetable

slimy, sticky substance it releases when cut. This can be used as thickening agent in soups, but it disappears after cooking for

some time. Okra can also be served raw in salads. It can lower cholesterol levels,

improve digestive health and even boost vision due to its high level of Vitamin A.

plant that grows in warm, tropical climates

While preparing your okra, remember not

and cotton. The word ‘Okra’ derived from

the gooier it will become. Always choose

was used in the late 1700s. In some cultures

a healthier, tastier meal. Okra, with its

most popular in Asian and African dishes,

to a meat or chicken dish, or simply on its

and belongs to the same family as hibiscus

to over handle it. The more you cut or stir,

the West African name of ‘Nkruma’, which

organic okra where possible to ensure

it’s also referred to as ‘Ladies’ Fingers’. It is

versatility and flavor can be served as a side

as well a few southern states in the US.

own as a vegetarian meal. And of course, if

The humble okra can be feasted in many

less meat and more plant based meals are

ways: pickled, canned, frozen, deep fried, stewed, sautéed, stir fried or curried. What makes this vegetable so unique is the

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we are aiming for sustainable eating habits, the way to go!

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

Nutrition Fact box (This applies to ½ cup of okra, sliced and cooked) Calories: 25 Dietary Fiber: 2 grams Protein: 1.52 grams Carbohydrates: 5.76 grams Vitamin A: 460 IU Vitamin C: 13.04 mg Folic Acid: 36.5 micrograms Calcium: 50.4 mg Iron: 0.4 mg Potassium: 256.6 mg Magnesium: 46 mg

Tomato & Okra Stew Okra Coconut Curry

Ingredients: •

1 chopped onion

•

½ bell pepper, chopped

Ingredients:

•

2 ribs of celery, sliced

•

250g okra

•

1 pound fresh okra, sliced lengthwise

•

3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed

•

2 cloves garlic, chopped

•

1-2 small eggplants

•

2 cans organic diced tomatoes

•

1 cup organic coconut cream

•

2 bay leaves

•

1 handful fresh basil leaves

•

½ tsp thyme

•

2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice

•

½ tsp oregano

•

½ tsp Fairtrade brown sugar

•

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

•

½ tsp salt

•

Salt to taste

•

A little oil for frying

•

1 tsp vinegar

Instructions:

Instructions:

Wash your okra well and remove the stems. Cut into

Heat a large skillet and drizzle with olive oil. Add onion,

bite size pieces. Using just a little oil, fry in a pot until

the gooey strings begin to disappear. Add the crushed garlic and eggplant. Next, add the coconut milk with a

little water and bring to boil. Add lemon juice, sugar and salt. Finally, add the basil and turn off heat.

Serve with rice or Arabic bread.

bell pepper and celery and sauté for 3 minutes. Add okra and garlic and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring

only a little till okra begins to brown. Add remaining ingredients, cover and reduce heat. Cook for ten more

minutes, then remove the bay leaves. Can be served as it is, or with rice.

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HEALTH

72

Do You Really Need Those Supplements?

Health supplements certainly come with benefits, but medical experts fear that people are becoming too reliant on them.

A

ny nutritionist will tell you

that food comes first. A

healthy, balanced diet is

the key to solving all our health woes, and supplements should be

exactly what the name implies – something that is added on. With ingenious

marketing

strategies,

pharmaceutical companies know just how to tickle our fancy and

impress us to buy into a promise of better life. “For beautiful skin and

hair”, “Immune boosting”, “Lose

weight easily”, “Energy and vitality” – these are things we all desire, and as a result, many people are falling into the trap of supplement overload.

What’s more, is that now not only do

they come in pill form, but there is an increasing amount of fortified foods

out there. Milk fortified with Vitamin D, juices fortified with Vitamin C and so on. But why is this necessary,

when fruit alone contains sufficient

Vitamin C? Food manufacturers are now focusing more on what they put in rather than the harmful stuff they could be leaving out, such as sugar and artificial coloring. A natural, sugar-free fruit juice has

just the right dose of vitamins that www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

According to medical experts, there is no real advantage of having more than the

recommended daily dose of each vitamin and mineral, and there is still not enough

information available regarding the potential harms of an overdose. Excess amounts of Vitamin C can lead to adverse reactions such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some subtle signs of a vitamin overload include difficulty in sleeping or concentrating, irritability and nerve problems, but the science is still not clear. High

amounts of Vitamin D and even popular weight loss supplements can lead to cardiac problems. Vitamin A is a poison for pregnant women. With a wholesome diet, it would be very difficult to overdose.

Penny Kris-Etherton, a Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University says foods provide not only vitamins and minerals but many other dietary factors, such

as fiber, that cannot be found in supplements. Also, many of these capsules are not

easily soluble unless consumed with a food that provides fat, hence it is recommended that they should be taken with or after food and not on an empty stomach. When one

considers the added environmental impact caused by the pharmaceuticals, from their

mass manufacturing, to their chemical leakage when disposed of, it becomes clear that they should be used sparingly, if at all.

Who needs them?

If you’re doing your best to eat healthy foods but still are deficient in some areas,

supplements can help. The key is to ensure they’re taken in addition to healthy diet choices and nutrient-dense foods, rather than used as replacements. Only use

supplements if your healthcare professional has recommended them. For example, some bodies just happen to absorb iron better than others do. Ageing women need higher doses of calcium and magnesium, and some people may struggle to lose weight because of a hormonal imbalance, no matter how healthy their diet is. Patients

with heart disease should consume about 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids called EPA + DHA. This should ideally come from fish, but this can be hard to get by diet alone, so a supplement could be needed. In these cases, it is always best to consult with your health practitioner first, and stick to the recommended daily intake for each vitamin.

Experts say there is definitely a place for vitamin or mineral supplements in our diets,

but their primary function is only to fill in small nutrient gaps. When in doubt, a daily multivitamin is safer than a cocktail of individual supplements that can exceed the

limits of the recommended intake for any nutrient. Choose a multivitamin that provides

100% or less of the Daily Value (DV) as a backup or as an immune booster. And finally, remember that labels can exaggerate results, so do your research and choose your supplements wisely.

www.ziwira.com

74

inteRVieW

FLyINg a mIRaCLe Meet the man who flew Solar Impulse around the world (almost!)

Bertrand Piccard hails from a family of explorers and scientists in Switzerland. Fourteen years ago, he dreamt of flying around the world in a solar powered plane, and in March 2015, he captivated our hearts and minds when he along with co-founder André Borschberg turned his dream into reality by flying the Solar Impulse plane. Not only is Bertrand a pilot, but a psychiatrist and

explorer too, with an incredible passion for clean energy. He was generous enough to spare some of this time for us during a recent visit to Dubai and share his incredible story.

Q: What was the reason for starting

cannot be achieved with conventional

the trip in Abu Dhabi?

energy. Like flying around the world in

I have long lasting relations with Abu

Impulse can fly several days and several

Dhabi because it’s an oil producer who

is diversifying into clean technologies and renewable energy and I think this is a perfect symbol. The goal is not to

attack what exists, but to support new

an airplane that flies day and night. Solar nights. The crossing of the first part of the Pacific was 5 days, 5 nights. So you can

fly longer with no fuel than with fuel. This is an important message.

example for rest of the world. Europe and America now need to go from words to actions. Because it’s not enough to speak.

Q: How would you say Switzerland is doing in terms of renewables?

Switzerland has one advantage when

ways of doing things in the process of

It’s also a vision of the future for our

it comes to renewable energy. It’s

This is why I knew Sheikh Muhammed

independent in producing energy. This

mountains produce 60% of the electricity

time, as well as Sultan al Jabber, and the

but it also allows the industry to grow,

electricity is only 20% of the total energy

place to start from. Solar Impulse is a

production and consumption tools. So

from oil. There is very little solar and

very strong symbols.

way, it’s profitable, it means creation

wants to make an energy transition to

Q: The aim of the mission is to raise

industrial development. It will increase

the industry is against it since they have

environment. But we need to have

compared to the people in the Middle

environment is expensive nobody will do

political side in Switzerland to make

diversification, and I like this approach.

society, where people will become

the hydro-electricity. The dams in the

bin Zayed al Nahyan since a very long

makes them much more self-sufficient,

and 40% is from nuclear power. But

people of Masdar. So it was the obvious

to sell and to maintain all these small

used in Switzerland, 80% still comes

project that aims to promote symbols,

it’s important to realize that if we go this

almost no wind energy. The government

of jobs, as well as economic and

reduce the CO2, but the economy and

a clean GDP, which also protects the

not yet understood its importance as

both together. If the protection of the

East. I’m working very hard on the

it.

the economic leaders of the country

Q: What’s your perception of the

energy transition and not fight against it.

heading?

Q: What are you busy with now that

awareness of renewable technology, can you elaborate on this message?

Very

often

governments,

when or

you

to

speak

people

to

and

corporations around the world, they believe that renewable energy and

clean technology is something boring, expensive, that it’s threating our lifestyle,

mobility and economic development.

region and the direction in which it’s

We want to show with Solar Impulse

I come very often to this region, and what

to show that you can achieve incredible

region acts. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are

understand that they have to support this

you are not flying the plane?

that it’s exactly the opposite. We want

I noticed, is that Europe speaks, and this

I’m working a lot with COP21, and

things with renewable energy, things that

doing a really good job, and setting an

message that will be more encouraging

www.ziwira.com

the government of France to create a

than just saying climate change is a big

by Nasreen Rasool

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

Bertrand Piccard co-founder of Solar Impulse

www.ziwira.com

INTERVIEW

76

expensive problem. We have to switch the dialogue to promote the idea of

profitable solutions, opportunities and

economic and industrial development.

I’m meeting a lot of politicians and doing a lot of interviews.

Since I am

not associated with any political party, people listen to me.

Q: Was the Solar Impulse mission timed to coincide with COP21?

We were hoping to finish the flight around

the world before COP21. As you know, it’s an experimental project, and we have

no benchmark. We had no one to tell us

how to do things, so we made a mistake

in thermal insulation of the batteries.

We insulated too much, and as a result,

the batteries overheated during the last flight from Japan to Hawaii. So now we

have to change the batteries, and we’ll continue next year. My colleague Andre is an engineer, I am the psychiatrist and the explorer, and this is why we work so

well together. We have a great synergy.

We are very different to each other, so it allows us to be very creative. We have a

difference of potential in the way we think and do things.

Q: Are there any plans to optimize the

technology of the plane during this period?

We already have the latest technologies

and we push them to their ultimate application. And it’s difficult, because we

are using this on an airplane that needs to fly without limits. This is why we need

to optimize everything to the limit. This is

www.ziwira.com

also why the plane is so light. We have

the wingspan bigger than a jumbo jet, but it’s lighter than a family car. So how do we do that? It’s optimization of materials.

We are working with companies like

Schindler, because they need materials like this to make their own equipment more efficient. We have 97% percent of efficiency in our electrical motors,

technology to transport 200 people in a solar airplane, but neither did the Wright Brothers in 1903. And nevertheless, it

happened. So you see that the goal of the pioneers like Andre and I is to open the

door. Then, maybe the industry will take

it further and develop new technologies that we have no idea of today.

whereas in car you have 27%. We have

Q: What’s going through your mind

is made of about 20 lightbulbs, and all

fear it might not work?

16 LED landing lamps, each of them together it only uses 100 Watts, which is

equal to two lamps we have in this room.

Did you know you can use this material called silica in car tires to reduce fuel consumption? All these things exist, but they are not implemented.

when you are up there? Is there any

No. What goes through my mind is the privilege to be able to fly in the first and

only airplane of perpetual endurance.

When I’m flying, I feel that the more I

fly, the more energy I have. When I fly a normal airplane, I see the fuel gauge

Q: Many people say oil is funding

going down, but here I see the energy

completely divest from oil?

I know I can go through the night and I

Oil has allowed our civilization to acheive

flying on a miracle.

renewables, do you think we can

fantastic development. If we have this

gauge going up! Can you imagine?! And can continue the following day. It’s like

comfort of life, it’s thanks to oil, so let’s

Q: What was the longest leg that you

exactly the moment to take the energy

physical toll?

remember that. Now that oil is cheap, it’s from oil and invest it into renewable

energy. We need to have a sustainable form of energy. Solar Impulse and all

its components were built from petro chemistry. So we need oil for that, but the mistake is to continue burning oil.

flew and what was the mental and

My longest flight was 22 hours in

China. Andre and I trained in the flight simulator, both doing 72 hours. We slept

for 20mins at a time. Andre did yoga

and I was training with self-hypnosis and we were fine. I really look forward

Q: Even though Solar Impulse is more

to making the four-day flight from Hawaii

have solar planes in the future?

the accomplishment of the vision I had

I would be crazy to say yes, and stupid

We will get underway again in the second

of a symbol, would it be realistic to

to say no. Today we don’t have the

to America because this is going to be

14 years ago when I initiated this project. half of April next year, I hope, InshaAllah!

AUTO

78

Dubai Driving Center adopts used cooking oil as a sustainable source of fuel It’s safe to say that we are all aware of the depleting sources of fossil fuels and the environmental impact that using them is having on our planet. CO2 emissions from petrol vehicles is undoubtedly speeding up climate change. I caught up with Tarun Kapoor, Head of HR & Businesses Excellence at Dubai Driving Center, to discuss the organizations recent switch to biofuels: A 100% eco-friendly fuel product. www.ziwira.com

by Zane Small

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

Learning to drive has never been greener

I

n March 2015, a rather unexpected alliance towards ‘going

green’ was announced by the Dubai Driving Center, which has 20 driving school branches across Dubai. They partnered

with Lootah Biofuels, a fully owned subsidiary of the SS Lootah Group, to support environmentally friendly and sustainable fuel produced from used cooking oil. Dubai Driving Center has been using biofuel to power their fleet of vehicles. It has been

a delightfully successful endeavor, according to Tarun Kapoor, Head of Human Resources.

This notable partnership was signed by Mr. Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels, and Mr. Abu Abdullah, DM

of Dubai Driving Center. As per the agreement, Lootah Biofuels

provided high quality biodiesel B5 to meet the fuel requirement of Dubai Driving Center.

It’s an agreement that has put Dubai Driving Center in an amiable position – not only benefitting the environment, but also

elevating their reputation and business by means of favorable

marketing. I mean, who doesn’t want to be associated with a company that is trying to reduce their carbon footprint?

“This agreement provides Dubai Driving Center access to a secure and stable supply of renewable fuel with the most

efficient logistic support from Lootah Biofuels,” said Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah in a statement. “I am very pleased to sign this

agreement as our profound experience in producing biodiesel from used cooking oil can be used effectively by joining hands

with such leading organizations. Biofuels are a key part of our renewable future.”

Deputy Manager Mr. Abu Abdullah (left) and Mr.Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, CEO, Lootah biofuels (right) signing the agreement.

www.ziwira.com

80

AUto

aN INSIghT FROm

TARun kApooR Tarun Kapoor works as Head of Human Resources at Dubai Driving Center, established in 2003 by local entrepreneurs. Tarun kindly invited me to visit out the Almina Road establishment in Jumeirah 1, where we discussed Dubai Driving Center’s recent

we are also certified ISO 14001.” (Certified ISO 14001: Practice tools for companies and organizations of all kinds looking to manage their environmental responsibilities).

implementation of used cooking oil as fuel for their fleet.

They have started off using 95% normal diesel, and plan to

I asked Tarun if he could share some background information

norm is for 20% biodiesel and 80% normal diesel. Tarun hopes

about the partnership with Lootah Biofuels, and explain its

significance. “The relationship started this year,” he explained, “a plan to become more environmentally friendly by means of

rapidly expand on this. In the market, the generally accepted that the company will be using 100% biodiesel by the end of 2018.

fuel. The reason was to cut down on our carbon footprint.”

The great thing I learnt about Dubai Driving Center’s switch to

Tarun mentioned that they were lucky to have discovered

told me it was, “a reasonably straight forward process. The

biofuels during the early stages of

biofuel is that it wasn’t an expensive procedure. In fact, Tarun best part is, before we went about

their environment strategy plan. “Since

getting biofuels, we first checked the

we are a company which is extremely

demand and supply, for example how

bold in terms of experimenting with

many fuel stations exist, to ensure

new technologies, we are not afraid

easy accessibility for our vehicles.

to experiment with whatever emerges

When we saw that the demand and

in the market, and which is in line with

supply could easily be met without

reducing our carbon footprint.”

The

company

importance

of

effecting our existing operations, we

recognized

turning

to

went forward with our plans.” Tarun

the

explicitly recommends the product

biofuel,

to any other companies out there

and subsequently found a company

trustworthy within the market, to partner with in order to execute the new plan.

“Since we are a business with a fleet of over 500 vehicles, to reduce our carbon footprint, we thought it would

be wise for us, to switch to biofuels,” said Tarun.

The feedback from the fleet owners has been very positive. “We initially

used biofuel in one vehicle, and kept it as a pilot, and then waited to receive

feedback from the branch. After 30 days of successful trialing, we started

considering making the switch.

TARUN KAPOOR Head of Human Resources, Dubai Driving Center

“

“

that was already established and

The primary reason was to cut down on our carbon footprint.

converting the rest of the fleet into biodiesel,” said Tarun. He told me that the influence was purely environmental, and luckily

the price at which they were purchasing biofuel was highly discounted.

“Cost reduction was never the initial reason for the change,” said Tarun, “but it has certainly become an incentive. The

primary reason was to reduce our carbon footprint, because www.ziwira.com

What other sustainable initiatives can we expect from Dubai Driving Center in the future? According to Tarun,

they are trying everything possible to protect the environment from any kind

of air, water, or land pollution, which is encouraging to hear from a company that you would otherwise expect

not to delve much into sustainable practices. The organization is trying

for ISO 50001 certification, which supports organizations in all sectors to

use

energy

more

efficiently,

through the development of an energy

management system.“Another initiative we are planning is to install solar panels – still exploring the possibility,” said Tarun.

They are currently considering potential clients to ultimately save electricity, using the abundant sun in the region. Tarun is clearly enthusiastic about the company’s switch to biofuel, and

assured me that we can expect more sustainable initiatives to come.

ECO TECH

82

The latest tech solution to contaminated drinking water It may not resemble the latest high-tech, but this recent piece of technology is as innovative and realistic as it gets.

It’s been labelled “The Drinkable Book”, with high hopes of solving the age-old issue of contaminated drinking water – an issue that claims thousands of lives every year in countries such as Ghana, Haiti, and Bangladesh.

Water Contamination

W

ater is an indispensable resource. The potential (and current) lack of it, is one of the foremost concerns facing humanity today. What’s more, the

people have to deal with this issue on a daily basis – and it’s not fair.

availability isn’t the only issue that surrounds the resource. Fresh

According to water.org, 358 million people in Africa lack access

can make people sick if it is not purified.

West and Central Asia, and 186 million in Southeast Asia and

The ailments that accompany the consumption of contaminated

year from contaminated water related diseases – which is more

water, in many cases, is not suitable for human consumption. It

water are numerous. The most immediate ones are diarrhea, cholera, fluorosis, intestinal worms, malaria, trachoma, and typhoid. When visiting Africa, it is highly recommended by embassies to be vaccinated against such illnesses. Sure, that

might appear to be inconvenient to holidaymakers – but some www.ziwira.com

to clean water; 403 million in Latin America, 180 million in South Oceania. More than 840,000 people reportedly perish every than the entire population of San Francisco. The issue is that 750 million people lack access to clean water, and therefore

have no choice but to consume contaminated water – that’s almost 2 ½ times the United States population.

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

The Drinkable Book Clean water is high on the agenda of international importance. Regardless

of whether or not the issue affects people directly, it is an issue that should not exist in our technologically advanced modern age where there are huge

possibilities of prevention from such things. Therefore, in partnership with Dr.

4 Easy Steps

Theresa Dankovich from Carnegie Mellon University, nonprofit WATERisLIFE

have introduced The Drinkable Book – the first-ever manual that gives safe

water tips, all the while providing an essential tool to kill deadly waterborne diseases by providing the reader an opportunity to create clean, drinkable water from each page.

Tear out a filter (page) from the book.

1

The technology (filtering paper) uses a thick, sturdy sheet of paper embedded

with silver nanoparticles, which are lethal to microbes, thus purifying the water. The paper was created and proved to be highly antibacterial during

Theresa’s PhD. Additionally, these filters meet US EPA guidelines for bacteria removal to produce safe drinking water.

“We’re testing these filter papers in few countries,” said Theresa in an interview with Al Jazeera. “We just evaluated the water quality before and

after filtration in South Africa, Ghana, Bangladesh, Haiti, and Kenya. The results showed that 99.9 percent of the bacteria were killed by the papers, which is basically as pure as tap water.”

Slide into the custom filter box.

2

The eventual commercialization of the product is a great step toward a world of health and equality. Why? Because the product will be cheap.

The Drinkable Book can be produced for less than 5 cents. Each filter in the book can filter 100 liters of water, enough for one person for 30 days.

Comparatively this is quite cheap than a common camping water filter which costs around $38 – too expensive for people in underdeveloped countries.

Having partnered with WATERisLIFE, the next step for Theresa is developing these filters for the real world. The Drinkable Book shows great potential, but

is still a prototype and needs support for continued development before it is ready to be commercially viable.

Pour water through the filter.

3

As of now, the company plans to engage local communities in protecting and

cleaning their drinking water. WATERisLIFE has ties with rural communities in Ghana, Haiti, Kenya, and India, where feedback from local folks in these communities will be gathered in Fall 2014 through Winter 2015.

Result – pure drinking water.

4

www.ziwira.com

Sports

84

Is Rio fit to host the 2016 Olympic Games?

by Zane Small

“Filthy”, “unfit”, and “contaminated”. These are just some of the brutally honest words used to describe Rio de Janeiro, leading up to the Brazilian city hosting the 2016 Olympic Games. What are people so concerned about? And how accurate are these descriptions? We explored the issue.

O

Athletes Beware

n August 2, renowned triathlete’s from around the

It was a key event that provided foresight as to how things

ITU World Olympic qualification event, according to

will begin on August 5, 2016. The athletes seemed happy, and

world convened in Brazil for the 2015 Rio de Janeiro

the official website for the Olympic Movement. The event was held in and around Rio’s iconic Copacabana Beach, creating a buzz of excitement from locals.

It turned out to be a successful event, confirming qualification

for athletes such as Javier Gomez Noya, who confirmed his status as one of the triathlon’s top all-rounders, by taking the gold medal and securing a place for himself and his National Federation at the 2016 Games.

“I enjoyed racing the course, it was a tough race but I felt quite good,” said Noya. “I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it was controlled so I am really happy.” www.ziwira.com

would progress leading up to the actual Olympic Games which

the event was reasonably straight forward – so what is the issue that’s got everyone on edge?

The issue is water contamination. According to Associated Press (AP) Investigatior, Jenny Barchfield, athletes competing in the

2016 Olympic Games will be boating in water so contaminated

with human feces that they are at high risk of becoming violently ill, and therefore unable to compete.

An AP analysis of water quality revealed dangerously high levels of viruses and bacteria from human sewage in Olympic

and Paralympic venues for the upcoming Games, resulting in dismay from international competitors training in Rio, some

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015 fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.

According to Barchfield, it was the first independent comprehensive testing for both viruses and bacteria at the

Olympic sites. Although extreme water

pollution is common in Brazil, where

the majority of sewage is not treated, Brazilian officials have assured that the water will be safe for the Olympic athletes to compete. However, the

government failed to test for viruses,

which is the reason the investigation took place.

Over 10,000 athletes from 205 nations are expected to compete in Olympic

water venues including sailing near

Marina da Gloria in Guanabara Bay, swimming off Copacabana Beach, and

canoeing and rowing on the brackish waters of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake.

The Rodrigo de Freitas Lake, which

was largely cleaned up in recent years,

was thought to be safe for rowers and canoers. Yet AP tests found its waters

to be among the most polluted for Olympic sites, with results ranging

from 14 million adenoviruses per liter on the low end, to 1.7 billion per liter at the high end.

“What we have here is basically raw sewage,” said John Griffith, a marine

biologist at the Southern California Coastal

Water

Research

Project.

“It’s all the water from the toilets and

showers and whatever people put down their sinks, all mixed up, and it’s

getting disposed of into the beach.

Those kinds of things would be shut down immediately if found here,” he said, referring to the United States.

Incidents directly linked to the water contamination

have

already

been

documented, for instance Ivan Bulaja,

Croatian-born coach of Austria’s 49er-

class sailing team, who fell ill. His team lost valuable training days after falling ill with vomiting and diarrhea.

“This is by far the worst water quality we’ve ever seen in our sailing careers,”

said Bulaja. “I’ve had high temperatures and problems with my stomach. It’s always one day completely in bed and then usually not sailing for two or three days.”

Training

earlier

this

month

in

Guanabara Bay, Austrian sailor David

Hussl said he and his teammates

Ivan Bulaja COACH OF AUSTRIA’S 49ER-CLASS SAILING TEAM

“

This is by far the worst water quality we’ve ever seen in our sailing careers.

“

of whom have already fallen ill with

take precautions, washing their faces

immediately with bottled water when they get splashed by waves, and showering the minute they return to

shore. And yet Hussl said he’s fallen ill several times.

hOPe aFTeR aLL? Rio de Janeiro as a city, is understandably hurt and shocked

the legacy of the Games in 2016 will be there for all to witness

result of contaminated water. Dr. Alberto Chebabo, who heads

reputation for being able to deliver a major project.

by the alarming health ailments experienced by athletes as a

Rio’s Infectious Diseases Society, said the raw sewage has led to “endemic” public health woes among Brazilians, primarily

– in public transport, new facilities, and in Brazil’s international

“We didn’t win the Games because we had better infrastructure

infectious diarrhea in children.

than Chicago, Tokyo or Madrid,” Paes told Lateline. “I mean,

By adolescence, he said, people in Rio have been so exposed

than them.”

to the viruses that they build up antibodies. But foreign athletes

we won the Games, we won the bid, because we were worse

and tourists dont have that protection.

It’s no secret that Rio has struggled to keep up with the exploding

The city has vowed to use the 2016 Games to become a better

by violent gangs. But Paes has vowed to not gloss over the

city. Patchy and slow Internet, unreliable public transport, and

polluted Olympic sites in Rio, have stirred up Rio’s Mayor, Eduardo Paes, to initiate change. The government has said that

growth in slums, or “favelas”, some of which are still controlled city’s dark side, and promises that, “Things are on track, on

time, and on cost which is very important, so we will deliver a great Games.”

www.ziwira.com

Wildlife

88

Dubai’s Plan to Save

Sand Tiger Sharks

www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

T

he sand tiger shark is a threatened species, with only an estimated 1,500 remaining in the wild. It may go extinct as

soon as 30 years from now unless we are able to save it.

Thanks to Dubai Aquarium because of which these unique sharks

will no longer be on the endangered list. If their plan is successful, sand tiger sharks could even grow in numbers.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo recently launched the world’s very first assisted breeding program for endangered sand

tiger sharks in an effort to protect the species. The technology

developed as part of this project could be used to artificially inseminate these sharks in the near future. In the long term, it could even be used for different species of sharks.

The long-term project will develop technology that could eventually be used to artificially inseminate various species of sharks.

According to Paul Hamilton, the general manager and curator of the

aquarium, this science is not entirely new. Artificial insemination has been used on a brown-banded bamboo shark, where a pup was

actually born from an egg through this procedure. However, this project will for the first time apply this method to sand tiger sharks specifically, and the task may be trickier, since the pups are born in the womb.

Most of the groundwork for the project was done in Australia, but for the remainder, it will be led by Dr. Jon Daly, who has been involved

in similar research for nine years. A full-time research vet will also be available to provide on-site support at Dubai Aquarium.

The process will involve freezing the sperm from male sharks in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. It can then be stored at this same temperature

for an infinite period until the project leaders are ready to inseminate a female shark. This part may take time, as scientists have to learn more about their breeding habits.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the sand tiger shark as “vulnerable” on its Red List of Threatened

Species. What makes it so unique, is that the females only breed once every two years and usually only one or two pups are born at

a time. Unfortunately, this is also one of the reasons for their rapidly declining population. The other reason for their near extinction can be attributed to hunting.

If the project goes well, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo will

be at the forefront of the conservation of sharks worldwide. Visitors who are interested in the project will be able to see what goes on behind the scenes at the cryogenic lab that has been set up at the Aquarium.

www.ziwira.com

Wildlife

90

HUMPBACK

WHAL

www.ziwira.com

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

LES ARE DYING... www.ziwira.com

WILDLIFE

92

Tragic Whale Deaths

Could Be Linked To Ocean Warming When a creature as big and majestic as a whale mysteriously dies, the world has to wake up and wonder why.

There may be trouble brewing deep in the ocean. This is what

scientists have concluded after the corpses of not one, but four humpback whales were found along Canada’s west coast in just a weeks’ time. It raised questions about other similar animal deaths in the Alaskan waters, which have been occurring more frequently. Could they be connected?

Scientists found no conclusive cause of death, but it’s believed

that global warming may have something to do with it. As

greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, oceans also heat up, and these warmer than average sea temperatures have led to new blooms of algae that is potentially poisonous to sea creatures.

In a separate incident, the carcasses of 23 large whales, including endangered humpback and fin whales, were found in

the western Gulf of Alaska. Based on the decomposition of the mammals, the deaths are believed to have occurred in late May

or early June, but the bodies were only found much later. The findings are horrific, since scientists normally see one dead fin www.ziwira.com

whale every two years. Loosing so many whales in such a short period of time is unheard of. Tom Okay, a University of Victoria

research scientist spoke out about these rare casualties. His area of expertise is the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean. According to him, there had

been a recent algae bloom due to warmer oceans, and many

of the algae were toxic and abundant. He frames a reasonable assumption that the whale deaths are linked to this. The toxic algae could also affect other animals like the sea lion.

Humpback whales were severely endangered at one time,

but slowly recovered their numbers when hunting them was banned in the 1960s. The Canadian government removed the humpback whale from the list of “Threatened Species” last year. Numbers in the North Pacific have grown from 1,500 in

the sixties to around 18,000 in the 21st century. Fin whales are known to be the second largest mammals on earth. Their

hunting was banned in 1987. The global warming created by man now poses a big threat to these helpless creatures.

ENTERTAINMENT

94

FILM: The Wisdom to Survive Climate Change, Capitalism & Community

“

This film is deeply moving and profoundly engaging.

Indeed, it has the potential to transform lives because it provides visions of how we should live in the midst of massive environmental challenges. I cannot recommend it more highly!

“

Mary Evelyn Tucker, Yale Forum on Religion & Ecology

The Wisdom to Survive has been described as “phenomenal” by Jamie Konopacky, Representative for Sustainable Development, US Office of Public Affairs. The film, by Old Dog Documentaries, features thought leaders and activists in the realms of science, economics and spirituality discussing how we can evolve and take action in the face of climate disruption. The film focuses on capitalism, and how the capitalist mentality is that it cannot be satisfied, therefore everlasting competition for profit is going to pull with it nature – our true foundation.

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featuring

OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

James Gustave Speth Environmental Lawyer and Advocate “We are creatures here just like all the others. We didn’t create

them, and we have no right to destroy them. We’re losing species today at 1,000 times the rate that species normally go extinct.

We are killing off the rest of creation.”

Bill McKibben

American Environmentalist, Author and Journalist “The thing that’s at the heart of our daily lives, is the abundance of cheap fossil fuel – it’s what made us rich. The problem is, that same fuel is now killing us.”

Joanna Macy Environmental Activist and Author “If you want an adventure, boy what a time to choose to be alive! Don’t waste time in self-pity over darkness.

Don’t waste time trying to figure out better circumstances that you might like. You’re born into this, and you’re here to love it, and to see that it goes on.”

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Travel

96

Exotic wildlife awaits you at Emirates

Park Zoo &

Resort

It’s hot and vast, and may not seem like an ideal place to host wildlife species, but the UAE is in fact home to a vibrant, diverse range of creatures. We spoke to Anush Tsaturyan, PR & Marketing Coordinator at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort in Abu Dhabi, who informed us about the exotic establishment, which constitutes a perfect fun-filled weekend getaway spent amongst monkeys and giraffes.

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OCTOBER Issue 10 2015

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tRAVeL

98

Uae WILdLIFe CONSeRVaTION

T

he barren-looking deserts

and

seemingly

sparse coastal waters

of the United Arab Emirates can

the country to devise vigorous

propagation programs for the Arabian Oryx.

be home to some important mi-

Today, the species isn’t con-

that continue to struggle for

more, thanks to the efforts of

the Environment Agency Abu

Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Zoo, and

ty, and Emirates Park Zoo, work

This is an awesome triumph for

term sustainability of the UAE’s

stem the tide of extinction of a

gratory and indigenous species

sidered to be endangered any-

survival. Organizations such as

conservation spots such as Sir

Dhabi, Emirates Wildlife Socie-

Emirates Park Zoo & Resort.

tirelessly to secure the long-

the UAE, as the challenge to

most precious inhabitants.

species in the wild is an oner-

One of the Middle East’s most

to such a successful degree,

recognized native species is the Arabian Oryx, which has

been on the endangered species list for many decades.

Particularly in the UAE, Arabian

Oryx numbers declined alarmingly, with only an estimated

five or seven left. The directives of the late Sheikh Zayed

bin Sultan Al Nahyan, spurred www.ziwira.com

ous one, and in undertaking it the country has demonstrated its commitment to preserving its natural inhabitants. Emirates

Park Zoo & Resort, for example, now provides a safe haven

for Arabian Oryx, amongst an array of other incredible creatures, all the while teaching children about the importance of our connection with nature.

OCTOBER ISSUE 10 2015

EmiRATEs pARk Zoo & REsoRT Better conservation stems from increased awareness.

What better way to teach the impending generation of the

importance of conserving nature, than by showing them how to care for animals in a safe and fun environment?

That is exactly what you can expect from Emirates Park Zoo & Resort.

The resort is considered to be a hidden gem in Abu Dhabi.

It’s the perfect destination for both expatriates seeking a bit of traditional Arabian culture and wildlife, and for local

families taking kids out on an exciting venture. The park is

located in Al Bahya, about 30 minutes outside Abu Dhabi on the road to Dubai.

Anush Tsaturyan, PR & Marketing Coordinator for the establishment, spoke to us about the unique concept of a

zoo that doubles as a resort. The inspiration for the resort, according to Anush, came from the owners, who devel-

oped the establishment from a small farm some time ago,

“We have nearly 250 species of animals in the zoo includ-

ing mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish,” she said. Most im-

pressive, however, is the range of endangered species that Emirates Park Zoo & Resort hosts, which according to Anush, include, “Siberian Tiger, Scimitar Horned Oryx,

and Amur Leopard. The most favored animal spectacles are the Giraffe and Sea Lion shows,” she said.

At the zoo, you can get a close-up view of a camel’s teeth, watch a giraffe grab a leaf with its enormous tongue, or

play tug of war with a monkey trying to grab a date (the edible kind, not the romantic kind).

There are also a large number of wildlife cats including

three of the world’s 300 Siberian White Tigers. Though space is limited, the zoo is laid out in a way that allows you to see and interact with animals from around the world.

Emirates Park Zoo & Resort ultimately provides a unique

creating the zoo, and then the resort soon followed.

chance to interact with an awesome range of protected

“This is a perfect family place,” said Anush. “Customers

aged to feed the animals, usually just leaves and dates.

book for the resort, and get free entrance to the zoo.” She

wildlife in close proximity. Patrons are actually encour-

spoke about the experience that customers can expect to

The awesome aspect about visiting the park, is the chance

of a laid-back appeal. She assured us that “the interaction

comfort of the resort. A blend of superior accommoda-

of feel.” Africa meets Middle East!

is guaranteed.

encounter – whether it is a luxurious resort, or if it has more

to relax after a long day of excursions, and indulge in the

with the animals offers more of a laid-back, in the wild, sort

tion, services, modern amenities, and lively atmosphere

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