50th Earth Day celebrations go online

dubai — Experts are urging residents to be more mindful of natural resources, as the world celebrated 50 years of Earth Day online.

While people remain indoors during the coronavirus pandemic, most people seem to be appreciating the outdoor world, even more in these times.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “As the Covid-19 pandemic takes over the world today, solidarity and working hand in hand have never been more important. At this time, we must reflect on how we can collectively address the full spectrum of repercussions of all threats to our health and the health of our environment while building a better future.”

Reflecting on how human health is deeply connected to the health of the environment, Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), told Khaleej Times: “We must be extra vigilant as individuals, and it is the obligation and responsibility of everyone to protect our planet and its environment. In order to ensure this, we must engage in sustainable collective action.”

She suggested people could resort to online platforms and get more creative in showing their appreciation of nature.

“I would urge everyone to record or tape one message on a proenvironment action and post it on social media, which would be like creating ripples in water.”

Commenting on how sustainable lifestyles should be part of our

cultures, societies and everyday lives, Hind Al Huwaidi, outreach manager of Bee’ah, said: “On Earth Day 2020, it is important to recognise that our actions have a direct impact on the planet we call home and to consider even the smallest of steps we can take to make a difference, whether it is segregating

recyclables from general waste, or being more mindful of your electricity consumption at home.”

Dr Reza Khan, former head of Dubai Zoo and principal wildlife specialist at Dubai Safari and the Dubai Municipality, said the pandemic should serve as an eyeopener for everyone.

“Human being as a species and in its most modern form with all technologies in its power has been outwitted by the Covid-19 virus. If humans handle it with caution, care and dedication, the race will survive with minimum harm to itself and its social structure,” Dr Khan said.

“If he wants to conquer it on whims, the human race will face the greatest catastrophe in its modern history. We are lucky that we live in the UAE where leaders are most pragmatic and forwardthinking.”

Make the best of waste

Raksha Patel, who works as a volunteer for Smile With Alternative to Plastic (Swap), suggested activities using recyclable materials could educate everyone about our environment.

Patel said that by joining in a series of daily fun activities, people could “recognise that every day is Earth Day”. Simple things, like creating stuff from bio-enzyme or other unused products and engaging in plastic-free shopping, can work wonders for the environment.

We must reflect on how we can collectively address the repercussions of all threats to our health and the health of our environment.” dr thani Al Zeyoudi,

Minister of Climate Change and Environment