Reduce the use of air conditioners

Iam a student currently pursuing my studies in a UAE university. I would like to raise an issue regarding the excess use of electricity. I have been at university for two years and I have noticed that despite the UAE emphasising creating a greener and sustainable future, the actions of people do not go hand in hand with what they are preaching.

There is an excessive use of air conditioners. In my university, the weather outside has nothing to do with the temperature inside. In hot weather, they should use the air conditioning but up to a certain cut off. The classrooms are cold, but suddenly when you go outside, you are exposed to the heat of the sun. Our body temperature changes and this can affect a person’s health. People don’t realise that in cold weather they can save electricity. Air conditioners use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are very harmful to the ozone layer and increase air pollution. We have a sustainability office in our university, but what is the use of it when they are not taking into consideration these points? Instead, they should opt for more eco-friendly ways to cool the classrooms.

There is a course in my study plan called ecology, where we learn about how human beings are contributing to global warming. I kindly request that some action be taken to curb this issue. We are already living in a world that has been polluted, so why not offer some small changes to contribute to a better and safe future?

The reader is a student in the UAE.