This week at the UN general assembly, His Highness the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani addressed the ‘disastrous effects’ of climate change on current and future generations, saying he looks forward to the upcoming COP26 UN United Nations Conference in Glasgow.

“We point out that the State of Qatar has placed climate change at the forefront of its priorities and continues to take the necessary measures to develop technologies related to climate change and clean energy, and we will present it to the conference next November” he added.

A ‘code red for humanity’— that’s what we’re facing if humans don’t take immediate action according to a new, major climate report issued by the United Nations (U.N.) that’s shaken governments worldwide.

Human activity is ‘unequivocally’ responsible for climate change and humanity has only a few years left to keep the planet from warming 1.5°C

We have the power to reverse this unprecedented crisis. The researchers found that the global meat and dairy industries are responsible for 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers also found that if meat and dairy production were to cease, global farmland use would be reduced by 75 percent, and we would not be in the mess that we are in.

A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth. This is a fact confirmed time and time again.

As a small nation, our contribution remains limited, and we must do more. In Qatar, the Qatar National Vision 2030 names Environmental Development as one of its four main pillars, aiming to manage rapid domestic expansion to ensure harmony among the priorities of economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.

This week Ashghal and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) have officially begun the execution of the electric vehicle strategy prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Communications in another push to cleaner driving in Doha.

Part of the execution plan includes the installation of over 600 charging devices at bus warehouses and stations, Metro stations and other select locations to support the electric buses used for public transit and during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Electric buses will be used for key services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to become the first championship that uses electric mass transit buses, making it the first eco-friendly, carbon-neutral event, he noted.

By 2022, 25% of the public transit bus fleet in Qatar will have become electric.

While government has a responsibility, our way of life as individuals that must make the same adaptations too. We can’t leave everything to governments, decision makers, leaders.

Remember: if you swapped your usual meat and dairy breakfast today for a plant-based breakfast — you’re helping play your part. If you decide Monday is “meat free Monday” — you’re helping play your part.  If you’re educating your children, talking about plant-based foods, researching the benefits to your body, to your health and to the environment — you’re helping play your part.

 

 

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