Humans have done so much damage to the planet — from wiping out entire species to cutting down countless trees — that it is easy to lose hope.
The world's supplies of clean water are in deep trouble thanks to humanity's “vampiric” overconsumption of life's essential resource, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening session of a historic international water conference, Mr Guterres accused the global community of breaking the water cycle, destroying ecosystems and spoiling groundwater.
He said countries are “draining humanity’s lifeblood through vampiric overconsumption and unsustainable use”.
But there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel.
The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on Tuesday by US President Joe Biden, includes more than $360 billion to address climate change, the country's largest ever investment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts estimate the law will reduce carbon emissions by about 40 per cent compared to 2005 levels by the end of the decade through investing in wind and solar power and by making it easier and cheaper to buy electric vehicles.
Worldwide, people switched off their lights and unnecessary electrical appliances from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, as part of Earth Hour.
There are some things we can all do right now to help the planet.
Limit meat and dairy consumption or go vegan
Food production and consumption — especially meat — are the leading contributors to climate change and global warming.
A single cow, for example, produces between 70 and 120 kilograms of the planet-heating gas methane per year, the EPA reported.
“The foods that you choose to eat are the single most impactful action you take on a daily basis when it comes to the environment and your impact on the environment,” said Dana Ellis Hunnes, a registered dietitian and professor.
Your favourite vegan celebrities — in pictures
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Actor Brad Pitt has never been shy about hiding his hatred of red meat and makes sure his children also avoid animal products. AFP -
Outspoken actor Ricky Gervais, seen here with Kermit the Frog, is a vegan and often speaks out against animal cruelty. Photo: Disney Enterprises Inc / AP -
Beyonce took a 22-day vegan challenge and then decided to make it a permanent lifestyle choice. AFP -
Singer, actress and animal activist Miley Cyrus promotes the vegan lifestyle and her love of animals on social media. AFP -
Actor Casey Affleck does not eat animal products because of the industry's cruelty. AFP -
Actress Olivia Wilde said that her plant-based lifestyle has benefitted her overall well-being. AP -
Singer Billie Eilish posted on Tumblr: 'I went vegan like four years ago. There were a lot of reasons. I love animals and I just think there's no point in creating something out of an animal when the animal is already there.' Getty Images -
Eilish finished her post with: Leave animals alone. Photo: WaterAid -
Singer Ellie Goulding made the switch to veganism after learning more about how meat is processed. AP -
Actor Woody Harrelson is one of Hollywood's most outspoken and well-known vegans. Many credit him as an inspiration for changing their own diets. Reuters -
Liam Hemsworth said that fellow thespian Woody Harrelson inspired him to stop eating animal products. AFP -
Actress Rooney Mara said that animal cruelty videos led her to veganism in 2011. Getty Images -
Actor Joaquin Phoenix is so passionate about his veganism that he has broached the subject of animal cruelty on stage while accepting various awards. Reuters -
Actress Natalie Portman switched to a vegan diet after reading the book Eating Animals. AFP -
Actress Jessica Chastain said that 'listening to her body' made her switch to a plant-based diet and has led a vegan lifestyle for more than 10 years. AFP -
British actor Benedict Cumberbatch said he credits his vegan diet for keeping him fit. Peta named him 2018's Most Beautiful Vegan. AFP -
Madonna has maintained a macrobiotic diet for many years. Reuters -
Singer Moby became a vegan in 1987 and wrote that 'contributing to animal suffering is something that I don’t want to be a part of'. AFP -
Former president Bill Clinton said that he wanted to be around for his grandkids and becoming a vegan maximised his potential to stay healthy. AP -
Serena Williams was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and found that a plant-based diet helped her maintain her performance - but she takes a break when not training and competing. AP -
Singer Ariana Grande said that she likes animals more than people and therefore does not eat them. AP -
Ellen Pompeo of Grey's Anatomy took the advice of a real doctor and switched to a plant-based diet in 2018. AP -
British actor and comedian Russell Brand, a long-time vegetarian, switched to full vegan in 2019. Getty Images/ AFP -
Long-time animal activist Pamela Anderson posted on her website: 'Veganism is about saving animals, saving ourselves, saving our societies and saving our planet!' Getty Images / AFP -
Game of Thrones actress Nathalie Emmanuel said that after going vegan, people kept commenting on her improved appearance so she decided to keep going. Getty Images -
Actress Alicia Silverstone said that veganism helped both her health and her appearance. AP -
Musician Travis Barker became a vegan after surviving a plane crash. Reuters -
Singer Stevie Wonder said of becoming a vegan: 'We can't just talk about it, we have to be about it.' Andrew Henderson / The National -
Actress Taraji P Henson was told by a doctor that if her diet didn't change, she would get very ill. So she switched to a plant-based diet. AP -
Actor Elliot Page once tweeted: 'Why are vegans made fun of while the inhumane factory farming process regards animals and the natural world merely as commodities to be exploited for profit?' AP -
Actress Emily Deschanel credits a visit to an animal farm sanctuary for inspiring her plant-based lifestyle. AP -
Actress Kate Mara decided to go vegan after reading a book called The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder. Getty Images -
American football player Colin Kaepernick is probably best known for creating social change. He revealed his plant-based diet in an Instagram workout photo with the caption: 'Not bad for vegan.' Getty Images
Dr Hunnes said a typical American consumes between about 70 to 115 kilograms of animal products per year, plus an average of a litre of dairy products per day.
“All those animal products and dairy require huge amounts of land and water to produce and create large amounts of emissions,” she said.
Every half-kilogram of beef produced requires up to a tonne of water and 10 times more land than the same amount of grain or seed, Dr Hunnes said. About 3.8 litres of dairy milk requires almost 3,800 litres of water. Non-dairy milk, however, requires only a tenth of that amount.
“It has been postulated that one cheeseburger uses the same amount of water as taking showers for three months,” said Ms Hunnes.
“If instead we switch to a plant-based burger, we save 80 days' worth of showers out of those 90 for the cheeseburger.”
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A medley of dishes from Bloom Vegan Kitchen -
The grilled 'cheese' sandwich (Dh34). Fresh spinach, fresh basil, pine nuts, walnuts, vegan 'cheese', lemon juice, extra virgin oil, country bread, served with crunchy fries. Courtesy Bloom Vegan Kitchen -
Bloom Vegan Kitchen's Cauli Tacos (Dh29). Corn tortillas, crispy cauliflower, fresh coriander, sweet and sour slaw, tomato salsa, fresh lime, cumin, tahini sauce. Courtesy Bloom Vegan Kitchen -
The Vegan Don't Bite Burger (Dh35). Vegetable patty, guacamole, lettuce, jalapeno, red onion pickles, vegan “mozzarella”, brioche bun, served with sweet and sour slaw. Courtesy Bloom Vegan Kitchen -
Lotus Eton Mess (Dh25). Lotus speculoos biscuit, fresh berries, soya and vanilla cream, ground pistachios -
Heloise Lambert, founder of Bloom Vegan Kitchen
Want versus need
Shop till you drop has taken on a whole new meaning.
Unchecked consumerism causes harm to the planet in myriad ways, including deforestation, the collapse of ecosystems and the creation of health hazards.
During the first few months of pandemic, many remarked on the bluer skies and fresher air. That’s because cars and delivery vehicles had shifted into park all around the world.
“We saw the biggest and deepest drop in carbon emissions ever recorded through that global slowdown in that production and consumption system,” said author and journalist JB MacKinnon.
In The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves, MacKinnon says that obsessive consumerism is the one of biggest contributors to the destruction of the planet.
So before hitting the “buy” button on Amazon, ask yourself: do I want this or do I need this? And keep in mind that, once it breaks, it’s likely to be headed for the landfill, where — depending on the materials used to make it — it could remain for several hundred years.
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If you’re worried about the health implications of being sedentary, Bene’s Level Lift desk can be adapted for sitting and standing. Level Lift desk, price on request, www.bene.com -
This swivel chair from Kare is enhanced with quilted leather detailing. A height-adjustable and rotatable frame is paired with an ergonomically shaped backrest and armrests. Labora office chair, Dh, 1,101, www.kareuae.ae -
Bene’s modular furniture line, Pixel, consists of a series of simple, mobile boxes that can be configured in countless ways – to create a desk, table, shelves or even a play area for kids. Pixel, price on request, www.bene.com -
Make sure your work space is well lit. This Rabbit table lamp from Kare will keep everything illuminated, and may even make you smile in the process. Rabbit table lamp, Dh511, www.kareuae.ae -
For an understated desk option that won’t take up too much space, check out the Hamilton Writing Desk from Interiors, which has less of a traditional office feel. The neo-classical design features an elegant curved front and a wire-brushed, dove grey finish. Hamilton Writing Desk, Dh9,300, www.interiorsfurniture.com -
Humanscale's Quickstand Eco can be placed on any surface and will allow you to work from a standing or sitting position, simply by sliding the work station up and down. Quickstand Eco, price on request, www.mena.humanscale.com -
If you'd rather go glam, the Calista desk could double up as a dressing table once your remote working days are behind you. Perched on conjoining stainless steel rods of varying lengths, it'll make quite the statement in your space. Calista desk, Dh12,300, www.interiorsfurniture.com -
If you'd like to break with tradition and eschew the standard office chair altogether, this option from Kare offers plenty of support and a sumptuous seat. Cocktail chair, Dh2,713, www.kareuae.ae
Home sweet office
The pandemic disproved the idea that people needed to be at the office to be productive members of a team. More and more offices are now ditching the brick-and-mortar model for working from home — to the benefit of the planet.
If employees were able to work from home at least half of the week, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by up to 54 million tonnes, Global Workplace Analytics reported.
When employees in the UK were allowed to telecommute part-time, a Breathe London study showed that greenhouse gas emissions fell by 25 per cent during morning commutes and 34 per cent during evening commutes.
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Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrives at Glasgow Central station for the Cop26 summit. PA -
Ms Thunberg arrived at Glasgow Central on Saturday evening, having taken a train from London Euston. AP Photo -
Ms Thunberg is likely to take part in a number of demonstrations during the two-week summit in Glasgow. PA Images -
A masked Greta Thunberg is escorted down the escalator. AP Photo -
Greta Thunberg gives a thumbs up. PA Images
Six simple things you can do right now
We can't change the world overnight — but before the existential angst sets in, here are a few things you can start doing now to help the planet.
Compost. This process of recycling organic waste enriches soil, helping it retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests — and it also reduces dependence on harmful chemical fertilisers.
Plant a tree. According to Nature, about 15 billion trees are cut down every year. Add your own contribution to the 1.9 billion trees that are planted each year.
Install a drought-resistance garden. These gardens use much less water than lawns while also growing useful plants.
Stop watering your lawn or at least wait until early morning. Water scarcity is a growing concern around the world and regions from the Horn of Africa to the western US are struggling with unprecedented droughts. Do your part and limit wasting water on your lawn.
Follow pages such as Waste Free Planet or your favourite vegan celebrity on Instagram. There are lots of sites and pages to follow that feature tips on how to help the planet.
Unplug vampire appliances. Unplug electronics, chargers, and appliances when not in use. Turn off monitors when you step out. Better yet, use a power strip to turn all devices off at once and watch for energy savings.
Additional reporting by Holly Aguirre
