Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to our planet, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, the urgency to address this global challenge has never been greater.
During Cop28, the Climate Action Innovation Zone from December 4 to 8 at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai, will showcase how innovation, with its transformative power, emerges as a crucial solution in the fight against climate change.
Innovation can reshape how we interact with the environment through technological advancements, sustainable practices and a shift towards circular and adaptive systems. Some critical themes that will be addressed by political, business and country leaders present at the Innovation Zones flagship events and on the Climate Action Stage include innovative solutions across the energy, agriculture, finance and technology sectors.
Renewable energy
One of the primary ways innovation addresses climate change is through technological advancements. Breakthroughs in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower, have paved the way for cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
The efficiency of renewable energy systems has increased, making them more accessible and affordable. Integrating smart grids, energy storage solutions and electric vehicles exemplifies how innovation can revolutionise our energy infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on finite resources. These innovative solutions have enabled renewable energy to become the fastest-growing energy source in the world, with projected record levels of development and installation of renewable electricity technologies over the next few years.
Green building technologies
Innovation extends its reach to the construction industry through green building technologies. Sustainable architecture and design focus on creating structures that minimise environmental impact, optimise energy efficiency and promote eco-friendly practices. Materials like recycled steel and concrete and energy-efficient insulation and design contribute to constructing buildings with lower carbon footprints. Meanwhile, innovative solutions, such as green roofs and smart building systems, further enhance energy efficiency, providing sustainable alternatives for the construction and real estate sectors.
Circular economy
The concept of a circular economy represents a paradigm shift in how we produce, consume and dispose of goods. Instead of the traditional linear model of take, make and dispose, a circular economy emphasises reducing waste by reusing, recycling and regenerating resources. Innovation plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing circular economy practices. Technologies that enable efficient recycling, waste-to-energy processes, and sustainable product design contribute to minimising environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Precision agriculture and sustainable food systems
Agriculture is both a contributor to and a victim of climate change. Precision agriculture, enabled by innovation in data analytics, sensors and automation, offers a solution to reduce the environmental impact of farming. By optimising resource use, minimising waste, and employing sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture contributes to mitigating the carbon footprint of food production. Innovations in alternative protein sources, vertical farming and agroecology further address the challenges of feeding a growing global population while minimising the environmental impact of agriculture.
Climate adaptation technologies
In addition to mitigation strategies, innovation also plays a critical role in developing technologies for climate adaptation. These technologies help communities cope with the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns. Flood-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems and resilient urban planning exemplify how innovation can enhance our ability to adapt to a changing climate, protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
The Climate Action Innovation Zone helps harness the creative power of innovation. Thousands of leaders from governments, businesses, cities and NGOs will collaborate to comprehensively support and invest in innovative solutions that address climate change. This free-to-attend event will enable everyone to discover and learn how innovation in mitigating and adapting to climate change has the potential to usher in a sustainable future.
Results
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh195,000 1,400m | Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m | Winner: Al Shamkhah, Royston Ffrench, Sandeep Jadhav
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m | Winner: Lavaspin, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.15pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,200m | Winner: Kawasir, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 1,600m | Winner: Cosmo Charlie, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
9.20pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m | Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 2,000m | Winner: Quartier Francais, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
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Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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