MARRAKECH // After completing the adventure of flying around the world powered only by the Sun, Bertrand Piccard embarked on another, connecting organisations, politicians and people with climate change solutions.
The Solar Impulse team launched the World Alliance for Clean Technologies at the Conference of Parties 22 in Marrakech. International politicians gathered to set targets addressing climate change by following the Paris Agreement.
The project is aimed at gathering start-up companies, international institutions and other organisations to create a network of information sharing to enable action.
"I am a doctor. Anything that touches respect for life and respect for nature is important to me," said Mr Piccard, whose Masdar-backed Solar Impulse 2 aircraft finished its flight without a single drop of fuel.
The World Alliance, also founded by Solar Impulse co-pilot Andre Borschberg, will look to create cooperation that can provide concrete solutions that could even support governments.
To dispel any doubts that the alliance is yet another attempt to create a network, Mr Piccard said that the initiative will differ in its ability to work and its focus on goals.
“Anyone can join for free, first of all. There is no world alliance until now that brings together the actors of the clean technology world,” he said.
Private donors that supported Solar Impulse, such as food and drink company Nestle and chemical company Solvay, can join the alliance and invest in companies that are part of the network.
The alliances will focus on science and ecology, linking resources and energy efficiency.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Hotel Data Cloud profile
Date started: June 2016
Founders: Gregor Amon and Kevin Czok
Based: Dubai
Sector: Travel Tech
Size: 10 employees
Funding: $350,000 (Dh1.3 million)
Investors: five angel investors (undisclosed except for Amar Shubar)
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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