The recent Cop27 summit in Egypt highlighted the difficulties the world has in dealing with what is increasingly being described as a climate emergency.
While agreement was struck on financial assistance to help poorer nations deal with the effects of climate change, there was concern about the lack of progress in limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
The world’s continuing struggles to get a grip on climate change ― just as its effects become increasingly apparent ― is a stark contrast to the action taken to protect the ozone layer.
This protective shield in the stratosphere (the area of the atmosphere above the troposphere, which stretches up 12 kilometres from ground level) filters the sun’s ultraviolet rays, but a hole over the Antarctic became evident in the early 1980s.
January 1 marks the anniversary of the coming into force, in 1989, of the Montreal Protocol, the universally ratified treaty that provided a framework to significantly cut the release of ozone-depleting substances. The protocol has had a transformative effect.
"I think it’s been massively effective. It’s been a huge success," says John Pyle, co-chair of the protocol’s scientific assessment panel.
"It’s well documented that when Kofi Annan was secretary general of the United Nations, he called it the most successful environmental treaty ever."
Indeed, the protocol is now credited with the phasing out of more than 98 per cent of substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), that harm the ozone layer.
Such has been the protocol’s impact that scientists predict that by about 2060 or 2070 the ozone layer will be close to the levels it was at decades ago. Changes in the atmosphere linked to global warming will prevent the ozone layer from completely returning to its former state.
The rise of climate change scepticism
Several factors made the ozone layer issue easier to deal with than climate change.
One, Mr Pyle says, is that the scientific evidence over the damage to the ozone layer was more clear cut and so received rapid acceptance, even from the very industries that produced ozone-depleting substances.
By contrast, when the Kyoto Protocol — the treaty that aimed to reduce the release of greenhouse gases — was agreed in the 1990s, there was much scepticism that human activity was even causing climate change.
"There were a very large number of people … you could call them climate change deniers, who didn’t think there was a problem," says Mr Pyle, an emeritus fellow at St Catharine’s College, part of the University of Cambridge.
While there is now much wider acceptance of the scientific evidence related to climate change, Mr Pyle says this has taken longer than was the case with the ozone layer.
The dangers from climate change, even when accepted, may have lacked the immediacy of the fact that the ozone layer was damaged and people were at increased risk of skin cancer and cataracts because sunlight was not being filtered as it should have been.
"With climate, a lot of the risks were uncertain and in the future," says Bob Ward, policy and communications director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, part of the London School of Economics.
"For a long period people felt we had more time and it wasn’t clear we needed to act as strongly. Unfortunately, all that was wrong."
The actions required to deal with the damage to the ozone layer were less difficult to bring about. Products that damage the ozone layer had a more select range of uses, such as in aerosols and refrigerants, and alternatives were available.
Indeed, says Niklas Hoehne, founder of the NewClimate Institute for Climate Policy and Global Sustainability, a think tank in Germany, many of the companies that produced ozone-depleting substances also manufactured the alternatives, so there were fewer vested interests to come up against.
"For climate, it’s very different. The companies that do business with fossil fuels, they go out of business," Mr Hoehne says.
Burning fossil fuels is central to so many activities of modern life, from generating power to travelling by land, sea or air, so stopping the production of greenhouse gases requires an almost wholescale transformation of economies.
Aid for climate strategy
Another factor in favour of dealing with the depletion of the ozone layer is, Mr Hoehne says, that the financial mechanisms to reward developing nations for moving away from the use of harmful substances worked well.
The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, set up in 1991, has offered money and technical assistance to help developing nations move away from the use of ozone-depleting substances. It has, the UN Environment Programme says, put more than $3.9 billion into more than 8,600 schemes.
"Developed countries paid money into a fund. That’s a success," Mr Hoehne says. "But it’s a much smaller scale. With climate we need an order of magnitude [greater] to solve that problem. That’s difficult."
While the Montreal Protocol is widely hailed as a success, its implementation has not always been plain sailing.
In its initial form, Mr Pyle says, the protocol would not have prevented the atmospheric concentration of ozone-depleting substances from increasing, but would have slowed its growth.
The protocol’s strengthening over time has ensured that their concentration is now falling, which has allowed the ozone layer to begin to recover.
Yet a number of years ago the panel that Mr Pyle co-chairs identified that concentrations of some harmful substances were not declining as they should have been.
"It was realised that production and emission of these gases was occurring in the Far East, which was essentially against the protocol," he says.
"That’s now stopped. The fact of having regular scientific updates means we can keep track of what’s going on … I think what we cannot afford to be is complacent … but we’re in a much better place than we would’ve been."
Limiting global warming
With climate change, the forecast is that temperatures will have risen 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels within a decade.
Yet, far from carbon emissions being cut in the way that scientists have said is necessary to prevent the worst effects of climate change, in 2022 they are expected to reach a record 37.5 billion tonnes, it was announced at Cop27.
Analysts do, however, see cause for optimism. The increasing adoption of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, moves the possibility of net-zero economies closer.
"We know we can use renewables at large scale to replace gas and coal to generate electricity, and electric cars instead of petrol-driven cars," Mr Ward says.
"These technologies have come on. But there are still areas where we find it more difficult and this is against the background of the risks growing."
Some of the fields where decarbonisation has proved harder include cement and steel production, Mr Hoehne says, but even here there are signs of transition, such as the emergence of "green steel", where the energy required is provided by hydrogen.
"For steel the alternative has to be provided by the same companies, so steel companies are not under threat of losing their business model. They ‘only’ have to change their production processes, but they still have a role in the market," he says.
So, although net zero is still at least decades away, the fight against climate change is making technological progress. Yet it remains a much tougher challenge to solve.
WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
Mountain%20Boy
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zainab%20Shaheen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Naser%20Al%20Messabi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Top tips
Create and maintain a strong bond between yourself and your child, through sensitivity, responsiveness, touch, talk and play. “The bond you have with your kids is the blueprint for the relationships they will have later on in life,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, a psychologist.
Set a good example. Practise what you preach, so if you want to raise kind children, they need to see you being kind and hear you explaining to them what kindness is. So, “narrate your behaviour”.
Praise the positive rather than focusing on the negative. Catch them when they’re being good and acknowledge it.
Show empathy towards your child’s needs as well as your own. Take care of yourself so that you can be calm, loving and respectful, rather than angry and frustrated.
Be open to communication, goal-setting and problem-solving, says Dr Thoraiya Kanafani. “It is important to recognise that there is a fine line between positive parenting and becoming parents who overanalyse their children and provide more emotional context than what is in the child’s emotional development to understand.”
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Manchester United v Barcelona, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
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.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.4-litre%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E470bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E637Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh375%2C900%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
Signs%20of%20%20%20%20%20%20%20heat%20stroke
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Dr Graham's three goals
Short term
Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines
Intermediate term
Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations
Long term
A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness
