Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Profile

I'll start with a brief explanation about myself and my family. My name is Yasser Al-Mousawi, I was born on the 27th of May 1988 in Abu Dhabi, and I'm 20 years old. I was raised in a small family, my parents, my two sisters, and me. My parents were born in the UAE, but after a period of time they had to travel and live in Qatar, because life at that time was difficult with no electricity in the UAE. About my childhood, well let me say that I was among the naughty children that used to always get into trouble. My parents were one of those kind of families who are open minded but strict at the same time. Life for them was straight forward; they wanted everything to be on time such as eating, sleeping, and studying. However, I was that kind of kid who is very clumsy, roaming around, jumping, and running. I never stopped till I got knocked on my head, anyways in my opinion being naughty means that I was a very smart kid.

When I was a teenager I realized that life is not only playing; besides there was something beyond that I wanted to reach. Therefore I started to build my personality, I had to depend on my self, be strong and honest. Obviously I believe that I am a very honest person. Nowadays, a lot people lie about many tiny things, such as weight and age or even their social level which in my own opinion it's not worth it. People might lie thinking that it is a good solution to get out of a problem or a dilemma. I think that a person should be honest in everything he does; because honesty is the best key to happiness in life.

I traveled to different places around the world, when I was young my parents used to take us to Oman particularly to Salala because it was nice calm city. Then when I turned to grade nine, I went to Egypt with our soccer team in school, and I faced a very sad incident when my friends went away and left me behind, but any way in the end I made it back home using my own way. My favorite trip was in the summer of 2007; I went to Belgium and France with my two cousins who were 16 and 22 and I was 19. So it's our first time to face the world with our own authority, we were trying our best to believe in our selves and hold responsibilities. I learned a lot, I met different people with different cultures, and in addition I learned how to cook, how to book tickets, and how to wash my clothes. It was my favorite trip because I learned how to be independent and take care of my self.

Actually I'm interested in all kinds of sports. In my free time I like playing soccer, you can say that soccer is one of my favorite sports, I'm also interested in adventures, I like going for an adventure. For example, last summer in France, I went for a tree climbing on top of a mountain. It was very scary which made it interesting, I could see the entire world from above, and at that moment I felt like I'm the boss of the world. In addition to sports and adventures I like spending my time playing video games, I usually go to one of my best friends shop which sells all kinds of video games, I stay there and play, but what's really important that I started learning from his business. For example, I learned how to deal with people and how to manage the work and how to build my own name or company which could help me with my major which is business and give me more experience.

One of the experiences that I was influenced by is H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan; he was president of the UAE and our undisputed father. H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan was respected around the world for his unifying influence and his drive to make the Emirates one nation. Till this day I could never forget all the favors he did for our country. Sheikh Zayed had a very strong personality; in addition he was very generous. He thinks of his people before even thinking of himself. He offered us a very high standard of living. Sheikh Zayed mostly affected me by his generosity, I wish I can be like him respected by the whole world even in the US and Europe where he was known there as a moderate and gentle ruler.

I want to study and study till I get to be the person who I know I could be in the future. I'm having my HD now and am aiming for the bachelor and PHD. In the future, I want to play a very big role in my country. I want to have a very good position. I want to be a powerful man in my country, change things around. I see my self in the business stream where i can express more and own a company. Then grow bigger and bigger till it expands to the whole Gulf region. Also i would like to have a family of my own and have a normal simple life that is full of joy and happiness.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Introduction To Abu Dhabi – A Cool City

Global warming is a term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface and oceans. In Asia, were now a day Asian countries are developing rapidly like the Gulf countries specially the UAE which is believed to have the largest carbon footprint. However, carbon footprint is a way to measure or evaluate our way of working, eating, and travel in terms of actions which cause global warming. Therefore, UAE or Abu Dhabi in specific is making a big action in developing their environmentally friendly actions by building “Masdar City”. Moreover, “Masdar City” will focus on solar energy with zero carbon which will reduce the build up of CO2 in the country’s atmosphere. Also it will have zero waste which will reduce the pollution caused by discarded products. In addition to that, it will have a sustainable transport. Hence, Abu Dhabi is one of the cool cities which had made a promise to try to control global warming. In this project I will write about global warming, our carbon footprints, and cool cities using critical thinking and the six hats.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Conclusion - “We’ll save the planet only if we’re forced to”

The planet is facing some serous problems such as global warming. People are not responding to the problems we face. However, people are controlling the temperature by releasing harmful gasses to the air. Many people are trying to solve the problems by changing their light bulbs and their life styles, but he thinks it’s not even the start of solving the problems. There is no use if people tried to change things as individuals, in order to make a change they should all work as a team. Greenhouse gas emissions are harming millions of people. The solution should come from the government, they should make people pay taxes and force them to shift to green cars. Johann Hari had enough with the fake excuses. He thinks that people should be forced in order for them to save the planet.

In my opinion, I disagree with Johann Hari. I think that it’s wrong to force people to be environmentally friendly. One reason is that people would give out their best if they agree with what they are doing. For example, if a person is forced to do something he doesn’t agree with he would do it but with no love. Another reason is that people might do harmful stuff behind the government or who ever forces them to do so. Also I think that if people agreed on what they are doing I think it would be easier to save the world.

Abu Dhabi - A Cool City?

In my opinion, Abu Dhabi is not a cool city but they are working on it. However, I think that the “Masdar City” project will go well because Abu Dhabi has a hot climate and “Masdar City” will have a cool climate. Also it would give people more and better options. In order for Abu Dhabi to become a cool city they would have to set rules and try to reduce the carbon emissions in the city not only building a city in Abu Dhabi it will reduce some of the carbon emissions but in order to get better results they should focus on the entire city. However, Abu Dhabi is has many projects which will be build in the future so I think its going to be a cool city after 20 years.

Cool Cities

Since the industrial revolution the world has achieved a remarkable economic development. However, in exchange for economical growth we are now having problems such as earth’s environmental issues or in other words global warming. These issues include rise in population, traffic delays, increases in energy consumption, as well as increases in carbon dioxide being released into the air. If we continue today’s life style without solving these issues we will face serous problems in the future. Many cities have signed up to be cool cities to solve these issues. These cities are planning to build a city which has a goal which is to maintain a sustainable urban development and architecture. Cool cities are cities that have signed up and made promises that they will reduce global warming. Hence, Abu Dhabi is one of the cool cities which had made a promise to try to control global warming. Abu Dhabi is making a big action in developing their environmentally friendly actions by building “Masdar City”. Moreover, “Masdar City” will focus on solar energy with zero carbon which will reduce the build up of CO2 in the country’s atmosphere. Also it will have zero waste which will reduce the pollution caused by discarded products. In addition to that, it will have a sustainable transport. The city will be build with the help of the WWF. Also it will be build by the best scientists in the world. On the other hand there around two hundred cool cities in America. In America the cities over there are reducing global warming in the entire city unlike Abu Dhabi which is only building a city in the city of Abu Dhabi. However, there are four steps for cities to become a cool city. First, the city should promise that they would try to control global warming. Second, build a global warming emissions inventory. Third, bring up solutions for the problems. Fourth, apply and monitor the project.

Why I would like to live in Masdar city

The estimated $22 billion zero carbon city “Masdar City” will be a city for people who want to live a sustainable lifestyle. I think that I would like to live in “Masdar City” because it would be cooler than Abu Dhabi because it would have shaded streets. Even though living in Masdar City would be expensive but I think it’s worth it. Moreover, I think that living in “Masdar City” will prevent me from losing my environmental and sustainable values. Also it will be cool there which will prevent me from travelling to other countries looking for a country with a cool climate. Moreover, I won’t need to set the air conditioning to a high level

One Planet Living

Global warming is a term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface and oceans. If everyone lived like an average North American we would need five planets. On the other hand, an average European needs three planets. While an average Emirati needs seven planets. However, our global footprint grew by 150% between 1961 and 2003. It is now 25% above the planet’s biological capacity to support life on earth. Therefore, the WWF has developed an initiative called One Planet Living. It has ten guiding principles:

1. Zero Carbon: Will reduce the build up of CO2 in the country’s atmosphere by supplying energy from renewable sources

2. Zero Waste: Will reduce the pollution caused by discarded product by recycling and composting

3. Sustainable Transport: Use renewable fuel

4. Local and Sustainable Materials: Use local materials which are renewable and recycled

5. Local and Sustainable Food: Provide healthy and quality local food

6. Sustainable Water: Reuse and recycle local water resources

7. Natural Habitats and Wildlife: Regenerate damaged environments and protect them

8. Cultural and Heritage: Build and protect diversity and local heritage

9. Equity and Fairtrade: Encourage fair trading relationships and equity

10. Health and Happiness: Encourage physical and healthy lifestyles

In my opinion, I think that Equity and Fairtrade will be diffcult for Masdar City to maintain because; it will cause some global problems in fairtrade. The “One Planet Living” programme has three goals:

1. Build a global network of One Planet Living Communities

2. Build One Planet Living Centres in each One Planet Living community as a focus for education

3. Encourage the essential for One Planet Living and its guiding principles to catalyse change with governments, business and individuals

There are five different Emerging One Planet communities:

1. Masdar City

2. JinShan

3. Sibaya

4. Meadowbrook Montreal

5. OPL London Project

There are three Officially Endorsed One Planet Communities:

1. Sonoma Mountain Village

2. One Gallions & One Brighton

3. Mata de Sesimbra

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Cool Cities In The USA

1. Seattle: They reduced global warming pollution by more than 60 percent by constructing green buildings and operating alternative fuel vehicles.

2. Washington DC: Has replaced 414 of its polluting diesel buses with buses that burn natural gases.

3. Houston: Converted a substantial portion of the city of fleet of cars and trucks.

4. Marion County/Florida: They use gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

5. The city of Scottsdale: Has introduced Arizona’s first green building program which helps builders and home owners learn about how to integrate energy efficiency and water saving.

6. Salt Lake City: They changed 861 traffic lights to LED light signals.

7. Colorado: Is working to produce 50 percent of the city electricity with renewable energy by 2017.

8. Charlotte: They switched from a gas only Ford Taurus to a hybrid Toyota Prius or Honda Civic and that would save city taxpayers approximately $800-1200 per vehicle including over $400 in annual fuel cost.

9. Twin Falls/ Idaho: Reduce energy cost and cut pollution by increasing the energy efficiency of its 11 schools.

10. St. Paul: They use a system that uses heat drawn from a biomass-fired power plant.

Monday, May 12, 2008

“My Carbon Footprint: Problems & Solutions”

Carbon footprint is a way to measure or evaluate our way of working, eating, shopping, home usage, and travel in terms of actions which cause global warming. I’m living as if we had 2.61 planets to support us. However, am below the UK average. In this essay I’m going to discuss the problems and the possible solutions for this problem.

I will start with the problems. One problem is that I don’t recycle the products I use. For example, I don’t recycle aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and papers. Another problem is that I use too much energy or electricity. It is known that in many places the electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, propane, natural gas, or heating oil. Energy is needed for our daily use which requires the largest amount of energy. Also I am an omnivore which makes a problem. Meat needs livestock such as cows.

I will now discuss the possible solutions for this problem. One possible solution is that I could start recycling the products I use. Recycling materials such as aluminum can, plastic bottles, or piece of paper take less energy that it takes to make these materials from raw materials. Another possible solution is that I could safe some energy by reducing energy use. I could turn of the lights, electronic, and appliances when am not using them. On the other hand, I could help my college safe money by turning the lights off and use the day light which saves energy and improves the learning environment. Also I could eat fewer processed foods and less meat. Moreover, I could eat more natural or originally grown foods which are more locally grown foods.

In conclusion, it’s never late to make a change. A change is possible if every person wanted to change which would change every person’s carbon footprint and reduce it.

What Should Be Done In Abu Dhabi To Make People More Aware Of Global Warming?

Global warming in my opinion is man-made. Abu Dhabi could start with the small things like saving on electricity, using less gas, and finally recycling. The government in Abu Dhabi are already aware of global warming and starting to build zero carbon and zero waste city. Many people these days watch sports specially soccer, so the government could put some advertisement in soccer stadiums or make the players wear sport gear which have global warming on it. Also it is known that people in Abu Dhabi like to copy or like to see themselves as the Sheikhs do. For example if one of the Sheikhs buys an environmentally friendly car most of the people would do the same.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Monday, April 28, 2008

Why is it called “An Inconvenient Truth”?

The movie is called “An Inconvenient Truth” because; Al Gore was trying to send a message to the people who can make a change that people are getting worried about global warming. The issue is becoming inconvenient because global warming is already happening but people are saying that it’s not true because they don’t want to believe that it’s happening because they don’t want to change their easy life style.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Critical Thinking Power Point

http://www.filecrunch.com/fileDownload.php?sub=9d4e99ba527d51c272aaf57a3853ec55&fileId=141558"

Critical Thinking Video

An Inconvenient Truth

“An Inconvenient Truth” is a documentary film done by the former vice president of the United States Of America Al Gore which is about global warming to raise the awareness of the people around the world. Losing to the president George Walker Bush made him change his life coarse to tell stories to different parts of the world about climate change. He also talked about his personal life were he lost his sister do to lung cancer caused by smoking tobacco. Therefore, his father who had a farm in the past stopped growing tobacco. Al Gore explained the scientific opinion on climate change using slide shows. He presented the slides with a sarcastic and open minded way.

I think the movie could be a political document. Al Gore showed that many cities in the US have signed up to become cool cities even though the US government didn’t sign the Kyoto Protocol. It even showed that many companies are trying to control there products such as cars. Moreover, when Al Gore spoke about his personal life we understood that his father stopped growing tobacco which caused the death of his daughter. Therefore, we learned that if we stop doing something wrong we could save many things.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Blood Diamond

Blood diamonds also called conflict diamonds or war diamonds, are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war. In the movie “Blood Diamond”, Solomon Vandy, a fisherman, loses his son to the (R.U.F) Revolutionary United Front, which forces the boy into service. The R.U.F. also forces Solomon to work in the diamond fields, where he pulls a rare pink diamond from the river. He buries it, but word gets around and he stays alive for not telling anyone where the diamond is. A smuggler named Danny Archer, a South African mercenary, found out while he was in prison that Solomon has found and hidden a rare pink diamond. A magazine reporter, Maddy Bowen, tries to get closer to Archer so that she can get the story of how the smuggling trades are done. Solomon, Danny, and Maddy all want something. Solomon wants to save his family, Archer wants another chance he thought he would never have, and Maddy wants the story of smuggling trading. They all help each other and try to trust each other to get what they want. Watching the movie made me want to ask my self before buying a diamond; did someone die for that diamond? What should be done to stop conflict diamonds? Now I would like to help people who run actions for human rights and hope for humanity to survey diamond retailers.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Social Issues - Lebanon

Lebanon is a small mountainous country in Western Asia that is bordered by Syria in the north and the east, and Israel in the South. Jordan, Turkey, and Cyprus as well are the other three countries surrounding Lebanon. Lebanon was also mentioned in the bible as “the land of milk and honey”. “Paris of the east” is what Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is known for. Keanu Reeves is one of the famous artists that were born in Beirut. Shakira who is a well known singer is also half-Lebanese.

In 1943, Lebanon has gained its independency. First, between the years 1943-1948, many circumstances appeared. The most important was the Arab-Israeli war over the rights to territory in the Middle East. Second, Tension reached it peak in 1975, when members of radical christen group attacked and killed a bus full of Palestinians. That was a reason for many Muslims to leave the country with help of Syria. Third, in 1982, the Israeli army attacked Beirut with a goal of removing the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. It also had many civil wars but at 1989 a peace deal was signed between Lebanese leaders. The civil war affected its people and its economy. Around 150,000-200,000 people died, 300,000 were wounded and a quarter of the population left the country. For years the economy was paralysed.

Nowadays, the economy in Beirut is recovering. The US shopping malls are all over the economy and building cranes are everywhere. The United Arab Emirates is sending some money to Beirut to help them retain there position which they did as one of the most modern cities in the Arab world. Some other problems, such as air pollution and traffic jams, are faced by the country.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Oil prices hover near record high

The price of oil was close to hitting a new world record on 26/2/2008. The US crude increased the trading price by $.22 (for a barrel). Non-dollar denominations are getting attracted to the oil. Traders betting that the Federal Reserve will have to cut the rates below 3% will prevent the US economy from falling down made the euro hit high with $1.50.

On the other hand, investors are putting there money in other sources such as metals which is safer than the other sources. The daily bases recorded that gold, platinum, and wheat prices have reached the record which affected the oil price.

In my opinion, the euro rising against the dollar makes price increases in the US but it doesn’t affect the basics of the oil market.

Monday, February 18, 2008

The World Diamond Trade

Diamonds are the most precious stones in the world. Have you ever thought of how they get from the earth onto your fiancĂ©’s finger? I will describe the important locations along the trade route these most valuable of rock pass.

For centuries, diamonds were a royal perquisite, but now days they have a very large space for commerce. South Africa is responsible for producing most of the world’s diamonds. De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd in Johannesburg, South Africa is the biggest company in the world and they actually control 2/3% of the world’s rough diamond trade. They usually mine most of the diamonds in South Africa and to keep prices high they used to restrict the amount of diamonds on the market.

Antwerp is a City in Belgium which has been a diamond city for around 600 years. In fact, 80 per cent of the world's rough diamonds pass through Antwerp. Antwerp has a low number of employees who work as polishers and cutters there are only about 1,500 employees in the country.

India has a high number of employees working in polishing and cutting diamonds were they get 40 cents for every finished gem. About 90% of the world’s rough diamonds are polished in India. Rough diamonds come from many places two of these places are Antwerp, and Tel Aviv, Israel.

As we know, Dubai has a growing reputation as an attracting diamond hub. The governments used a special deal of a 50 year zero tax holidays for diamond traders. The business in Dubai is worth 1 billion British pounds.

On the other hand many pop stars buy a lot of diamonds and mostly hip hop stars that had made music about bad diamonds from Africa. Most of hip hop stars like to show off there success to the people by buying some diamonds.