Job Discussion Forums

Nozka · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 50 Location: "The City of Joy"

I know this is not teaching related, but I was curious to know if anyone in country has heard much about Abu Dhabi's "green city." Here's the link to the NPR story which caught my eye -

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90042092&ps=bb1

The rapidly expanding UAE cities have always struck me as colossally extravagant in their energy consumption, among other things. Is this new project just window dressing, or does it reflect a change in attitude toward sustainablity in the Emirates? Can a place that builds indoor ski runs really go green?

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

omanized · Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 152

True, this kind of project is a bit of a "one off" and will not translate into much for the bigger cities, at least not now, but I applaud the initiative to use the massive amount of money around the Emirate for some progressive thinking and planning into this kind of urban project - why is no one else doing it? why has no other world leading economy ( ie the biggest contributors to pollution and waste) started this kind of thing with an eye toward setting an example for the future?

I think it is fantastic and the irony of having it start here is rich indeed! Bravo !

omzd

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I must admit that I laughed out loud when I first heard about it. Who is going to live there? Certainly not the locals... I envisioned the importation of expat hippie commune advocates from Europe or North America or India who will be paid to be 'green' - who will eat sprouts and do yoga all day. Laughing

So yes... it is 100% window dressing...

But, if done correctly, it could develop systems that others may more seriously emulate when it becomes a requirement in the world... It sounds more sensible than indoor ski slopes and duplicating the Louvre.

VS