How Countries Act on Climate Change- Insight straight from IRENA 7th Assembly

Just 2 days back IRENA's (International Renewable Energy Agency) 7th Assembly concluded in Abu Dhabi. During this Assembly United Nations President of General Assembly, Peter Thomson addressed in press conference that 90% of humanity are not aware of UN's ambitious SDGs adopted by 193 nations for sustainable development.

Peter Thomson, UN

So I am bringing exclusively for my readers a simplified information on how countries act on Climate Change.

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

United Nations has set Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN's says 'this Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity'.  So what are these SDGs? Just have a look at this chart below.

United Nation's SDGs from Agenda 2030

These 17 SDGs are further broken into 169 targets. Being a citizen of this planet, we all need to know these SDGs. When we talk about Green Consumerism, individuals choosing wisely it goes back to UN's sustainable development targets and these SDGs because these SDGs are related to Production and Consumption. Many people think, 'how it is related to me?' Or 'It's job of government not me'. But basically as comers it's our responsibility to say no to unsustainable consumption and increase demand of sustainable products and services. Not just governing bodies and organizations but all of us have a role in achieving these SDGs and take our society towards sustainable development.

What are Nationally determined Contribution (NDCs)?

During Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal called Paris Agreement, the first ever global climate change agreement between world nations. As of Dec 2016, 194 UNFCCC members (countries) have signed the treaty.

The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C.

Before and during the Paris conference, countries submitted comprehensive national climate action plans (NDCs). These are not yet enough to keep global warming below 2°C, but the agreement traces the way to achieving this target. These NDCs align with at least 154 out of 169 SDG targets. World Resource Institute clarifies, 'A wide range of actions that countries put forward in their INDCs – both for mitigation and adaptation – provide enormous potential for mutually supportive implementation with the SDGs.'

Read here an analysis prepared by EDA, UAE for Operationalising and Implementation of Paris Agreement by GCC countries.

IRENA's 7th Assembly

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), is mandated to be the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange by 150 Members countries. In Mr. Adnan Amin's words who is Director General of IRENA,“The Agency has developed practical tools to enable countries to better plan their energy transition. Our annual Assembly provides a critical opportunity for high-level engagement with our Members and partners to examine how international cooperation can speed the transition to a sustainable energy future through concrete action and initiatives.”

IRENA 7th Assembly

IRENA's 7th Assembly took place on 14-15th Jan in Abu Dhbai where governmental officials from more than 150 countries, 75 ministers and global energy leaders attended this highest decision making body of the Agency to accelerate Renewable Energy deployment.

As a sustainability writer, I attended the Assembly and brought you these insights and observations straight from Assembly hall.

2017 IRENA Legislatory Forum

During the IRENA Legislators Forum, legislators from around the world discussed the key role of legislators in accelerating the deployment of renewables.

IRENA DG, Adnan Amin 

Assembly president, Mario Giro, Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy discussed the role of renewables in reducing migration pressure and improving life of displaced people.
Germany discussed optimizations of tools and development of new energy storage technology. While Brazil mentioned they like renewables because of it's short construction time is a hedge against economic uncertainty. Indonesia stated engaging private sector is must for countries to achieve their renewable energy targets. Korean government mentioned that they are encouraging private commercial banks to provide loans to energy storage facilities. UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi stated "UAE's committed to acceleration of renewable energy. we have raised our clean energy target from 24% to 27% till 2021. UAE will decrease carbon emissions by 70% by 2050." Director General of IRENA, Adnan Amin stated socio-economic benefits and increase of energy jobs are important factors of renewable energy sectors. Read IRENA's Renewable Energy Jobs report in 2016 here.

Ministerial Round-tables

During ministerial Round-table, Moderator of Assembly and delegate from Norway stated Ensuring access to modern energy is critical to achieve SDGs. India power and renewable energy minister Piyush Goel mentioned, India's goal is to bring energy access to 50 million households by 2022. Sudan mentioned, "Sudan is very large, we ask our people to seek micro-finance to implement renewable energy projects". Denmark mentioned "we view renewable energy planning from perspective of NDC implementation and national economic planning."

Funding Renewable Energy

During Assembly Abu Dhabi Fund for Development/IRENA Project Facility  announced fourth round of funding of USD 44.5 million. The projects selected in this funding round are
Marshall Islands: A 4.6-megawatt (MW) hybrid micro-grid project, using solar PV and advanced lithium-ion batteries, that will provide renewable energy access to over 16,000 people.
Niger: A project focused on rural electrification for over 150,000 people, using 2.1 MW solar PV micro-grids and solar home kits. 100 schools will be electrified, drinking water supplies will be improved.
Seychelles: A government supported solar PV utility scale project will integrate a 5-MW solar PV plant into an existing wind farm, demonstrating an innovative space-saving solution for this small island nation.
Solomon Islands: A government-backed 20 MW reservoir dam and hydropower facility will diversify the country’s energy mix, provide renewable energy access to 5,000 people, create around 400 jobs, and avoid 44,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Applications for funding were evaluated by an international panel of experts who reviewed the projects based on their technical feasibility, economic/commercial viability and socio-economic and environmental benefits.

During Assembly ADFD and Antigua and Barbuda signed loan agreement in front of press to develop renewable energy in Antigua and Barbuda.

ADFD and Antigua & Barbuda signing loan agreement

ADFD has funded 350 million dollar to clean energy projects around the world through IRENA.

Launch of REthinking Energy 2017

IRENA launched REthinking Energy 2017 during assembly which examines latest trends in renewable energy and dramatic changes in energy sector across many countries.

REthinking Energy 2017

Plummeting costs and rapid innovation have spurred investments, transforming renewable energy from niche to an economically and technically preferred solution.

Renewable energy investment in power beat fossil fuels for 3rd year in row and developing countries are accounting for the first time for more than half of investment in renewable energy.


REthinking energy 2017 highlights the need of using renewable energy for heating and cooling in buildings and industry, and for transportation. Another interesting point this publication makes is, 7th SDGs, which is 'affordable and clean energy' can support all other SDGs can lead us to achieve sustainable development.

Renewable Energy supporting all SDGs

Finally some interesting Facts about developments in Renewable Energy Sector by now

# 173 Countries have adopted some type of renewable Energy

# Power Producers are increasingly turning towards geothermal energy

# 40% of fortune 500 companies have set sustainable energy targets.

IRENA assembly marked opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017, follow me on twitter to get updates on ADSW2017!

Let's Target #ZerowasteUAE in 2017!

Happy New Year 2017 folks! It's a week late, I know but we still have 358 days to look forward to and set a brand new green new year resolution for 2017....we are all together living a greener, more sustainable life all these years, let's go a step forward and target Zero Waste this year!

Let's Go Zero Waste in 2017!

Actually it's not a brand new resolution for me, I secretly set Zerowaste as my new year resolution last year 2016, at that time I was not sure how much possible and successful it can be in UAE, being the consumer's paradise! So I decided to take a trial run before I involve all of you my lovely readers! I was a voluntarily guinea pig, you know! But I am so glad to share with you that my #ZerowasteUAE experiment was a good success, I am not claiming here that I went complete Zero waste in my life or at home. But I reduced waste considerably, it's more of Less Waste! But why to settle down on second best, when it comes to a goal? That's why I am calling our goal, "Zero Waste UAE".

I am sure most of you have already figured out this was coming, looking at my on and off posts about it, but for those who haven't noticed or those who don't know the philosophy behind it let's see what exactly is this Zerowaste Lifestyle?

My weekly Zero Waste grocery shopping

What is Zero Waste?

Zero waste as name suggests, No Waste; as in no trash sent to landfills. It's a philosophy that encourages redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reduced. It can be so sustainable that it is even beyond recycling. As we all know we can not keep recycling some materials like plastic again and again. There is always a dead end to recycling of plastic after few times. In fact materials like plastics and paper are down cycled, they degrade during recycling and finally end up on landfill where it can not be further recycled.  Metals are only materials which can be recycled almost infinitely. Glass, apart from some special glass ware, light bulb also can be recycled for n-number of times.

So In Zero waste we are not just reducing load from landfill and waste management systems but we are also reducing the pressure on recycling systems. Basically while adopting Zero Waste Lifestyle, we need to be mindful and green consumer! More sustainable materials and products we use, less waste we create!

To figure out which are those sustainable products, we can just revisit our old traditions. Those sustainable products will be basically plastic-free, toxins-free which will help us live more healthy, more happy! Less is more!

Let's reduce Waste in UAE!

If you are conscious enough and look closely you can always find all natural, sustainable alternatives. Just remember don't be fulled by labels like 'bio-degradable', 'organic', 'green' on the products. For example, if some product is bio-degradable, dig more within how many years. Sadly some plastics are bio-degradable but put lot of pressure on our Eco-system. But if the plastic is plant-based, bio-plastic then it's definitely sustainable!

Remember Zero waste doesn't mean 'think before you throw anything' rather it's more apt to say that'think before you consume anything'.  Already UAE government is taking steps towards green consumerism to make 'Sustainable UAE' but no country can progress without it's people take part in the change! We as consumers need to push this forward and demand more sustainable products so that the sustainable industry will flourish.

How can you participate in #ZerowasteUAE?

It's not all that difficult, as it sounds. As soon as the philosophy sinks in you automatically become a conscious consumer! But believe me it's a great way to simplify your life! Just remember to say no to single use, disposable items, start investing and loving your reusable items and you are ready to go!

Invest in Sustainable, Reusable Items

Join the Zero Waste UAE Facebook Community here, where you can find UAE specific daily information and resources for going Zero waste. In this community, you are free to discuss, ask questions, share new ideas and your experiences. You can also follow my journey of Zero waste in UAE and beyond on a dedicated Instagram account here.

I will be writing regular tips and ideas about how to go Zero Waste in UAE from my last year's tried and tasted experience, so keep checking the new blog posts. For now to start with, read an older post about, Going Plastic Free in UAE, you will find how to replace plastic disposable items at the end of that post. But the simplest word of advice is focus on Own Less Stuff and Enjoy More Life!

I am inviting you all to join me on this mission like a campaign! Let's take one day at a time and try to make it a Zero Waste Day! Are you with me in this? 

How to celebrate Eco Friendly Christmas?

I Started this year 2016, with green resolution of going as much plastic free and attempting less waste lifestyle to ultimately reach zero waste. I am glad that I could continue to follow through my green resolution an entire year. So what can be a better way to end this year with celebration of an Eco-friendly, Plastic Free and Zero Waste Christmas! Here are my tips on Green Christmas celebration.

Eco friendly Christmas Tree, Ornaments and Decorations

Every year people around the world discuss the question of which is better, a fake or a real Christmas tree? If you are in the region where these trees are easily available then it's easier to avoid fake plastic trees. But it's very unsustainable to transport real Christmas tree to long distances. In case of Dubai, that will be half way across the globe, so the real trees are completely unsustainable here! So people prefer using plastic trees and reuse it over the years.

But I have a different opinion about tradition of Christmas tree. As for Dubai, a cultural melting pot; expats from all over the world living in UAE embrace festivity of all cultures and religions. Since years our family too is celebrating all festivities and it's so beautiful to experience! Then why not to go a step further and let's take the tradition and make it more practical, more intellectual and more Eco friendly? Why not to add a local flavor to the festivity, to make the celebrations more sustainable? If you have a garden then why not to plant saline tolerant plants like local Ghaf tree and decorate it for Christmas?

Here is my story of Christmas tree, 3 years back, after my son was born I bought a fake plastic Christmas tree and we are reusing it since then but this time I decided not to use it anymore and go completely plastic free and zero waste. I am going to donate our fake Christmas tree to some charity. But meanwhile, I found our sustainable Christmas tree during a hike!

While the thought of Eco friendly Christmas was on the back of my mind, first week of December we been to our favorite Hajar mountains in Oman. During a small family hike and nature trail, I found this trunk of native tree lying on the mountain and I couldn't resist to pick it up. This must be a largest natural collectible I had picked until now! So my husband obviously asked me do I really need to carry it all the way to Dubai? I told him, imagine this as our Christmas tree! He immediately loved the idea!

So this is our Green Christmas tree which is not literally green at all, but that's how it is supposed to be in Arabian desert isn't it?

Eco friendly Christmas Tree

We even made ornaments and decorations out of natural treasures like twigs and feathers, shells which we collect during our outdoor walks in UAE. Read how to make these easy DIY Eco friendly Christmas ornaments. The Santa next to our Christmas tree is made by my son in school out of toilet roll cardboard.

Eco Christmas tree with Eco ornamnets

If you can't find time to DIY decorations, reusing your old, memorable Christmas ornaments and decorations is sustainable too, you just need to store them safely to avoid any breakage. You can even re-purpose old ornaments to create a new out of it with little bit of DIY.

Here are some more DIY ideas from some blogger friends to make your Christmas earth-friendly.

Shea from Conversation with my sister made this beautiful natural Christmas decor out of a dried branch of tree!

Harkee from As They Grow made this very easy and convenient alternate Christmas tree on her fridge with washitape.

Or if you want your kids to get involved in Christmas craft actively you can make these kids crafts.
Laura from Life with baby kicks made with her young children these cute salt dough ornaments.

You can borrow idea from Tarana's Sand in My Toes and ask your older kids to make their own Christmas ornaments and decor.

Eco-friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

When in UAE, I know it's very difficult to resist shopping for Christmas gifts. There are so many sale everywhere but don't forget, less is more! When you have such beautiful weather outside, you can't just spend hours doing mall hopping. When there was black Friday sale last month, we preferred to avoid malls completely and spent time outdoors. On National day long weekend when there was up to 90% sale in malls of Dubai, we spent our long weekend in Mountains. Because that's what we should do with our families during weekend and holidays. Our loved ones and specially kids need gift of our time, well spent with them! They will hardly remember what gift they got when they were 6, but the memories we create together will last forever.

Plus you can not support fast fashion under the name of Christmas, can you? Every time I see millions of cloths scattered in shops, during sale; I remember those poor people working in inhuman condition, on extremely low wedges to produce this fast fashion, which you buy because it's dirt cheap. By doing so we support that vicious cycle of fast fashion. Let's think differently.

But there are some great ways of buying gifts for Christmas, I am sure you can use these ideas guilt free. Just don't forget to take your own reusable shopping bags with you.

 1. Gift of Life

Plants are my favorite gifts, I have been gifting plants to my friends since I am in school. Not just because I love plants but growing up with a plant gifted to us feels such an awesome idea! Plus gardening is great way of relaxing and rejuvenating. You can even gift potted herbs which can be used in food preparation! It's a great gift for all age groups but please make sure to inquire caring instructions in nursery from where you are buying a plant and don't forget to pass it on that information to it's new owner! I have written the plant caring instructions on a label attached to the plant in this photo. When you are gifting a plant, you are giving gift of life plus you never know you might be converting someone into a plant lover!

Gift a Plant

2. Local Handmade or Artisan Gifts

If you want to give sustainable and Eco-friendly gifts to your family and friends give first preference to local homegrown artisan community. Buying things which are made in far off countries is not very good idea, don't burden your gift receiver with ecological and carbon footprint please. Luckily we have a great variety of such handmade homegrown gifts, you can either find them at Arte market or Ripe market happening regularly in different parts of Dubai

3. Gift Vouchers

These are my new favorites. Choosing a right and useful gift for anyone is not an easy task and if you go wrong by any chance the gift goes waste. Sadly I have seen few people leaving the gifts unused in their wardrobes or cabinets. Such a loss of resources used for making those unwanted gifts! But Gift vouchers is a great solution if you are not sure about which could be a best Christmas gift and it is very convenient way of gifting too. The receiver can anytime shop according to their own choice and the gift is never wasted this way. I prefer giving gift voucher of a mall instead of a specific shop or brand. You can also find many gift vouchers for online shopping. Plus gifting an experience through voucher is better gift than gifting things. Things have end of life cycle but memories stay forever!

Eco Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Also remember gift wrapping can be done in Eco friendly way. You can use news papers for gift wrapping. You can also save gift wrapping papers, bows, gift bags and boxes from the gifts you receive, like me and reuse them when you are giving someone gifts. Who said those beautiful gift wrapping items are single use? Another great idea of gift wrapping is using reusable bags instead of those glossy paper bags or boxes. You can always add a note to remind them to use the bag for shopping. You can even gift wrap your present in a nice scarf or fabric which has some use. No one will ever throw your gift wrapping rather this fabric gift wrapping can be an added gift!
It is really easy to gift wrap in fabric, for the one in picture you need a square fabric. You can find many easy tutorials on you tube about fabric gift wrapping. This is my most favorite plastic free, paper less, zero-waste gift wrapping tip!

Eco Friendly Present Wrapping

Hope these ideas will help you to celebrate your Christmas guilt-free! 

Easy DIY Eco Friendly Christmas Ornaments

While walking in garden yesterday my son started picking some fallen twigs, we even found few molted feathers! After coming home we kept our natural treasures in the dedicated basket, now we have a really good collection of natural collectibles you can find in UAE. It suddenly struck me how about creating our own Christmas decoration this year? When I asked my son, he jumped and said yes! So we decided to make a star for our Earth-friendly Christmas tree, an angel and a snowflake! My son was totally excited about snowflake, because his class in his school is snowflakes!

Eco Christmas Ornaments- Star, Snowflake and Angel

What material you need?

For this very easy Eco DIY all you need is some twigs, jute yarn, feathers, shells and your imagination! It is not as easy for younger children, but it's better to involve them and let them make their own decoration, great activity to develop their fine motor skills.

Twigs and Jute Yarn

Molted Feathers

 Method

First I sorted twigs and branches. You need to cut the twigs to make it similar length for star and cut the branches for equal size for snowflake. But don't worry if you can't make them all of same size, your Christmas decor will still look beautiful and rustic! I mostly could cut them with hand, as they were all dried twigs.

For star make two triangles by tying twigs together and then tie the two triangles in shape of a star. 

For snowflake you can tie two branches together on opposite sides and then tie these joined two branches with other set to make a cross. I just inserted feathers in the tied jute yarn of the snowflake. 

Twig  Snowflake and Star

For shell and feather angel, I made a small hole on hinge of the shell. After tying all feathers separately, close to each other on same jute yarn, insert that yarn into this hole and tied it that's it. The angel for our Christmas tree is ready.

Shell and Feather Angel

I am really happy with my plastic free, handmade with natural materials; Eco-friendly Christmas ornaments! Keep checking the new post to see our Eco-friendly Christmas tree!

My son attempted to make his own snowflake with small twigs!  

UAE Celebrated Innovation Week

To achieve goals set in UAE Vision 2021, country launched UAE Innovation week last year, largest of it's kind. This year UAE Innovation week was from Nov 20th to Nov 26th 2016. I was invited to inaugural Innovation Live Summit, an official anchor event, which took place on 21st Nov and organized by MEED in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Masdar, Health Care Authority Abu Dhabi and few industry leaders. It was a great way to Gain insight into how the UAE is driving innovation and rigorously working towards implementing its Vision 2021 and the role of each sector industry.

Artificial Intelligent System which talked to people at event

But before I tell you all about the event I am sure you would like to know more about what is UAE's National Innovation Strategy?
In 2014 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, launched a National Innovation Strategy with a seven year plan that aims to make the UAE among the most innovative nations in the world. This strategy includes 7 sectors listed below,

1. Renewable energy

2. Transportation

3. Education
4. Health
5. Technology
6. Water
7. Space

You can read UAE's National Innovation Strategy here. Few of the important goals of Vision 2021 and National Agenda are Non-Oil Real GDP Growth as well as Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure.

Reem Al Hashemi

At the very first Innovation Live event at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, there were many expert speakers lined up for panel discussions from around the world. Innovation Live was kicked off with speech by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce of Industry who emphasis on Vision 2021 and Dubai's aspiration to become one of the top innovative city in the world.

In her powerful speech, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau explained all aspects of Expo 2020 and how Innovation is one of the primary objective of Expo 2020 under the theme of connecting minds. creating the future! She also highlighted how UAE, a country as young as half of human lifespan has transformed this arid ground in short time span. Watch this video for part of her speech.

Guy Kawasaki

The next keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley venture capitalist, author and former Apple chief evangelist gave a great speech about innovation, I would like to call it a crash course on successful innovation. With a great sense of humor this guy almost steal the show leaving audience feeling inspired! He presented steps of innovation and here are those steps

1. Make meaning
2. Make mantra
3. Jump to the next curve
4. Roll the DICEE
5. Don’t worry, be crappy
6. Let 100 flowers blossom
7. Polarise people
8. Churn, baby, churn
9. Niche thyself
10. Follow the Rule
11. Don’t let the clowns grind you down

Sustainability Water cooler

I am glad to attend such inspiring event, where I could learn so much about innovation!

Top 10 Sustainable Things To Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the most northerly capital in the world is also known as one of the greenest or sustainable city! There are plenty of sustainable, green experiences or Eco-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. Here are my top 10 sustainable things to do in Reykjavik starting with most sustainable experience first. Most of my sustainable things to do in Reykjavik are also free or cheap, saving earth doesn't cost you bank!

1. Whale Watching from Old Harbour

Iceland waters is home to 20 types of whales which include Minke, Blue, Orca whales and endangered Fin, Humpback and Sperm whales. So Iceland is great place to watch whales in wild. But unfortunately there is whaling taking place in Iceland, mainly because of demand from tourist. Icelanders don't eat whale meat much and whaling isn't even profitable any more. So as a tourist it's our duty not to eat whale meat and promote whaling. Plus seeing whale alive in wild is far better experience than having it on your dinner plate!

I went on whale watching tour with Reykjavik Sailors. They are a smaller whale watching tour operator so if you don't like crowd you will surely like their tour. The transportation to and from your accommodation is provided by them. I am not into sailing so it was not very easy for me to avoid sea-sickness after we left land far behind and went in North Atlantic ocean. But their friendly staff helped me and all others constantly with sea-sickness pills, hot chocolate and what not. But I still managed to spot Minke Whales 3 times and but oh boy I realized whale watching is not an easy thing. Our eyes are not really trained to spot whales which surfaces above sea only for few seconds among waves. So if you are able to spot and see properly a whale then I must say you are lucky. Reykjavik Sailors at the end of tour offered us all another tour, specially if we couldn't spot any whales. From bigger boats, you can surely get advantage of height. But overall my experience with Reykjavik sailors was quiet interesting and I got to learn many things.

Whale watching in Iceland is not to be missed experience firstly because these whales are present year round off the coast of Iceland and remember there isn't much wildlife in this country as this island was never connected to any continent so Iceland's wildlife lives in ocean around it.

2. Free walking tour

Fascinating colors of Reykjavik

This is a great introductory guided tour of Reykjavik starts every day at 12pm from the small green clock tower in Lækjartorg square. Our guide Eyvindur Karlsson had a great sense of humor and fantastic story telling skills. He not only told us history and significance of structures and places but also mentioned all witty and quirky things about city as we walked. It's a free tour but it is advisable to tip according to your wish at the end of the tour. The guides can also give you some information and suggest you with few things to do. I would say this is not to be missed tour in Reykjavik check their website here.

3. Swim with locals

Thermal Pool at Laugardalslaug

Blue lagoons is one of the most popular place to visit in Iceland. But guess what, I didn't visit it. Firstly I didn't get booking as per my convenience so it's on my list for next trip to Iceland. But I didn't miss thermal pools experience in my trip. You can't do that else they don't let you leave country at Keflavik airport! Jokes apart you can not really skip this natural wonder which Iceland is blessed with abundantly. 

So instead of touristy blue lagoons I preferred swimming with locals at Laugardalslaug, which is also in city of Reykjavik. You don't have to book the tour or arrange transport to go there. I was staying not far from it so I walked to it. I could even explore the back of house of these thermal pools to see how they manage this wonder, geothermal energy. I also been to Fontana spa on golden circle route, which is less touristy, more relaxing experience with attraction of steam rooms directly on hot springs. Read here my experience of thermal pools.

If you want to swim in hot springs for free then you need to try Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, closer to Perlan.

4. Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is believed to be the most Eco-friendly conference center in the world. The building was designed to use mostly natural light through its glass facade, which covers three of the four sides of the building and results in significant reduction in power consumption. All those who were chosen to operate within Harpa have sustainability as one of their main goals. Both restaurants and catering services use mainly local produce and follow strict recycling standards. Harpa is connected to the Icelandic power grid, which has one of the highest uptime in the world. The water used in Harpa comes from water reserves located on the outskirts of Reykjavík. The water is of the highest quality and no treatment is required before it is distributed to consumers. The facade is made of glass, resulting in reduction in lighting cost. All waste in Harpa is sorted and all recyclable waste is recycled. All detergents used in Harpa have the Swan label, a well-known Eco-labeling used in the Nordic countries.

5. Hallgrímskirkja Church

Named after Iceland's most sacred and beloved poet, Hallgrimskirkja is most striking architecture in Reykjavik. Hallgrímskirkja Church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed several other important buildings in Reykjavik, one of which I liked was National theater and University of Iceland. Guðjón was strongly influenced by Scandinavian Modernism but his designs also drew inspiration from Iceland's natural landscape and geology. I found this fact very interesting, how many architectures actually are nature inspired or depict local natural landscape? You can see those actual basalt columns now fixed in middle of road in front of National Theater.

Basalt Columns on Street in front of National Theater

The church looks like cliffs of basalt column, which are formed in Nature when a thick lava flow cools slowly into a polygonal joint pattern. Some also think that the church tower represents the natural geysers found in Iceland.

You can take the lift up to reach top of the tower at nominal charges and I must say, don't miss the chance to see Reykjavik's beautiful colorful houses from there. It offers the best view of the city!

6. Solfar, Sun voyager

Solfar

This is a stainless steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. As part of Scandinavian art project, 'Experimental Environment' he made drawings of this sculpture. Sun Voyager is a dreamboat, an ode to the sun. Intrinsically, it contains within itself the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.

Every city has a famous sculpture and Reykjavik has Solfar. People love to see mid-night sun from this point. The sun rays reflect on this stainless steel structure giving it feeling of sparkle.  This is located on coast side near Harpa so it is worth taking walk on the coastal street and stop here for photos. If you are lucky like me then you can even see such beautiful rainbow on the background!

7. Geothermal steam escape

Bore hole spotted in Reykjavik

Reykjavik got it's name 'smokey bay' when the first explorer reached this place and misunderstood geothermal steam as smoke. Though you won't find the mention of this particular thing in any Iceland guidebook, I would say you should not miss spotting geothermal bore holes or vents pipes, which are constant reminders throughout the city about the natural asset this city and country is blessed with. Nearly all energy consumed in Icelandic households and businesses comes from clean renewable hydroelectric and geothermal energy sources. Read all about geothermal energy of Iceland and where to find these bore holes in Reykjavik here.

8. Perlan

Perlan is situated on top of a small hill, many tourists go there to get bird's eye view of the city for free. There is an observation deck with 360 degrees panoramic view on top of 6 metal tanks, which store warm water from geothermal source. There is cafe inside too. Read some interesting things about about Perlan here.

Green patch around Perlan

The forest around Perlan is important green patch of the city, where you can find walkways and cycle path. As Iceland is mostly covered with lava field, you can't find much of forest or even taller trees here. So when I visited Perlan and saw this forest around it, I couldn't resist exploring it and my simple walk turned into little bit of thrill (watch this video below). I lost sight of city for few minutes but was delighted to find my way out. It was my first solo trip, but I got a glimpse of what courage those regular solo travelers need, when they go out in wild on their own. Long way to go for me, I am sure!

9. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Northern Lights

This was my most favorite thing or rather real reason of my trip. I took a northern lights tour with Time Tour and was lucky to see those dancing colors in night sky even when it was overcast. Read my experience here. But did you know you can see Northern Lights even from Reykjavik? specially from the areas where there is less light pollution like Grotta light house, only the aurora activity needs to be strong enough. Just the week after my trip, the KP index was so high that city of Reykjavik shut off all street lights and everyone could see startling aurora display!

10. Buy Local

Local free-range organic eggs bought from supermarket for my breakfast

One of the important sustainable thing to do on travel is buy local. In Iceland you can't find any international fast food franchise, which is great health wise. Some people complain that food is very costly here, but if you know what local produce they have, you can just buy it from any supermarket, cook yourself and have healthy food without breaking bank! Thanks to their green house farms, Icelanders are growing many fruits and vegetables, even bananas. You can read more about these green house farms here.

Laugavegur street is famous shopping street in Reykjavik, find out here what sustainable gifts and souvenirs you can buy here. Remember to carry your reusable bags for shopping.

From my experience Reykjavik is a walk-able city so don't rent a car if you want to do site-seeing in Reykjavik, just walk and reduce your carbon footprint! Plus you never know what interesting things you will find when you are walking.

Hope you like my top 10 sustainable things to do in Reykjavik and find it useful if you are planning your trip, would love your comments! Let me know your experience if you have been to Reykjavik...

The Caracal Challenge to celebrate 15 years of EWS-WWF

I woke up really late yesterday with aching and sore muscles, but feeling absolutely happy, all thanks to Friday's heavy dose of adventure outdoors in Abu Dhabi's Al Khatim desert!

To mark 15th anniversary of Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF and their nature conservation work, Husaak adventures organised first ever Caracal Challenge, 15 km desert trek in Abu Dhabi's Al Khatim desert. 400 people across GCC countries including families, fitness enthusiast and adventurers took part in this challenge and you won't believe that such big number of people completed this tough challenge. I personally know 2 such champions and saw so many other inspiring people around me yesterday including a 77 year old super-active youngster and even a 7 year old girl who was all happy at 7 km mark!

Desert Walk

This challenge was a great outdoor activity in completely untouched desert of Al Khatim, where challengers not only tested their endurance but even navigated desert landscape at night and learned about the UAE’s natural environment. I should say Husaak Adventures done an outstanding job along with Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority by marking the path with flags, providing all required information in advance and giving freedom to such large number of people to explore desert on their own but also keeping track of them! You really need to know your job and desert well to organize such beautiful event in middle of of nowhere and with such big number of people! I now know why Husaak Adventures is GCC's favorite adventure company!

The initiative donated all net profits towards EWS-WWF’s Terrestrial Conservation Programme that is designed to protect land-based species and habitats across the UAE and Gulf region. The funds collected will go towards developing a central biodiversity database, integrating protected area networks and building awareness around the initiative. Before the official start of Caracal Challenge excursion representatives from organizers talked about the event. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Deputy Director General of EWS-WWF told us shortly how she attended one of the adventure with Husaak Adventures and the concept of Caracal Challenge was born. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director - Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi talked about UAE's natural landscape and wildlife. Ali Khalil Husain of Husaak Adventures told us about what efforts went in to organize the event and what precautions participants need to take on excursion. The race started at around 4.50pm and went on till midnight. There were 3 exit points on 15 km route, first was at 2.5 km, second at 7km and 3rd at 10km. Participants could exit the race or refill their water at these exit points.

I was delighted to accept the invitation by EWS-WWF and to participate in Caracal Challenge. Being an outdoorsy person I have always grabbed opportunity to explore the desert of UAE though it is one of our camping trips or any events. So I had an exact idea of difficulty level of this challenge as I have hiked these sand dunes before. Plus from my experience of wild life drive in Dubai desert Conservation reserve my eyes are a bit trained to find out treasures in desert. This was mainly a desert walk for me on my own pace while looking out for natural beauty in dunes and Al Khatim desert didn't disappoint me! 

I could spot this beautiful butterfly on one of a bush in middle of sand dunes, yes butterfly in desert!

Butterfly in Desert

There were many lush green bushes in Al Kahtim area, which indicated the presence of water table in this area. 

I could also spot sand grass and one of my favorite dead looking grass, which is actually alive at the root. 

It's not dead

Walking in desert far away from any settlement is almost like meditating, you feel such calmness in a beautiful landscape! Al Khatim desert is untouched apart from volunteered walked here before us to prepare for challenge. So it was also clean, otherwise you always find left over coal from barbecue or campfire in desert near cities in UAE.

One of the beautiful site in desert is sunset. The sunset in desert reflects those twilight colors not only the sky but in the sand too!

The sky was equally beautiful after the sunset with moon getting brighter and rising stars! I heard from many fellow participants a comment like they never seen so many stars in UAE! Of course I didn't loose an opportunity and discussed with them about light pollution and how Bedouins in olden days used stars to navigate across Sahara desert! Actually because of full moon it was not an ideal night to watch stars but desert is great place in UAE for sky watching.

It was an amazing site to see people walking with headlights or torches on the silhouette of sand dunes at night! Climbing on some of the dunes was very challenging, slopes were steep and every time you try to climb your feet go deep into sand, then you need to exert extra force. But I felt hiking sand dunes is one of the safest hike, as there is only soft sand everywhere and no rocks, even if you fall you won't get hurt badly.

By the time I reached 2.5 km mark I felt really happy that I could do this without much preparation
with an average fitness level! So to celebrate this small achievement organizers provided this photo opportunity. We could feel sand everywhere on us by this time but it was worth getting dirty! I am now definitely inspired to give more attention to increase my fitness and endurance level. The people who exited challenge at 2.5 km mark were transported to 7 km mark, where there were arrangements of relaxing around campfire and some food and beverage arrangements. After watching some champions reaching 7 km mark from desert behind and hugged by EWS-WWF Panda, I decided to just lie down next to campfire and look up in sky! It was so pleasant in desert, I was ready to stay there for next 3 months, till the weather starts getting hot again.

EWS-WWF's Panda

Later we were transported to Arabian Nights Village where we had a nice arabic dinner with live performance of arabic singing with Oud. I am definitely coming back to this hotel specially when I learnt they take pride in not providing satellite TV instead immerse their guests in culture! 

Caracal Challenge was a fabulous, one of a kind event, much needed in UAE where people sometimes think there isn't much in desert (without much exploring it). The participants attending this event were so full of positive energy that it's not surprising almost everyone made some new friends here. It supports this discussion I had just few days back through this post when you are close to Nature, you become more authentic! 

After talking to many participants, I can surely claim they learnt so much about UAE's natural heritage and natural landscape, which was the ultimate goal of this event! This event was a great success-story of spreading awareness about UAE's environment.

Refilling Water in my reusable stainless steel bottle

But can't resist mentioning a slight disappointment here out of a good intention. It was actually delightful to see that organizers took great efforts in arranging numerous water dispensers to refill water bottles at start point and every exit/refill point. But I still found many empty plastic bottles littered in pristine desert. I just kept on picking them up and stuffed in my backpack. It was saddening that message organizers were trying to pass on to the crowd was not understood by them properly. I completely understand, it's very important to be hydrated in desert while walking or racing and health was definitely bigger priority. But what were the ways to pass on the message to less receptive part of crowd without any confusion? May be providing only one or two bottles each with a sticker "Refill It" on it? The water bottle in complementary back pack was a plastic bottle (not really a sustainable product, adding to more plastic waste at end of cycle). Instead of that may be 'bring your own empty bottle' would have worked better? (Just an idea) Because it was really easy to achieve that from my experience. I packed my favorite stainless steel water bottle in my bag and refilled it a few times. As I am attempting a zero waste lifestyle in UAE, this topic is really dear to me. When I saw the water dispensers at start point, I just hoped not to see any plastic bottle litter in this untouched part of desert. But I really appreciate organizers team and partners who thought about this issue of plastic water bottle waste in UAE and took steps in right direction. Without taking these first steps, we will never come to know what works and what doesn't. The efforts are refreshing and very welcoming!

I am sure EWS-WWF along with their partners will continue with their great work of conservation in the region and we will have many such green celebrations in future! On behalf of all those who attended I would like to say, we are very much looking forward to such desert challenge again, may be The Caracal Challenge 2017?

Walk of Shadows!

P.S. If you are curious what exactly is Caracal? It's an Arabian wild cat, read article here about my first experience of this fierce cat at Al Hefaiya Mountain Conservancy in Kalba.