Natural Disasters in the UAE - Essay Example

Natural disasters in the UAE Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Literature Review 3 3. Problems of natural disasters 6 4. Effects of natural disasters 8 5. Solution of natural disasters in the UAE 9 6. Conclusion 11 7. Recommendations 12 References 13 Vocabulary log 15 1. Introduction Through the decades, technology has been regarded as a necessary tool for improving the standards of living worldwide; however, the effects of these efforts to the environment have not been adequately examined. Extreme climate conditions have been the result of the above initiatives. Natural disasters have become a common phenomenon in all countries internationally. However, the policies adopted by countries for the control of the effects of natural disasters – also for their potential prevention – have been differentiated; the political and economic framework of each country have played a key role in their strategies referring to the management of natural disasters. Current paper focuses on the identification and the evaluation of all aspects of natural disasters in UAE; the initiatives developed by the local government and the performance of the relevant projects are critically discussed referring also to the similar activities of other countries in the international community. The research developed on the specific subject has proved that the existing environmental policies of UAE government do not fully perform mostly because they are not adequately supported – in terms of funds required but also of skills and expertise of the individuals involved in the particular activities. 2. Literature Review In UAE the protection of environment is promoted through a series of appropriately customized environmental laws, the most important of which are: a) the Basic Regulations for Protection Against Ionizaton Radiation (no 55, 2004), b) the Regulations for Sate Transport of Radioactive Materials (no 56, 2004) and c) the federal laws regarding the management of radiation sources (no 1/ 2002 and 20/2006) (UAE, Ministry of Environment and Water, 2010). The above laws ensure the limitation of risks in regard to the country’s natural environment – however, the natural disasters – in the form described below - have not been avoided, a fact indicating the need for additional actions both in terms of legislative rules and of mechanisms that will ensure the enforcement of existing legal framework in regard to the protection of the environment. The term ‘natural disaster’ in UAE seems to have different characteristics compared to the traditional form of natural disasters – for instance, tsunami, volcano, flood and so on. In fact, natural disaster in the specific country has been mostly related to the human intervention on natural sites; the construction projects developed across UAE in order to improve the country’s infrastructure have led to the transformation of the region at such level that the geographical structure of the region has been totally alternated, a fact that increase the risks for the development of natural disasters in case of extreme climate conditions. In 2005, extensive construction projects started across Dubai –which is the emirates where human intervention in the natural environment has been mostly developed. These projects lasted up to 2008 and resulted to the creation of sites – mostly beaches and islands – across the region. The extensive human intervention in the Dubai’s natural environment can be characterized as a natural disaster since it led to the total transformation of the region at such point that the potential effects of common climate phenomena cannot be estimated – for instance in case of extreme wind or heavy rain or a tsunami, the potentials of the artificial sites across Dubai to withstand are not guaranteed. The negative effects of the human interventions in the natural environment of the Gulf region have been strongly criticized by scientists and researchers worldwide; in accordance with a report published recently (2010), the building projects developed across the Persian Gulf set in danger the wildlife in the Gulf; oil production in the greater region – due to the pollution that this activity causes – can be also considered as another part of human intervention that threatens the natural environment in the Gulf region – including UAE. On the other hand, countries in Gulf region instead of investing on the protection of the environment – or reducing their intervention on the natural environment – they proceed to the increase of funding of their military projects, a fact that proves the lack of awareness of the environmental threats in the particular region (Picow, July 4, 2010). In any case, the effects of climate change on UAE are significant; in accordance with a study commissioned by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the climate change has resulted to a series of environmental problems for UAE; these problems are considered as emergent and justify the initiatives taken by the local government towards this direction. In accordance with a recent report – November 10, 2010 – UAE currently faces the potential development of a severe natural disaster: the water drought; this problem has been brought for examination before the Federal National Council; the evidence gathered regarding the above problem has led to the conclusion that water management in UAE should be changed immediately since ‘groundwater has been fast depleting and affected adversely, both qualitatively and quantitatively, due to overabstraction’ (Salama, 2010) – as noted by a Sharjah member. The above problem is becoming more emergent since the consumption of water in the specific country is extremely high; in accordance with the figures presented before the Federal National Council, the consumption of water per person in UAE is estimated to 5,50 litres/ daily while internationally the average consumption of water is estimated to 1,80 litres; in this context, measures should be taken by the UAE authorities both in regard to the water consumption and the protection of existing water resources – which have been negatively impacted by the extensive interventions in the country’s natural environment. Other common forms of environmental disasters in UAE due to the climate change are the following ones:’ a) Ecosystem displacement, b) Reduced biodiversity of flora and fauna, c) Increased level of aridity and corresponding reductions in soil moisture and d) Sea grass productivity will diminish’ (Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2010). In addition, the country’s forest areas are continuously decreased and the fishery habitats are reduced/ eliminated (Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2010). Moreover, the potential development of a earthquake cannot be rejected – mostly due of the extensive intervention in the country’s natural coastline – referring to all the effects of such phenomenon, including the tsunami. The above problems are addressed through the country’s existing environmental policies – as described below; additional measures would be also taken at the level that the results would not be satisfied – taking into consideration the targets set and the progress of the climate change both locally and internationally. 3. Problems of natural disasters A series of problems can be identified in managing the effects of natural disasters; apart from the fact that the relevant measures developed by the states international are differentiated – being influenced by the availability of resources (skilled individuals, funds and technology) – the success of policies developed for controlling the effects is likely to face delays, mostly because of the following reasons: a) the importance of natural environment is often ignored under the influence of the belief that ‘mankind’s ingenuity is sufficient to overcome a particular hazard’ (Alexander, 1993 p.16) – the above view/ theory has been described using the term ‘technocentric’; the above theory should be criticized as follows: the perceptions of individuals on natural disasters can be influenced by two different factors: 1. the level of their knowledge on the particular phenomena and 2. the level of their ability to realize these disasters’ effects; at this point, the over-estimation of the existing technology is thought to lead to misinterpretations of these disasters’ effects – both locally and globally, b) natural disasters are often developed not because of the lack of the resources required but because of the ignorance of the population regarding the relationship of natural disasters with the political and economic conditions of each country (Merimman & Browitt, 1993, p.94); the above fact can be interpreted as follows: local people do not consider their activities as related with the natural disasters; moreover, they tend to prioritize their needs independently from the environment; on the other hand, another aspect of the above fact could be the following one: local authorities do not always have the willingness required in order to develop effective projects for the limitations of the effects of natural environment – worrying for the risk of developing such initiatives, c) the causes and the effects of natural disasters have not been yet a core part of curriculum in all countries worldwide; even in countries where such information is provided to pupils, the process for transmitting this information is often inappropriate – in this case, the responsibility of teachers for the inability of pupils to understand the elements of natural hazards is clear (Baskar, 2009, p.22), d) the development of measures for the control of the effects of natural disasters may face obstacles due to the following reason: ‘the natural causes of a natural disaster sometimes occur outside of the region that it is affected’ (Davis, 2008, p.109) and e) the causes and the effects of natural disasters as presented by the media may be differentiated from their original form – the ‘portrayal of victims as helpless and the faith in technological solutions’ (Stoltman, Lidstone and Dechano, 2004, p.232) as presented through the media can lead to false perceptions regarding the potentials of technology in preventing and controlling natural disasters, a problem also highlighted by Alexander (1993) as explained above. 4. Effects of natural disasters The effects of natural disasters can have different forms – being aligned with the characteristics and the elements of these disasters – as indicatively presented above. In their most common forms, natural disasters can have the following effects: a) the human casualties; not all natural disasters result to human casualties however they are very likely for human casualties to exist in cases of severe natural disasters – the term severe at this point refers either to the geographical expansion or the effects of this phenomenon – in terms of the human casualties or the damages resulted because of its development (Merriman et al., 1993, p.94), b) a series of health problems; the period that follows a natural disaster specific precautions need to be taken in order to avoid a severe damage on health; these precautions would include: b1) to clean carefully the house – affected by the natural disaster; this activity could lead to the limitation of the chances for diseases or infections; at the same time the development of mold and bacteria could be prevented (CDC, 2010); in fact, avoiding illness after a natural disaster can be a challenging task; illness cannot be related only to the bacteria developed in the affected area but also to the food and the water – in cases of emergency it is suggested that food or drink existed in the affected area should not be used, b2) throw away the food that is not safe for consumption (CDC, 2010), c) damages of properties – of the private or the public sector, d) damages in public infrastructure – roads, etc., e) differentiation in the flora and fauna of the areas in which the natural disasters are developed; in areas where natural disasters are likely to appear frequently the local flora and fauna are expected to be alternated – both in terms of quality and quantity; certain species often disappear under the influence of an extremely severe natural disaster, f) differentiation of the structure of the geographical region involved; areas where natural disasters are likely to appear often tend to become uninhabitable – either in the short or the long terms, g) limitation of the performance of the local economies; in areas which natural disasters are likely to appear regularly the development of economic and social activities becomes quite difficult – a fact that adversely affects the local trade – in all its aspects. 5. Solution of natural disasters in the UAE The increase of industrial activities across UAE has led to the increase of the pollution of the environment; this trend is indicated to the fact that ‘in 1990 the UAE's CO2 emissions increased from 60,809,000 tons to 94,163,000 tons in 2002’ (UAE, 11/2/2009); the government of the country has tried to adapt its plans to the existing international schemes and rules referring to the protection of the environment. In this context, in 2005 the UAE’s government ‘ratified the Kyoto Protocol’ (UAE, 11/2/2009). On the other hand, efforts are made for the limitation of emissions – using natural gas and nuclear energy, as possible, for covering part of the country’s energy needs. In Dubai, the development of buildings in accordance with the rules of sustainability is highly promoted by the government. An important plan of Dubai government towards the increase of the protection of the environment is the introduction of the ‘Masdar Initiative’, a plan that includes a series of activities aiming to increase the use of alternative sources of energy across the country (UAE, 11/2/2009). The effectiveness of the above initiative has been strongly criticized; even if the expected benefits of the above plans in regard to the limitation of environmental pollution are many, still there are delays in reducing the pollution caused by the CO2 emissions; at this point, the challenges that the UAE has to face are many: due to the current way of living, the limitation of CO2 across UAE is a difficult task: the country’s transport system is heavily based on cars; at the next level, ‘cooling of buildings is a big contributor to CO2 emissions’ (Jones, 2010); at this point it is noted that the ratification by UAE of the Kyoto Protocol does not have practical sense, since UAE is considered to be a developing country and thus it cannot be enforced to follow the rules included in the above Treaty (Jones, 2010). However, it is mentioned that the protection of environment is highly related to the existence of funds for developing the relevant projects (Jones, 2010); UAE cannot be considered as facing difficulties in order to retrieve the funds required for the development of such projects; the effects of natural disasters, especially the earthquake and the drought could be appropriately controlled even if current level of human interventions in the country’s environment is high. The development of the above measures are also supported and enhanced by the international scientific community; scientists have highlighted the increased risks for earthquake in UAE especially because of ‘the active fault line near Dibba’ (Ahmed, 2005); on the other hand, ‘no chance of a tsunami’ (Ahmed, 2005) in the specific area seems to exist. Furthermore, it is suggested that measures are taken by the local authorities for the protection of the low buildings of the region – the higher buildings have been constructed in accordance with ‘the earthquake code in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah’ (Ahmed, 2005). Under the above terms, the emergent needs of UAE in regard to the threat of a potential natural disaster are related to the water management and the allocation of lifeline supplies – in case of earthquake; additional measures for the protection of the country’s infrastructure against an earthquake could be also taken. 6. Conclusion The schemes developed by the UAE in regard to the management of the effects of natural disasters can be characterized as quite satisfactory; however, the measures taken in terms of prevention of these phenomena are quite limited. Of course, natural disasters are related with the global climate conditions; however, their dependency on the local environmental conditions cannot be ignored or rejected. The limitation of environmental pollution in all its forms is one of the common measures available to the countries that aim to reduce the effects of natural disasters across their territory. Similar assumptions can be developed in regard to UAE and the policies adopted by the local government in regard to the control of the effects of natural disasters. These policies have been proved to have the following characteristics: a) they rather focus on handling the effects of natural disasters after their appearance, i.e. they are not preventive – at least at their majority, b) they initiated mostly by the state; the efforts of organizations in the private sector to support such schemes are limited, c) the information provided to the public in UAE in regard to the management of the effects of natural disasters – and the potential measures that could help to face these effects more effectively – is inadequate; this fact does not necessarily indicate the lack of willingness of the local government to support these schemes; it is also related with the lack of willingness of the citizens to join such efforts. It is concluded that existing framework for managing the effects of natural disasters in UAE – also for preventing, as possible, these events – should be updated and improved; the measures suggested below could be possibly applied for increasing the effectiveness of governmental projects in the specific field. 7. Recommendations The effectiveness of schemes related to the natural disasters cannot be guaranteed – natural disasters are depended on the global climate conditions and for this reason their development within a particular area cannot be predicted – although estimations can be made for the development of natural disasters – but only if an event that can warn for such a phenomenon takes place. In the case of UAE the planning of measures for controlling the effects of natural disasters should be based on specific rules: a) the country’s geographical and climate characteristics should be taken into consideration, b) individuals and organizations in the private sector should be informed on the development of such projects; their participation – financially or of other form – could be particularly valuable for the increase of these projects’ effectiveness, c) the schemes that are currently in progress in regard to the limitation of the effects of natural disasters in UAE have not been proved particularly effective – at least not at the level expected; it is clear that these schemes should be appropriately alternated – in terms of the technology involved but also of the criteria on which these schemes are based, d) the skills and the expertise of the individuals engaged in these projects should be checked – possibly, the terms for hiring personnel in regard to the specific schemes should be changed; the experiences and the policies of other countries on natural disasters should be also taken into consideration. The development of cooperation and communication – both internally and externally – for the limitation of the effects of natural disasters in UAE could be proved of key importance either in the short or the long term. References Alexander, D. (1993) Natural disasters. Springer Science & Business Amin, S., Goldstein, M. (2008) Data against natural disasters: establishing effective systems for relief, recovery, and reconstruction. World Bank Publications Baskar, S. (2009) Natural Disasters. Unicorn Books Davis, L. (2008) Natural Disasters. Infobase Publishing Kozak, J., Cermak, V. (2010) The Illustrated History of Natural Disasters. Springer Merriman, P., Browitt, C. (1993) Natural disasters: protecting vulnerable communities: proceedings of the conference held in London, 13-15 October 1993. Thomas Telford Sivakumar, M., Motha, R., Das, H. (2005) Natural disasters and extreme events in agriculture: impacts and mitigation. Springer Stoltman, J., Lidstone, J., Dechano, L. (2004) International perspectives on natural disasters: occurrence, mitigation, and consequences. Springer, 2004 Online sources Ahmed, A. (January 21, 2005) Scientists seek disaster management plans, Available from http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/scientists-seek-disaster-management-plans-1.274621 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Natural Disasters & Severe Weather (CDC), online, available from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/ Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (January 14, 2010) Study Reveals the Effects of Climate Change on the UAE, available from http://www.ead.ae/en/news/climate.change.in.the.uae.aspx Fire Earth (November 30, 2009) Dubai: Eco Disaster Topped with Cheese and Money Melt, Available from http://feww.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/dubai-eco-disaster-with-cheese-and-money-melt/ Gulf News, 29 July 2010, UAE can emerge as an environmental leader, available from http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/uae-can-emerge-as-an-environmental-leader-1.660793 Jones, J. (January 29, 2010) World Future Energy Summit, Available from http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/01/world-future-energy-summit Ministry of the Environment, Finland, available from http://www.ymparisto.fi/site_map.asp?node=18848&lan=en Natural Disasters, Oracle, available from http://library.thinkquest.org/10136/ Picow, M. (March 4, 2010) Persian Gulf "Mermaids" Face Manmade Environmental Threats, Availlable from http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/ Picow, M. (July 4, 2010) Gulf Emirates Spending Billions on Defense When Their Environment Suffers, Available from http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/ Salama, S. (November 10, 2010) FNC urged to take steps to save groundwater supplies, Available from http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/fnc-urged-to-take-steps-to-save-groundwater-supplies-1.709508 UAE Interact, 2010, available from http://www.uaeinteract.com/ UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, available from http://www.moew.gov.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx United Arab Emirates in Washington (February 11, 2009) The UAE - Energy and Climate Change, available from http://www.uae-embassy.org/uae/energy/climate-change Wilson, S. (2010) Dubai; Engineering Marvel Or Environmental Disaster?, Available from http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Dubai--Engineering-Marvel-Or-Environmental-Disaster-/573052 Vocabulary log* Aridity Being without moisture; extremely dry Artificial Something which is developed by human activity, the non-natural Atmospheric pressure The pressure at a particular place, caused by the weight of the earth's atmosphere. Biodiversity Diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment. Bushfire An uncontrolled fire in the trees and bushes of scrubland Carbon Monoxide A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, CO, that burns with a pale-blue flame, produced when carbon burns with insufficient air Cleanup the act or process of cleaning up. Climate change Alteration of common climate phenomena Coastal line The piece of land between the see and the coast Convection The transferring of heat in a liquid of gas, due to lighter parts rising and denser parts sinking. Crater the cup-shaped depression or cavity on the surface of the earth or other heavenly body marking the orifice of a volcano. Cyclone A large-scale, atmospheric wind-and-pressure system characterized by low pressure at its center and by circular wind motion, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere Dam A barrier to obstruct the flow of water, esp. one of earth, masonry, etc., built across a stream or river. Disaster A sudden and catastrophic event Displacement The offset of rocks caused by movement along a fault. Earthquake Vibrations developed across the earth’s crust Ecosystem The natural environment Erode Destroy by slow consumption or disintegration Evacuation The removal of persons or things from an endangered area Famine Extreme and general scarcity of food Fauna The animals of a given region or period considered as a whole Fishery Habitats The natural environment of fishes Flammable Able to ignite Flood A great flowing of water Flora The plants of a particular region or period Hazard An unavoidable danger or risk, even though often foreseeable Hurricane A storm of the most intense severity. Illness Unhealthy condition Incident An individual occurrence or event. Injury Harm or damage that is done or sustained Lifeline supplies Food and other material necessary for surviving Melt To become liquid; dissolve Moisture Condensed or diffused liquid Mold Shape Natural Existing by nature – the non-artificial Nature Conservation The act of preventing the damages on the environment Plate Tectonics A theory of global tectonics in which the lithosphere is divided into a number of crustal plates, each of which moves on the plastic asthenosphere more or less independently to collide with, slide under, or move past adjacent plates Power Outages Power failure Prediction An act of predicting/ forecast Response Reply through a specific action Sea grass Sea plants Storm A disturbance of the normal condition of the atmosphere, manifesting itself by winds of unusual force or direction, often accompanied by rain, snow, hail, thunder, and lightning, or flying sand or dust. Tornado A localized, violently destructive windstorm occurring over land, esp. in the Middle West, and characterized by a long, funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground and made visible by condensation and debris. Tsunami An unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption. Volcano A vent in the earth's crust through which lava, steam, ashes, etc., are expelled Warning The announcement of extreme weather conditions Water Drought The shortage of water Water management The administration of water supplies in order to meet the local needs on water Waterway A river, canal, or other body of water serving as a route or way of travel or transport. Wildfire Any large fire that spreads rapidly and is hard to extinguish * The websites Dictionary. Com and Oracle Think Quest have been used in the above definitions, links: http://dictionary.reference.com/ http://library.thinkquest.org/10136/ References – pieces of text [by order of their appearance] 1. UAE, Ministry of Environment and Water, 2010 http://www.moew.gov.ae/En/Laws/RelatedenvironmentalLaws/Pages/default.aspx [Related Environmental Laws Search Laws Advanced Search Law No. Law Year Law Subject File link 55/2004 2004 The United Arab Emirates Basic REgulations for Protection Against Ionizaton Radiation 56/2004 2004 The United Arab Emirates Regulations for Sate Transport of Radioactive Materials 57/2004 2004 The United Arab Emirates Regulations for Radioactive Waste Managment 1 2002 Federal Law No.(1) of 2002 Regarding the Regulation and Control of the Use of Radiation Sources and Protection Against their Hazards and it's amendment Federal Law No. (20) of 2006 ] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 2. Picow, July 4, 2010 http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/ [Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years. Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region. Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 3. Salama, 2010 http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/fnc-urged-to-take-steps-to-save-groundwater-supplies-1.709508 [Abu Dhabi: The UAE's water security could be undermined if no immediate action is taken by the government to address the fast depleting groundwater reserves, the Federal National Council (FNC) heard on Tuesday. Warning that the situation is not sustainable, the house's representatives asked how long water reserves can last in the event of a natural or a man-made disaster. They questioned the role and jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment and Water in addressing their concerns and the viability of agriculture, which they said consumes more than 80 per cent of the UAE's water reserves, but only contributes 3 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP). "We are not facing just a water shortage problem, but rather a catastrophe. ‘‘Groundwater has been fast depleting and affected adversely, both qualitatively and quantitatively, due to overabstraction," said Mohammad Abdullah Al Za'abi, a member from Sharjah. He demanded that a federal decision be immediately taken to organise use of water across the UAE. ‘We are living on a volcano and unless immediate action is taken, everything will be destroyed,' Al Za'abi said.] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 4. Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2010 http://www.ead.ae/en/news/climate.change.in.the.uae.aspx [Impact of Climate Change on UAE Coastal Zones 1. Sabkhat areas will likely experience inland migration. 2. Much of the UAE’s mangrove forest area will be adversely impacted. 3. Sea grass productivity will diminish. 4. Coral reefs will likely experience greater bleaching frequency. 5. Fishery habitats will be degraded. Abu Dhabi Water Resources 1. Current patterns of water use are unsustainable. 2. Irrigated agriculture policy needs strategic reconsideration; ‘Greening the desert’ programs and agricultural, forestry, and plantation irrigated areas make up more than 80% of the total annual water use. 3. Climate change will likely be a marginal affect on future water supply/demand; Even though average annual precipitation in Abu Dhabi has reached its lowest recorded levels during the last decade, future climate change is likely to have little impact on future water supplies compared to the effect of water demand. 4. Reducing future water demand represents a strategic priority; without demand management strategies in place, the Abu Dhabi Emirate will face future water deficits that would need to be offset by large new supplies of water. Dryland Ecosystems 1. Ecosystem displacement and/or disappearance. 2. Reaching a “tipping point” with subsequent ecosystem collapse. 3. Reduced biodiversity of flora and fauna. 4. Increased level of aridity and corresponding reductions in soil moisture. 5. Natural and managed ecosystems in mountains and Wadis are not drought-resistant; and are at risk as temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change.] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 5. Alexander, 1993 p.16 http://books.google.com/books?id=gWHsuGTcF34C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false 6. Merimman & Browitt, 1993, p.94 http://books.google.com/books?id=pOJk9qdxTw4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false 7.Baskar, 2009, p.22 http://books.google.com/books?id=WFIE5yNXD74C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false 8.Davis, 2008, p.109 http://books.google.com/books?id=CRzMOYIuLJEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false 9.Stoltman, Lidstone and Dechano, 2004, p.232 http://books.google.com/books?id=1NjIHI7JFH8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFkQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q&f=false 10.Merriman et al., 1993, p.94 http://books.google.com/books?id=pOJk9qdxTw4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+disasters&hl=en&ei=OpLbTJWHLY2K4Qan9tSZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false 11. CDC, 2010 http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/ [Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. Food Note: Do not use your fireplace for cooking until the chimney has been inspected for cracks and damage. Sparks may escape into your attic through an undetected crack and start a fire. Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 2 hours or more. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen or cooked. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged. Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected. If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Re-label the cans with a marker. Include the expiration date. Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Store food safely While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice. Feeding infants and young children Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding. For formula-fed infants, use ready-to-feed formula if possible. If using ready-to-feed formula is not possible, it is best to use bottled water to prepare powdered or concentrated formula. If bottled water is not available, use boiled water. Use treated water to prepare formula only if you do not have bottled or boiled water. If you prepare formula with boiled water, let the formula cool sufficiently before giving it to an infant. Clean feeding bottles and nipples with bottled, boiled, or treated water before each use. Wash your hands before preparing formula and before feeding an infant. You can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer for washing your hands if the water supply is limited Clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces. CDC recommends discarding wooden cutting boards, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers . These items cannot be properly sanitized if they have come into contact with contaminated flood waters. Clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces in a four-step process: Wash with soap and warm, clean water. Rinse with clean water. Sanitize by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach (5.25%, unscented) per gallon of clean water. Allow to air dry.] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 12. UAE, 11/2/2009 http://www.uae-embassy.org/uae/energy/climate-change [Energy and Climate Change The gases that contribute most to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorine compounds. Burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of emissions of greenhouse gases. The UAE's CO2 emissions increased from 60,809,000 tons in 1990 to 94,163,000 tons in 2002. Due to better technology and transition to more natural gas in power plants, emissions of CO2 per capita have decreased. In 1990 the UAE emitted 32,6 tons CO2 per person per year. In 2002 the figure had dropped to 25,1 tons per person per year, leaving the UAE as number four on the top emitter per capita global ranking list. The UAE ratified the Kyoto Protocol in January 2005. It entered into force 16 February 2005. According to the protocol the UAE, as a non Annex 1 country, is not obligated to reduce its emissions. However, the UAE is taking a number of steps to respond to this critical issue.] The Masdar Initiative Abu Dhabi has also established the Masdar Initiative, one of the world’s most comprehensive renewable and alternative energy programs. In April 2006, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, launched Masdar, a multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar initial investment in renewable and alternative energy and clean technology. Masdar is helping to explore, develop and commercialize such future energy sources. Masdar, which means “the source” in Arabic, has four primary objectives: To help drive the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi To maintain – and expand – Abu Dhabi’s position in evolving global energy markets To help Abu Dhabi become a developer of technology To make a meaningful contribution to sustainable human development Masdar is a comprehensive investment in future energy solutions and clean technology – from design to research laboratory to mass deployment. The most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government – an initial investment of US$15 billion in projects targeting solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development. [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 13. Jones, 2010 http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/01/world-future-energy-summit [These high yearly emissions are due in part to transport, which is almost entirely car-based, while cooling of buildings is another big contributor to CO2 emissions. A particular load comes from the mostly fossil power that goes into seawater desalination. In addition, gas flaring may also be included in these figures. To put it simply, creating comfortable human living conditions in a hot, desert environment is a global challenge. And when financial constraints are minimal, which is the case in this region, then it’s no surprise that energy consumption, and its consequent CO2 emissions, just skyrocket. (The UAE ratified the Kyoto Treaty in 2005, but as a developing country has no obligation under that treaty to reduce its carbon output.)] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] 14. Ahmed, 2005 http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/scientists-seek-disaster-management-plans-1.274621 They have, however, warned that the country should prepare for the threat of earthquakes from the active fault line near Dibba. "There will be no tsunami here as the UAE is outside any danger zone. I can completely rule out this phenomenon. "Although we are near the Zagros Fault, the UAE is in a relatively calm region and there is no danger of tsunamis," said Dr Mufid Samarai, Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Central Laboratory at the University of Sharjah. He repeated that the recent high tide in UAE waters had nothing to do with the tsunamis in South East Asia. High-rise buildings are being constructed according to the earthquake code in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, but smaller buildings and houses are in the greatest danger. "Precautions should be taken to cope with any unexpected disaster and the authorities should ensure lifeline supplies can be provided to affected communities.] [Copied from the above source, at 19/11/2010] Read More