Page 617 – Green Prophet

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Australian camels fly on a plane to Saudi Arabia

Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Some get repatriated to Saudi Arabia.

Elon Musk to create Mars base station on the Moon

For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.

Are vegetarian babies at risk for being shorter than meat eaters?

Are vegetarian babies at risk for growing shorter than kids who eat meat?

Everything is better when you spend 5 days in a cave

She spent 5 days in a cave in the dark. See what it did to her body.

BM Studios is designing systems, not just buildings in the UAE

Balsam Madi is an architect and systems thinker whose work bridges culture, sustainability, and design intelligence across the Middle East and Europe.

Beating the Nationalist Drum and Israel’s Oil Interests

Business

August 12, 2010

Beating the Nationalist Drum and Israel’s Oil Interests

Israel needs to move away from nationalist oil rhetoric and pursue renewable energy projects instead

I was astounded to happen on the full-page advertisement on the back of the business section in the October 10, 2010 issue of Maariv. “Israeli Gas or Arab Gas: What Do You Prefer?” read the central heading. The Arabic writing on the wall was translated: “Someone wants you not to understand.”

Striking a xenophobic tenor, the ad explains that “a year ago a large deposit of oil was discovered off the coast of Israel. Oil production from the new well would cancel Israel’s dependence on foreign-Arab sources and provide Israel with great resources for decades to come.” The article fails to note that the reserves in the Leviathan field have yet to be proven.

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If Homo Sapiens Want A Home, They’re Gonna Need Some Biodiversity First

Cities

Tafline Laylin

August 12, 2010

If Homo Sapiens Want A Home, They’re Gonna Need Some Biodiversity First

If our leaders don’t get their hands dirty and effect real plans to protect biodiversity, we stand to lose the land we live on

We have begun to reach the climatic “tipping points” environmentalists worry so much about – the point where the glass of (camel) milk is leaning, leaning and it hasn’t leaned so far that the milk has leaked out but then boom, the glass falls over, milk splatters everywhere, and someone has to come in to mop it up. The United Nations (UN) looks to the dismal health of the Amazon forest, certain freshwater lakes, and coral reef ecosystems like the Red Sea for signs that unless our leaders implement schemes that protect biodiversity more urgently, humanity is going to shed some serious tears.

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Israel Cleantech Intelligence: Olive Oil and 8 More Headlines

Green Tech and Gadgets

Lisa Damast

August 11, 2010

Israel Cleantech Intelligence: Olive Oil and 8 More Headlines

Ben Gurion University’s green passion, natural gas fields, the health benefits of oil and more headlines related to Israeli cleantech and the environment. Image by conanil.

During the week of August 1, 2010, BrightSource Energy’s plans for the world’s largest solar plant in the Mojave came one step closer. The future of the Dead Sea continues to draw international interest and according the Ernst and Young, Israel’s government needs to do more to enable Israel to take the lead in cleantech. For these stories and more, see this week’s headlines below.

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Desert University Goes Green With Gusto

Green Tech and Gadgets

Karin Kloosterman

August 11, 2010

With a strong environmental flavor to its courses already, it’s no wonder that Ben Gurion University is embracing the Green Campus label with such enthusiasm.

It may not be the first, or the only, university campus in Israel to receive the “Green Campus” label from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, (Haifa reduced their energy consumption by 22%) but Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in the country’s Negev desert can be singled out for having the most passionate and involved administration.

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Too Hot To Handle? Mammals Scatter Pests With Their Breath

Travel

Tafline Laylin

August 11, 2010

Too Hot To Handle? Mammals Scatter Pests With Their Breath

The aphids’ survival technique against chomping mammals may be used against them to spare crops

Whether we’re trying to ensure public health in Iran or expanding limited water sources in Israel, we’re constantly mining solutions to humanity’s woes. Unfortunately, many businesses leave their ethics at home and invest in ventures, such as pesticides, that are terrible for the environment. Pests are every farmer’s nemesis, but a recent study conducted by the University of Haifa shows that it may not be necessary to spend $1 billion USD to rid crops of these pesky marauders. It may only take a little hot breath.

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RECIPE: Golden Roasted Potato Wedges

Health

Miriam Kresh

August 11, 2010

Who can resist a potato? These crisp-skinned potato wedges seasoned with olive oil and Middle-Eastern herbs make a great side dish for any meal.

The warm scent of organic potatoes roasting in olive oil and pungent spices. Far healthier than fries. And the good feeling of slow food happening in your own kitchen, with an easy recipe.

Ah…lunch looks good!

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Solar Power To The People Of Abu Dhabi

Energy

Matt Khoury

August 11, 2010

Will Abu Dhabi’s citizens choose solar panels for their roofs when electricity prices go up?

The residents of the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi, will soon experience three major changes as the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company electricity supplier plans to install a meter for every apartment and a solar panel on every roof, according to The National. While meters that measure a customer’s consumption are common features in the West, they only recently began to appear in the UAE.

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“Organic and Islamic” – Muslims Showcase Ethical and Fair-Trade Fashion

Design

Arwa Aburawa

August 10, 2010

“Organic and Islamic” – Muslims Showcase Ethical and Fair-Trade Fashion

In Islam, fair-trade is more than just a fashion statement, it’s a deeply-ingrained value

Many people wouldn’t normally associate Islam with fair-trade and ethical fashion but that is all set to change as a growing number of Muslim companies rediscover Islam’s fair-trade message. Whilst fair-trade fashion would generally conjure up images of well-dressed hippies, there is a new generation of Muslims who are placing ethical concerns at the heart of their work and wardrobe. Not only does this indicate rising green and ethical awareness in Muslim businesses, it also means there is a growing demand from normal Muslims for environmentally-friendly options. I spoke to some of the people behind these unique companies from across the UK, Canada and the Middle East to find out more.

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Participate in Greenpeace and jovoto’s Design Competition, “Creativity for the Energy Revolution”

Design

Karen Chernick

August 10, 2010

Participate in Greenpeace and jovoto’s Design Competition, “Creativity for the Energy Revolution”

Help Greenpeace and jovoto bring renewable energy to Germany with awesome graphic design

Are you a creative designer looking to use your aesthetic powers towards eco-friendly means? Greenpeace and jovoto’s joint design contest, Creativity for the Energy Revolution, is a good place to start. The competition attempts to use cool design to spread the message about converting Germany’s current energy production system from nuclear and charcoal generated energy to solar, wind, water power, biogas and geothermal energy.

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Should Cities In The Middle East Be More Dense, Like Manhattan?

Cities

Tafline Laylin

August 10, 2010

Should Cities In The Middle East Be More Dense, Like Manhattan?

Though urban density is better for the environment, we don’t have to give up all the benefits of country living (such as locally-grown food)

Though we laud the farmers who rough it on the land, grow food that we can buy, and live an interconnected life, city life is more sustainable. But not just any city life. Urban density that enables citizens to use public transportation and walk is necessary to maximize land use and minimize carbon output. Any system that leaves open even the slightest window of driving opportunity will compel people to use the car, which is not so great for air quality.

For cities in the UAE, for example,where only 1 in 25 Emiratis choose to walk, city planners can provide a little more incentive. Through his research, David Owen concluded that Manhattan offers a winning model; Jonathan Hiskes relays why.

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Chemicals Colouring Our Food – A Rainbow to Avoid

Health

Naomi Ben-David

August 10, 2010

Chemicals Colouring Our Food – A Rainbow to Avoid

When it comes to your food, are you eying the list of added colours?

Red, blue, yellow and green, there is an absolute rainbow of colours out there that you can find in your food. When you stop to think about it though, most of these colours do not occur with the same vibrancy in nature as they do in your cereal, so why is it that we want to eat them? After all, when was the last time you saw a brilliant blue in naturally grown food?

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Arab High-Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the Face of Nazareth

Business

Arieh O'Sullivan - The Media Line

August 10, 2010

Arab High-Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the Face of Nazareth

Galil Software brings high-tech opportunities to Arab engineers in Israel’s geographic peripheries

Earlier we reported that Israel needs to pick up its cleantech pace. And sustainability is business means creating employment options for everybody, not just an elite few. Perhaps an infusion of Israeli-Arab engineering talent will help?

This Israeli high-tech firm – unlike the majority that are located around the Israeli nucleus Tel Aviv – is mostly staffed by members of the country’s Arab minority. With a modest investment, Galil Software set up shop in downtown Nazareth and won its first account in 2008 when it employed a couple dozen engineers. Today, Said says, Galil Software employs about 125 engineers, 90 percent of them Israeli Arabs in an external resource and development firm for large multinational companies based in Israel like HP, Amdocs and General Electric.

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Ernst & Young: Israeli Government Must Pick Up CleanTech Glove

Green Tech and Gadgets

Matt Khoury

August 10, 2010

Ernst & Young: Israeli Government Must Pick Up CleanTech Glove

Are Israel’s cleantech glory days over? The hype might be over, says leading business analyst group.

While Israel is often portrayed as a global leader in cleantech with an almost endless possibility for growth, a new report from the international consulting firm Ernst & Young published by the Israeli business daily Globes shows that potential is one thing and reality something else.

According to the study, which was conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the industry is suffering from a lack of funding for the complicated experience necessary because of the unique character of the field. Since the private sector simply can’t provide enough funds, the government needs to step in.

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The cave homes of Iran

Tafline Laylin

August 9, 2010

cave home Iran, ancient carved home, vernacular home 700 years old — *An ancient vernacular cave home from Iran*

Carved out of volcanic rock, these 700-year-old homes have survived seven centuries. Now that’s what we call sustainable.

Since we wrote about Hassan Fathy’s mud buildings, we’ve been dying to find other examples of such earthy architecture in the Middle East. We later stumbled upon the House of Saud. Turns out that royalty once lived in mud huts.

Certainly modern inventions are worth mentioning, such as Ginger Dosier’s home-grown bricks, as are efforts to preserve existing structures such as Bahrain’s architectural heritage. But nothing we’ve encountered yet deserves the eco, efficient, friendly, green, sustainable award as much as these seven century old cave homes that are for rent or for sale in Iran.

They look like they might have been conceived by Salvador Dali and built by Antoni Gaudí, but indeed these cave homes are much much older than that.

Carved into the volcanic rock at the foot of Mt. Sahand in Northeast Iran, the homes comprise both under and above ground space.

The underground spaces benefit from lower temperatures, thus reducing the energy requirement for cooling in this arid region. And the rest of the buildings have been updated with modern doors, windows and other fittings.

Inconceivably, these homes are either for rent or for sale, and are surrounded by various hotels, restaurants, and reportedly, special mineral water that has “healing properties.”

Might these buildings suggest that what is of the earth can be cool, too? We think so, though we don’t necessarily recommend that you chisel into your nearest dells without professional help, and perhaps a permit too.

More architecture news from the Middle East:

Interview With Entity Green, Jordan’s Sustainable Development Organization

Foster + Partners in Jordan: What’s Sustainable About a Green Airport?

Architectural Design To Memorialize Assault On Free Speech In Turkey

Lebanese Op-Ed Calls Nuclear Energy In The Middle East A Fad

Energy

Tafline Laylin

August 9, 2010

Lebanese Op-Ed Calls Nuclear Energy In The Middle East A Fad

Lebanese writer says the Middle East’s nuclear energy ambitions amount to a status symbol that should be replaced with decisions based on efficiency, safety, and communal good

The United Nations has called on the Middle East to be nuclear-free. Free of destructive power, and free of a volatile source of energy. Why choose nuclear in the Middle East, where the sun has so much burn? Cost may be a limiting factor in Iran, but solar is the most viable alternative resource in other Arab countries. At least, this is how Ghassan Karam writes it in a recent op-ed published in ya Libnan.

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