Humanity has already consumed more than our one planet can reproduce to sustain us for the year. On August 22, we reached Earth Overshoot Day and that means anything we consume for the rest of the year is above what the earth can provide for the billions of people living on the planet.

According to the Global Footprint Network, our demand for resources is now equivalent to more than 1.5 Earths and it’s likely we’ll need the resources of two planets before the middle of this century.

We can all make a difference. Let’s rethink the way we consume, and start with simple daily changes such as switching off lights and appliances when not in use, turning off the taps when brushing your teeth and opting for reusable bags and water bottles.

Learn more about how you can help

Start the new academic year in an eco-friendly way by logging your children on to our Be’ati Watani website. This online environmental educational programme, sponsored by Dolphin Energy, is specific to the UAE and helps schoolchildren learn about the environment and how they can protect it.

Youngsters can simply visit www.beatiwatani.com and select the theme relevant to their age group. If your child loves it, why not ask their teacher to adopt the programme at school.

Learn more about the Be'ati Watani programme