EEG hosts lecture on 'Cooling our Cities: Understanding the Urban Heat Island Phenomenon'

Dr. Okeil mentioned that due to expanding city centers driven by economic growth and a growing population, urban centers tend to expand and modify a "greater and greater area of land" which results to a corresponding increase in average temperature in the absence of water and vegetation. Glass, concrete and other surfaces absorb and reflect sunlight thereby causing average temperatures to rise, while wind, blocked by tall buildings, adds to the effect. Pollution of all types and heat from the use of energy to power air conditioning units and industry are also causes of urban heat island effect.

Dr. Okeil, who holds a PhD in Architecture from The Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, described several programs and strategies to mitigate the phenomenon pointing out the importance of green buildings and sustainable designs for urban planning. He also mentioned several best practices undertaken by modern cities around the world to lessen if not avoid the urban heat island effect.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi said, "Dealing with (urban heat island) can raise costs in real terms through the need for cooling, and responding to the ill effects on health of humans and the environment. The concept of Green Buildings is a response to the need for preserving the physical or natural environment through design and technological principles embedded in the built environment." She then pointed out several benchmark projects and policies undertaken in the UAE to address the problem like the Masdar initiative in Abu Dhabi and the recent directive to adhere to Green Building standards for the construction industry in Dubai.

EEG took the occasion to announce the release of the latest issue of its Waste Paper Magazine together with its CSR publication "CSR, A Way of Life for Tomorrow's Business", a summary report on a survey conducted by EEG on CSR activities of companies in the UAE. This new publication presents a first hand account on CSR in the Arabian Gulf and why there is a need to further promote the concept. The 24th Issue of the Waste Paper Magazine likewise engages the readers with fresh news and views on the environmental and development scene in the region. The participants were also given EEG posters and other publications.

Finally, Mrs. Al Marashi thanked sponsors Abela for the catering and The Emarat Atrium for hosting the Lecture. Dr. Okeil was also presented a crystal for his contribution to community environmental awareness.