"To have a fighting chance to keep global warming within safe levels, industrialized countries must reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases by 80% below 2000 levels by 2050 – and we must begin to make those reductions right away. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Europe, Japan, and other industrialized countries have committed to start making modest cuts in their emissions, and have acknowledged the need for much deeper cuts in the years ahead. In stark contrast, US emissions are projected to increase 14% over the next decade, and the administration of President George W Bush has made it crystal clear that it will not engage in negotiations – or even informal discussions – about mandatory emissions limits."
- Alden Meyer, Union of Concerned Scientists
Islam teaches us to conserve resources and respect the nature that God created, but many don’t recognize the importance of protecting the environment. As a result of this neglect, the ozone layer is diminishing making global warming an alarming reality.We at InFocus decided to ask Muslims what they can do to reduce global warming.
"I feel like we can do our part by educating our children on how to be friendly to the environment. We can conserve resources and work to reduce pollution. Finally, as a society, we need to speak up against weapons of mass destruction that can cause inconceivable damage to our environment." (Hwiada Najjar, 34, Torrance)
"I don’t know much about the topic. We can always donate to the cause though."
(Khalil Khraish, 12, South Bay)
"I don’t have much of an opinion on this issue. I guess being more environmentally conscious and minimizing fuel consumption is one way to help."
(Aamer Khan, 30, Los Angeles)
"One way I can help reduce global warming is to carpool and reduce the pollution that is created by gasoline consumption." (Mohammad Nazar Kadri, 48, Hawthorne)
"I hope to reduce global warming by using green energy and recycling."
(Ameera Azaam, 20, Redondo Beach)
"I hope to help global warming by voting on bills that seek to implement global changes to protect the environment." (Ayman Khatib, 47, Huntington Beach)
"I plan to use energy saving appliances and to teach my kids to recycle what they use to save the environment." (Ruba Khendabji, 28, Irvine)
"I think one way we can all help reduce global warming is by investing in alternative energy and break through technologies like hybrid cars that will reduce the pollution in our environment." (Maysoon Ahmadook, Culver City)
"Carpooling and conserving resources will go a long way in protecting the environment, and I hope to be more active in organizations that promote this cause."
(Haneen Oriqat, 18, San Diego)
The final word: As Americans and as Muslims, we should be at the forefront of environmental issues, starting first with ourselves, our families, and then our communities. For 51 things you can do to help save the environment, visit:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/environment/
As Americans and as Muslims, we should be at the forefront of environmental issues, starting first with ourselves, our families, and then our communities. For 51 things you can do to help save the environment, visit:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/environment/
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