Your Air Conditioner Could Save a Bird’s Life

Birds are not decorative extras in the urban frame. They are part of the living mechanism that keeps cities functioning — regulating insects, spreading seeds, supporting pollination, and holding together the fragile web of biodiversity that still survives between roads, towers, and heat‑soaked concrete. Today, as extreme heat becomes a defining reality for cities around the world, this balance is under growing threat. Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves are making urban environments harsher not only for people, but for wildlife struggling to survive in spaces built almost entirely for human comfort. When birds begin to disappear, the whole urban ecosystem … Continue reading

Dubai’s Green Cover: A Vanguard of Hope for Global Conservation

My recent visit to Dubai was an eye-opening experience that challenged my preconceived notions of what a desert city can achieve. As a botanist and environmental law expert, I am accustomed to observing the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, in Dubai, I witnessed something truly remarkable: a flourishing biodiversity in a landscape defined by extreme heat and arid conditions. It’s a powerful contrast. While many cities with naturally fertile land are losing their green cover, Dubai, a city built on sand, is actively transforming its environment. The omnipresent chirping of house sparrows, a species in decline in many of the … Continue reading

The Menace of Marine Litter

Marine litter, long a neglected topic, has started to garner some attention. Marine litter is composed of a diverse mix of items from various sources and so a one-size fits all solution is unlikely to be effective. Abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), shipping wastes, plastic packaging (bottles, caps, bags, etc.) and plastic manufacturing pellets are amongst the most common and persistent items found. Comparing the feasibility and the financial case for recovery versus prevention for each of these groups reveals a worrying gap in our attempts to deal with the problem. Scale of the Problem Abandoned, lost and discarded fishing … Continue reading

Islam and Animal Rights

All living beings – humans, birds, animals, insects etc – are worthy of consideration and respect. Islam has always viewed animals as a special part of God’s creation. Mankind is responsible for whatever it has at its disposal, including animals whose rights must be respected. The Holy Qur’an, the Hadith, and the history of Islamic civilization offer many examples of kindness, mercy, and compassion for animals. According to Islamic principles, animals have their own position in the creation hierarchy and humans are responsible for their well-being and food. Islam strongly asks Muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. The Holy Qur’an states … Continue reading