Prince William last week took part in a video call with young environmental activists from around the world.
The British royal, 38, spoke with seven representatives from the UN Environment Programme's Young Champions of the Earth initiative, as they told him about the challenges facing each of their corners of the globe and passed on any ideas they have to tackle these issues.
The call, which was chaired by the UNEP's executive director Inger Andersen, also allowed the activists to discuss the response to their projects from their local communities, and how the coronavirus pandemic may be standing in their way.
On the call were this year's Young Champions of the Earth recipients, including Niria Alicia Garcia from the US; Nzambi Matee from Kenya; Xiaoyuan Ren from China; Vidyut Mohan from India; Lefteris Arapakis from Greece; and Max Hidalgo Quinto from Peru.
Award-winning Kuwaiti waste activist Fatemah Alzelzela, 24, was also on the call. She is an electrical engineer and founder of Eco Star, which comprises a small team focused on the efficient collection of recyclable materials – paper, plastic and metal – who work alongside recycling factories.
Learn more about Fatemah Alzelzela and Eco Star in the video below:
In exchange for the waste, Eco Star works with major agricultural companies to give plants and trees to individuals and organisations in Kuwait, where only 10 per cent of waste gets recycled, according to Alzelzela.
"For the last year, we have also been working on data capture, the first recent study in the field of waste collection and treatment for Kuwait," Alzelzela explains in her Young Champions of the Earth biography.
"To date, we have saved tons of materials from landfill and have covered more than 2,000 waste-receiving operations, including homes, schools, companies and restaurants."
The Duke of Cambridge's interest in environmental concerns expands far beyond such discussions, as, in 2019, the royal unveiled a multimillion-dollar international award designed to incentivise change and help repair the planet over the next 10 years.
The Earthshot Prize, as it's called, will be awarded to five winners per year for the next decade, ideally generating 50 innovative solutions to problems the planet faces by 2030.
Nominations for the first prizes have now closed and are expected to be awarded at a ceremony in London this autumn.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
- It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Explained
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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
