In a world grappling with the escalating threats of climate change, a new wave of young innovators from the United Arab Emirates is stepping up. Armed with coding skills, environmental passion, and a vision for a sustainable future, these teenagers are developing digital solutions to address global warming head-on.
Arush Nagpal: Reimagining Book Use
At just 16, Arush Nagpal from Dubai introduced “ReuseKitab,” an app designed to promote the reuse of books. By facilitating the exchange of used books among students and parents, the platform aims to reduce the demand for new book production, thereby conserving trees and minimizing landfill waste. With over 3,000 downloads, Arush’s initiative underscores the impact of simple, tech-driven solutions in environmental conservation.
AlDhabi AlMheiri: Empowering Young Authors
Nine-year-old Emirati entrepreneur AlDhabi AlMheiri is on a mission to educate her peers about climate change. Through her publishing house, Rainbow Chimney Educational Aids, she has facilitated the publication of over 17 children’s books focusing on environmental topics. Complementing this effort, AlDhabi launched an interactive eco-club website, offering games, videos, and activities to engage children in environmental learning.
Team Plethora: Innovating Waste Management
A trio of Year 12 students from The Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi—Parvi Goel, Tirushi Thathsarani Hettiarachichi, and Syeda Mehak Ali—formed “Team Plethora” and clinched the top prize at the COP29 Climate Challenge. Their innovative solution addresses sludge management by filtering waste through a vortex and zeolite media, effectively removing harmful substances and reducing CO2 emissions. This achievement not only highlights their ingenuity but also their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Sagarika Sriram: Educating for a Better World
Born in Chennai and raised in Dubai, 18-year-old Sagarika Sriram founded “Kids4ABetterWorld,” a platform aimed at educating children globally about sustainability. Her initiative offers both online and offline programs, empowering young minds to participate in community sustainability projects. Recognized for her efforts, Sagarika was named in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2023.
Climatify: Merging Technology and Sustainability
Climatify, a UAE-based startup, is dedicated to integrating climate digitization with community development. By promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, the organization empowers youth and women to actively participate in the UAE’s national sustainability strategies. Through various projects and outreach programs, Climatify exemplifies the fusion of technology and environmental advocacy.
Esaal, SolAir, and Krabby: Diverse Approaches to Climate Action
Young innovators from the UAE are exploring varied avenues to combat climate change:
- Esaal: Developed by students from the United Arab Emirates University, this digital analytics platform transforms traditional paper receipts into smart digital versions, reducing paper waste and providing actionable business insights.
- SolAir: Engineered by students from the American University of Sharjah, SolAir is a device that cleans solar panels using pressurized air, eliminating the need for water and maintaining optimal energy efficiency.
- Krabby: Created by students from BITS Pilani, Krabby employs artificial intelligence to identify healthy coral fragments and transplant them to suitable locations, aiding in coral reef preservation.
Sainath Manikandan: Tackling Plastic Pollution
Twelve-year-old Sainath Manikandan has been actively combating plastic pollution through his initiative, PEPC (Paper, Electronic Waste, Plastic, and Cans). Since Grade 4, he has collected significant amounts of waste from his community for recycling. Inspired by the documentary “Plastic Ocean,” Sainath also developed a marine robot cleaner capable of removing various plastic wastes from oceans, including microplastics.
A Collective Movement Towards Sustainability
These young individuals represent a broader movement within the UAE, where youth are increasingly taking active roles in environmental conservation. Their initiatives, ranging from app development to community outreach, demonstrate the potential of combining technology with a passion for sustainability. As they continue to innovate and inspire, these teenagers are not only addressing current environmental challenges but also paving the way for a greener future.
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