Maximizingmass transportation, increasing geothermal power capabilities, and recycling plastic materials and glass could go a long way in mitigating and tackling greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas across the world, according toPresidentBill Clinton,the 42nd President of the US andFounder of The William J. Clinton Foundation that implements the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI).

During a special interview with Dr LamyaFawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, at the Eye on Earth 2011 Summit and Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, President Clinton spoke about the reduction of greenhouse emissions by promoting green buildings, recycling, promotion of clean energy, and sharing of data especially during post-disaster relief management.

President Clinton pointed out that it is imperative to construct buildings that are more efficientin the developed as well as developing countries. He added that all the optionsneed to be explored to make the efforts economically viable too. He hopedthat inhis lifetime he would like to see the day when every landfill in every big city in the worldis rid of and all plastic materials and glasscould be recycled, while jobs would be available for people in the developing countries. He also said that the world community would benefit a lot if the organic materials could be given over to making fertilizers for farmers and the rest used for energy.

Emphasizing the need for preserving coastal wetlands, the former US President also said that more than early warning systems, preservation of ecology could save people from natural disasters.President Clinton cited a study carried out post-Hurricane Katrina, which revealed that if the wetlands had been left as they were on the New Orleans coast, it would have cut the speed of the water and potentially reduced the damage by nearly 90%.He said he firmly believes in prevention which is a better part of the preparation than response when it comes to facing the fury of Mother Nature.

Dr LamyaFawwaz’s interview withPresident Clinton is part of Masdar Institute’s initiative to engage with global leaders to raise awareness on the need for sustainability in all walks of life. As the Executive Director of Public Affairs, Dr Fawwaz is responsible for the public relations of the institute and as such provides support on communications, policy issues and relations with both internal and external constituencies.

In addition to offering advice and direct support to the President of Masdar Institute as well as the senior administration, Dr. Fawwaz is also responsible for developing and overseeing regional and international recruitment,as well as the development and implementation of strategies for outreach to the UAE community and local universities.

Dr. LamyaFawwaz holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration, an MSc in Information System Technology, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems and a minor in Fine Arts from The George Washington University, US.

Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change.

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