I write to you in reference to the article Ethiopia's 353 million tree planting bid beats one-day world record (July 31).
Trees and plants are essential for the sustenance of human life. After all, they give us oxygen, store carbon and stabilise the soil. We need to keep planting more trees and plants where there is potential for them to grow and close to schools, mosques and houses.
We must ensure their survival by watering them every day.
The good news is that trees can survive on used water.
For instance, those planted next to mosques can do with the water used for ablution by the faithful. I hope the concerned authorities will look into it.
MA Mannan, Abu Dhabi
My heart goes out to families of El Paso shooting victims
I write to you in reference to Callum Paton's article El Paso shooting: 20 people killed at mall in Texas border town (August 4).
This article was sad to read.The motive behind the gunman’s attack remains unknown but it seems like this was targeting the Latino community, as the alleged perpetrator drove to a US-Mexico border town to carry out the shooting.
As Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke says, it is high time US President Donald Trump stopped fuelling racism with his hate-filled rhetoric. This irresponsible behaviour can only embolden white supremacists and cause friction in the US.
I also believe the US should revise its gun laws. In Texas, people are allowed to openly carry firearms and one can buy a gun without any thorough background checks.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Let’s take a moment to reflect on our true Islamic values
I write to you in reference to Daniel Sanderson's article Don't judge us solely on burqa ban, says Danish ambassador to UAE (August 1).
I am an Arab and a Muslim and I believe that Denmark is a great place to live and an admirable country. I seize every opportunity to spend time there and frequently go on holiday in Denmark during the summer days and even sometimes in winter.
Danes are civilised, well-mannered, humble and warm. Aren’t these true Islamic values?
Jamal, Dubai
Employers should help Dubai decongest its roads
I write to you in reference to your article Dubai on the move as 1.6 million public transport trips taken per day (August 3).
If only companies would wake up to the fact that employees are more efficient when they work from home.
Working remotely will allow us to decongest our roads, leading to less pollution, less traffic jams and, of course, less stress. Without office distractions, we would also be able to get more work done.
D Gert Ditlevsen, UAE
