The first zero-carbon city is in the works as the United Arab Emirates aims to change its reputation as one of the world's biggest environmental offenders.

The building process has already begun on Masdar City city, which plans to use solar energy for power, as well as recycling waste and water. The move comes after the WWF claimed the UAE has the largest eco footprint in the world. Extensive air conditioning, as well as chilled swimming pools and plenty of SUVs on the road with no sidewalks or public transportation have all been significant contributing factors to the less-than-flattering title.

Masdar on the other hand will ban cars and residents will rely on a light rail as their mode of transportation. The city will also grow organic food - and encourage residents to do likewise - as well as recycling garbage and finding uses for waste water. Some environmentalists believe the concept of the city is a good one, but that the UAE needs to do more elsewhere to become more environmentally conscious.

"Every little bit helps," said Jonathan Loh, a British biologist who co-authored a 2006 World Wildlife Fund report that measured consumption by nations around the world. "It would be best if the UAE reduced energy consumption throughout the country not just in one location."

Loh makes a valid point. Why bother building a zero-carbon city if the rest of the area continues with its destructive patterns. Surely it would be more effective to initiate a plan to reduce energy use rather than building an entire city, which will surely expend many resources and energy during the construction process.

» MSNBC Environment