A bird's eye view of Mecca's Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This year, up to three million pilgrims will travel to the holiest city in Islam, believed to be the birth place of the prophet Mohammed.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
A bird's eye view of Mecca's Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This year, up to three million pilgrims will travel to the holiest city in Islam, believed to be the birth place of the prophet Mohammed.
Pilgrims spill out into the streets in between one of the numerous Hajj rituals. Each year, more pilgrims make the trip to Mecca, raising concerns about environmental damage.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
Pilgrims spill out into the streets in between one of the numerous Hajj rituals. Each year, more pilgrims make the trip to Mecca, raising concerns about environmental damage.
Traffic sit bumper-to-bumper in the flooded streets of Mecca during heavy rainfall in 2010. The newly-released "Green Guide to the Hajj" hopes to encourage pilgrims to look after the environment.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
Traffic sit bumper-to-bumper in the flooded streets of Mecca during heavy rainfall in 2010. The newly-released "Green Guide to the Hajj" hopes to encourage pilgrims to look after the environment.
The electric glow over Mecca after sunset during the Hajj. The Green Pilgrimage Network, launched last week, aims to promote a culture of sustainability at pilgrimage sites around the world.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
The electric glow over Mecca after sunset during the Hajj. The Green Pilgrimage Network, launched last week, aims to promote a culture of sustainability at pilgrimage sites around the world.
Pilgrims gather at a branch of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food outlet in Mecca during the Hajj. The Green Pilgrimage Network seeks promote eating fairtrade and locally sourced food.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
Pilgrims gather at a branch of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food outlet in Mecca during the Hajj. The Green Pilgrimage Network seeks promote eating fairtrade and locally sourced food.
Muslims sleep on the street in the run up to the final stage of the Hajj pilgrimage in the Mina valley, just outside Mecca in 2010. To prevent overcrowding, it's been suggested that Muslims should only perform the Hajj once in their lifetime.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
Muslims sleep on the street in the run up to the final stage of the Hajj pilgrimage in the Mina valley, just outside Mecca in 2010. To prevent overcrowding, it's been suggested that Muslims should only perform the Hajj once in their lifetime.
A man sells gifts to Muslim pilgrims on their way up Noor Mountain, Mecca, during the Hajj 2009. The Green Pilgrimage Network, says pilgrim cities need to address the culture of consumerism to become more sustainable.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
A man sells gifts to Muslim pilgrims on their way up Noor Mountain, Mecca, during the Hajj 2009. The Green Pilgrimage Network, says pilgrim cities need to address the culture of consumerism to become more sustainable.
An aerial view shows the tents of Muslim pilgrims in the city of Mecca during the Hajj 2006.
The Hajj: An environmental perspective —
An aerial view shows the tents of Muslim pilgrims in the city of Mecca during the Hajj 2006.