How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your HVAC System

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When compared to the many other forms of technological advancements humanity has made over the past decades, air conditioning and electric heating have some of the smallest negative impact on the environment as a whole. Keeping your home cold in the summer and warm in the winter does not produce huge amounts of greenhouse gasses or kill off marine life. The impact of HVAC systems on the environment however, is not completely nonexistent. While comparably small, the carbon emissions of non-electric systems are still a contributor to the global issue of pollution, and even if your system is electric then chances are the electricity was generated from a coal-fired power plant which creates negative runoff for the atmosphere.

preventive-ac-maintenance

If you care about the environment and your impact on it, the best thing for you to do about your HVAC system is to follow these suggestions and make sure your impact on the planet is as small as it can possibly be.

1. Alternative Power Source

While traditional heating like wood stoves and furnaces are easy to supply, they aren’t as clean and renewable as some of the more eco-friendly alternative energy sources that have become available in today’s market. Solar and wind power become more and more available every day, boating little to no negative environmental effects at all, harnessing the power of nature for clean renewable energy.

If you live near a dam or other major hydroelectric power source, chances are you probably already get some of your power from it, so simply try to keep your energy use to a minimum in order to maximize the output of the hydroelectric plant. If you live in an area which is typically sunny and bright, installing solar panels might be an option for maximizing your home’s energy production.

Solar panels provide clean, continuous energy with absolutely zero negative impact on the planet. Having these wired into your heating and air conditioning equipment could help save both money and the planet.

2. Home Insulation

After making sure the energy your home is using is clean, the next step is maximizing its effects. A badly insulated home bleeds energy and money like nothing else and it is estimated that a home that is insulated saves one thousand five hundred times the energy of a non insulated one. Make sure your home’s insulation is effective and functioning in order to save the most possible energy and the planet as well.

3. HVAC Equipment

One of the most important factors of all in the heating equation is your actual HVAC equipment. If you are using a faulty or outdated air conditioning and heating system then chances are you aren’t being as cost effective or environmentally friendly as you can. You don’t always need to have the newest model per se, but if your HVAC equipment is more than four or five years old, or if you are unaware of your systems age, looking in to an upgrade can only help.

New climate control systems can help drastically reduce energy usage and environmental impact by lessening or eliminating any pollution the system outputs as well as increasing energy efficiency. Calling local professionals like Empire HVAC can help you get the information you need to know when updating your systems as well as helping you pick out and install the best one for you and your home.

Bottom Line

The best way to lessen the impact of HVAC systems on the environment is to examine all aspects of your life, how much energy you consume and how much of it you can change or reduce. This is our planet and it’s our responsibility to take care of it as best we can so that it will last as long as possible and harbor life for just as long.

Middle East Water Week Conference and Exhibition – December 9th –12th, Al Khobar, KSA

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A premier forum for discussing important issues in Produced Water and Industrial Water management will take place at the Middle East Water Week Conference & Exhibition in 2024, which will be held at the Kempinski Al Othman- Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This event, which aims to promote sustainable practices in water treatment, reuse and management, is slated from December 9th –12th and is hosted by Produced Water Society and organised by Energyte – Energy Technical Exchange.

middle east water week

The conference will feature eminent speakers and experts delving into the opportunities, challenges and technological advancements in water management. It will be chaired by Mr. Hani Al Khalifa, President of the Produced Water Society – Middle East Chapter. Ahmed Abouzaid, Region Director and Produced Water Chair (GaTney Cline Energy Advisory – Baker Hughes); Raghed Mallouhi, Sales Director and Industrial Water Chair (Veolia); and Mohammed AlMugahwi, Technology Deployment Supervisor and Awarding Evaluation Chair (Aramco) will also be part of the leadership.

Key subjects covered in the sessions will include industrial water solutions, produced water management, environmental regulations, technological services and treatment technology advancements. In light of the goal of the gathering, the Chairman stated, “We would like to invite all IOCs and NOCs to be key players in the growth and upkeep of this knowledge sharing as we work together to create a sustainable future. In the conference, we can bolster the region’s ambitions for a sustainable future and safeguard our priceless natural resources for future generations.”

The conference will be enhanced by an exhibition space that offers businesses a chance to present their technology and services. Businesses can establish new connections and strengthen existing ones with customers by using this platform. Because decisionmakers will be present, exhibitors can place themselves at the forefront of industry innovation by gaining insightful information about the market and receiving immediate feedback.

Special advantages are offered with sponsorship options, which include Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Gala Dinner choices. Discounted delegate registration, a full-page colour advertisement, press kit releases, VIP passes, free delegate passes, prime booth space and press kit releases are several of these.

The conference will also feature the prestigious Water Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to advancing water science, technology, management, and stewardship. These awards aim to celebrate the most innovative thinkers, collaborative leaders, and dedicated professionals in the water sector who are driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable water future.

Industry executives, public servants, environmental experts and innovators can network, gain knowledge and contribute to a sustainable future in water management at this conference and exhibition. Attend the Middle East Water Week Conference & Exhibition in 2024 to take part in a conversation about water sustainability that will change the water industry.

Visit the event website https://www.meproducedwater.com/ for more information

How Science Helped Our Homes be Energy-Efficient

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Technology is advancing every day and the need for more energy is also increasing. The linear progression of energy consumption is going to be bad for us all if not handled correctly, so energy efficiency has become a priority for every industry. The more advanced technology gets, the more energy sources are utilized. Homes nowadays use about double the energy homes in the 80s needed. Trying to conserve energy has been the sensible course of action; for the environment is mostly polluted by non-environmentally-friendly energy sources.

Conserving energy also means conserving money, it may be expensive to get all the environment-friendly system running at first, but it definitely saves a lot of money in the long run. Thanks to science, it is becoming a lot easier for people to make their homes run on efficient, cheaper and cleaner energy sources. We’ll be reviewing some of the best ways to make your home energy-efficient.

energy conservation guide

1. Smart Thermostat

When you’re switching from a common analog thermostat you may feel that a smart thermostat is just an overpriced thermostat. That is not really true, heating and cooling is responsible for about half the energy consumption in homes.

Smart thermostats sure cost more than ordinary ones, but they save you a lot of money. Some smart thermostats have the ability to remember the preferences of temperature and their time. Most of smart thermostats can be controlled remotely and work in sync with HVAC to control the temperature of your home from anywhere with internet access.

lowering-home-temperature

2. Magnetic Cooling

A technology based on the phenomenon of magnetocaloric—variance in temperature according to the magnetic field— was created by General Electric and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It was incorporated in refrigerators introducing water-based cooling fluid, which makes it more efficient and healthier in cooling while saving you energy and money.

3. Solar Panels

The solar panels used to be very expensive and out of reach for many homes, fortunately, nowadays getting the solar panels is much cheaper than it used to be 10 years ago. It is still expensive to set up and buy the panels, but if you can afford it, then you should definitely consider it.

The efficiency comes from the fact that you are producing your own energy/electricity instead of buying it from a provider. Solar energy is considered one of the cleanest sources of energy available, no pollution whatsoever to the environment.

4. Smarter Homes

A smart home means a house that you can control many of its elements through your electronic devices like phones and tablets. As long as the appliances in your home are connected to the internet it can provide you with live data so you could monitor it while you’re away. You can control lighting, temperature, air access, and humid with a few taps.

Also Read: Eco-friendly and Sustainable Home Security Systems

smart home

Final Thoughts

It may look like your home is a few steps away from becoming sentient, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for science to reach that point yet. Science is taking strides in home and quality of life improvement every day. You should always research the newest utilities and systems according to the level of convenience, you’re looking for that may, of course, suit on your budget. Have an energy efficient home!

La crise de l’eau en Égypte et la dégradation du Nil

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L’Égypte peine à gérer les pénuries d’eau et la production alimentaire. D’ici 2025, l’approvisionnement en eau de l’Égypte par habitant et par an devrait chuter de 600 m3 à 500 m3, ce qui correspond au seuil absolu de pénurie d’eau selon l’ONU. L’Égypte ne dispose que de 20 m3 de ressources intérieures en eau douce renouvelables par personne, ce qui entraîne la forte dépendance du pays vis-à-vis du Nil en tant que source d’eau principale.

Degeneration of Nile

La pénurie d’eau s’est tellement aggravée qu’on observe plusieurs jours sans eau dans certaines zones du pays, avec un retour des pressions ne durant parfois que quelques heures par semaine. Le pays doit agir sans tarder.

L’agriculture

L’agriculture contribue à environ 15 % du PIB de l’Égypte et représente 32 % de la main-d’œuvre, le riz étant la principale production agricole du pays. Le riz fait partie intégrante de l’alimentation d’une famille égyptienne. Cependant, la culture du riz consomme de fortes quantités d’eau. La production d’un kilo de riz nécessite environ 3 000 L d’eau en moyenne. Ce nombre varie en fonction du climat, du type de sol et des techniques de gestion de l’eau.

Dans certaines zones spécifiques du delta du Nil, le gouvernement a réduit la superficie de la surface allouée à la culture du riz à 400 000 ha (les agriculteurs pouvaient auparavant utiliser la majorité du delta du Nil). Le gouvernement a même eu recours à certaines mesures radicales, telles que l’utilisation de mélanges incendiaires sur les rizières cultivées en dehors de la zone affectée. Cette mesure a suscité l’indignation et des manifestations de la part des agriculteurs, qui objectent que la zone allouée ne suffit pas à subvenir à leurs besoins. De telles tensions causées par le manque d’eau furent l’un des éléments déclencheurs du Printemps arabe entre 2011 et 2012.

Afin d’apaiser les tensions et l’agitation populaires, le gouvernement tente d’augmenter l’approvisionnement en eau à travers la réutilisation des eaux usées traitées agricoles et municipales pour l’irrigation des cultures. Cependant, la mise en place de telles initiatives est trop lente pour faire face à l’augmentation de la demande.

Le gouvernement doit appliquer de nouvelles méthodes d’irrigation à travers le pays (les agriculteurs dépendent toujours fortement de l’irrigation par déversement et par canal dans le delta du Nil), ainsi que des techniques agricoles intelligentes, telles que l’utilisation de cultures moins exigeantes en eau. En ayant recours à des cultures moins gourmandes en eau, l’on pourrait considérablement réduire la quantité d’eau utilisée dans l’agriculture et contribuer à l’augmentation de l’approvisionnement en eau.

La pollution du Nil

Le rôle vital joué par le Nil en Égypte remonte au moins au temps des pharaons. Pourtant, malgré son importance pour les égyptiens, les eaux du plus grand fleuve au monde sont polluées par diverses sources, avec une augmentation exponentielle des niveaux de la pollution ces dernières années.

La dégradation du Nil est un problème souvent sous-estimé en Égypte. De nombreux habitants dépendent du Nil à des fins de consommation, d’agriculture et d’usage municipal. La qualité de l’eau devrait donc être une priorité. Les eaux sont principalement polluées par des rejets municipaux et industriels. On observe de nombreux incidents de fuite d’eaux usées, de dépôt de carcasses d’animal et d’émission de déchets industriels chimiques et dangereux dans le fleuve du Nil.

Les déchets industriels mènent à la présence de métaux (notamment de métaux lourds) dans l’eau, ce qui pose un risque significatif non seulement pour la santé humaine mais aussi animale, ainsi que pour la production agricole. Nombre de poissons meurent empoisonnés en raison des taux élevés d’ammoniaque et de plomb. La qualité et la quantité de la production agricole sont touchées par l’utilisation d’eaux non traitées à des fins d’irrigation, car les bactéries et les métaux présents dans l’eau nuisent à la croissance des produits végétaux, surtout dans le delta du Nil où la pollution est plus élevée.

canal-nile-trash

River Nile is commonly used for dumping of household trash

Naturellement, la pollution du Nil est un problème complexe vieux de plus de 30 ans, que le gouvernement tente de contenir par la mise en place de règles plus strictes sur la qualité et le type de déchets et d’eaux usées déversés dans le fleuve. Cependant, des mesures de nettoyage du Nil rapides et concrètes s’imposent, comme le traitement des eaux usées avant leur évacuation, et la mise en place de restrictions plus fermes pour une élimination des déchets industriels sûre et responsable. La question ne peut être ignorée plus longtemps, car la hausse continue de la population se reflétera sur la demande en eau, dont les ressources du pays s’amenuisent. Chaque goutte compte.

Le barrage du Nil Bleu

La construction d’un barrage et d’une centrale hydroélectrique en amont du fleuve par l’Éthiopie constitue un autre défi qui pourrait bien diminuer la part égyptienne du Nil. Depuis quelque temps, l’Égypte est particulièrement préoccupée par la construction du Grand barrage de la Renaissance éthiopienne (GERD) dans le bassin versant du Nil Bleu, une des sources principales du Nil.

Le barrage de la Renaissance, dont la construction a débuté en décembre 2010, peut contenir 74 à 79 milliards de m3 et générer 6 000 mégawatts d’électricité par an. Il s’agit d’une préoccupation majeure pour l’Égypte, qui craint que le barrage ne réduise la quantité d’eau (55,5 milliards de m3) qui lui parvient du Nil. Le GERD risque de libérer un débit d’eau insuffisant lors de la saison sèche, réduisant ainsi la quantité reçue en aval. Les tentatives égyptiennes de pallier les pénuries d’eau durant cette période se retrouveront fortement entravées.

Pollution of Nile River

Industrial pollution is wrecking havoc in Nile

Plus tôt dans l’année, l’Égypte, l’Éthiopie et le Soudan ont confié à deux entreprises françaises la rédaction d’un rapport sur les conséquences du barrage dans les trois pays. Ce rapport clarifiera les effets du barrage sur les pays situés en aval. Les résultats du rapport n’ont pas encore été rendus publics.

Conclusion

En cas de maintien du scénario actuel, l’Égypte risque de se retrouver en situation absolue de pénurie d’eau d’ici dix ans. Le pays devra ainsi lutter afin de garantir des conditions adéquates à sa population. À l’instar de nombreux autres pays qui manquent d’eau, l’Égypte doit atténuer la pénurie par la mise en place de techniques intelligentes de conservation de l’eau, par l’adoption de technologies économes en eau et par le contrôle de la pollution de l’eau.

Avec la hausse prévue de la sécheresse et des canicules dans la région MENA, l’Égypte ne peut se permettre de négliger ses politiques de conservation de l’eau. Elle doit prendre des mesures immédiates afin de répondre aux besoins en eau de la population.

Références

https://www.ecomena.org/egypt-water/

https://planetearthherald.com/egypt-faces-water-crisis-the-end-of-the-nile-as-we-knew-it/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/04/egypt-water-crisis-intensifies-scarcity

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2016/04/30/Egypt-must-preserve-its-lifeline-by-tackling-the-water-crisis-now.html

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/06/14/470358/Egypt-water-crisis-street-protests-Dakahlia-North-Sinai

https://phys.org/news/2016-04-egypt-avert-crisis-driven-demand.html

https://tcf.org/content/report/egyptian-national-security-told-nile/

https://ecesr.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ECESR-Water-Polllution-En.pdf

https://www.ukessays.com/essays/environmental-studies/water-pollution-in-egypt.php

https://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/ericeproduction/III.1_Water_usage_in_rice.htm

https://phys.org/news/2010-11-rice-production-withers-egypt.html

https://www.juancole.com/2016/06/conflict-ethiopias-renaissance.html

Translator: Cécile Lamhene

Cécile Lamhene est une traductrice indépendante de l’anglais vers le français. Après un master en traduction juridique, économique et technique à l’université de Lille, elle se spécialise dans le développement durable dans la région MENA et s’intéresse entre autres à l’agriculture, à l’élevage, à l’ingénierie, à l’énergie et à la gestion de l’eau.

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

4 Reasons to Give Eco-Friendly Gifts To Your Mom

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Giving eco-friendly gifts to your mom is the most rewarding gift you can give her. Why? By gifting these types of gifts to your mom, you’ll make her feel like she’s appreciated.

Fortunately, there are many ways to present sustainable gifts. First, you could just go online and browse through different online stores, then you’ll come across some amazing deals for eco-friendly gifts in just minutes. Second, go to the local craft store as they usually have some great offers for you. Last, but not least, consider giving eco-friendly gifts to your mom with the help of an expert craft person.

green-gifts-mom

In addition to making your mom feel that she has made the world a better place, but will also show her how important she is to the world, here are more reasons why you should give eco-friendly gifts to your mom:

1. Environmental Awareness

As many people are becoming aware of the damage and devastation that’s being inflicted on the environment, we’re seeing a rise in the number of environmentally friendly products that are now being offered. Since many people don’t have the time to go to the grocery store anymore, they’re looking for ways to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. If you have some extra money, you could make a difference with your purchases by buying beautiful and less harmful products.

green-living-seniors

When you’re choosing eco-friendly gifts, you want to make sure that you choose something that’ll be appreciated and be enjoyed by everyone that receives it, especially your mom. This is an important step to take when you’re trying to make your life a little easier and helping out the planet. Thankfully, you could always find a way to make your own eco-friendly products or even have someone else make them for you.

2. Non-Toxic Components

Another factor that makes green gifts an attractive option as a gift to your mom is the fact that the components aren’t toxic.

Many items these days contain harmful chemicals, like lead and chromium, which can be harmful to one’s health, especially if you’re sensitive to these components. Plus, prolonged exposure to these components can cause severe health issues, which will cost you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Furthermore, these components are really harmful to the ecosystem, like poisoning bodies of water or chemically damaging the home of local animals. When gifting eco-friendly gifts, you can rest assured that the components of the gift you chose are not only well built but safe for the environment and wouldn’t cause health issues, like lead poisoning.

3. Waste Reduction

Why do you need to give eco-friendly as a gift for your mother? As mentioned, since people are becoming more environmentally conscious in recent years, eco-friendly gifts are becoming increasingly popular. You may be surprised to know that a vast majority of people in the United States, for instance, will give some type of green product or item during the holidays, most of which are going to make them and the recipients feel good!

It’s important to make sure you understand the different options available and that you don’t just choose the first one that you come across. When dealing with waste reduction, you must consider all of the options, including the types of material used. There are also some gift options available that are better for the environment and better for the community. For example, some require less garbage to be thrown away, so it’s easier to be environmentally friendly and keep costs low.

4. Plenty Of Gift Ideas

There are many eco-friendly gift ideas you can choose from these days – green shopping has never been easier. From eco-friendly toothbrushes to eco-friendly jewelry pieces and more, you’ll certainly be able to find the best one.

plastic-bag-alternative

With so many options, you can easily find eco-friendly gifts for everyone. However, you should remember that while eco-friendly products are a great way to promote an eco-friendly cause, it should never compromise its quality and durability. With this in mind, you’ll definitely be able to find the best eco-friendly products.

If you’re ever unsure of which gift to get for your mum, it might be a good idea to visit a local shop and speak with an experienced professional who can help you generate ideas you might not have considered before. Granted, these ideas might not be eco-friendly, but it wouldn’t be difficult to take an idea and turn it into something that helps the environment.

Conclusion

In the end, there are a number of reasons to take on the responsibility of taking care of the environment and how this can benefit your family. Whether it’s an eco-friendly piece of jewelry or a clothing item made from recycled materials, there are a number of options available that can suit just about any individual, especially your mom.

How are Eco-friendly Properties Revolutionising the Housing Market?

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Sustainability has been a rising concern over recent years, and the term has become more familiar as carbon emissions and protecting the environment has soared to the top of people’s agenda. Due to the rising environmental concerns and public awareness, homeowners across the UK are relocating from traditional bricks and mortar to different types of property whereby eco-friendliness is the main concern.

sustainable-housing

Sustainable housing aims to diminish environmental impacts of building

Developed using environmentally friendly materials, properties that aim to have a limited effect on the environment are built to be as self-sufficient as possible. Through the use of natural resources such as wind and light, sustainable homes can significantly lower their carbon footprint and how much heat and power a homeowner consumes. These are the types of properties that are causing a dramatic change in the property landscape, and revolutionising the market in a way that no one could have ever predicted a couple of years ago.

As society becomes more eco-conscious, people are becoming more aware of the negative effects on the environment. According to a survey conducted by the Guardian, over two-thirds of millennials buy as many eco-friendly products as they can, and 66% of global respondents say that that they’re willing to pay more for products and services which come from companies that are committed to a positive social and environmental impact.

RW Invest is one of the UK’s leading property investment companies who develop all properties with an eco-conscious tenant in mind. West Point development in Manchester is complete with smart lighting and other eco-friendly features to keep utility bills to a minimum and reduce carbon footprint. The amount available to save depends on how many eco-friendly features your property has, although if your home is extremely reliant on features like solar panels, double glazed windows and smart lighting, the average eco-home cuts energy bills by 30%.

In today’s real estate market, sustainably building a property can significantly increase the value of a property compared to conventional houses. Energy efficient homes or those with high performing appliances can sometimes cost a little more to build, but a homeowner has the potential to make up the cost of construction and more when they come to sell. On the other hand, using recycled materials means a lower upfront cost as materials are more likely to be available and nearby, minimising the distance they need to be shipped therefore reducing the carbon footprint.

Not only is the construction of an eco-friendly home cheaper in most circumstances, but these particular properties also rely on renewable energy leading to reduce running costs as well as less maintenance involved after completion. Using less money on repairs and general maintenance of the property is a huge selling point should you wish to make a profit. The added lifespan of a brand-new eco-friendly property will ultimately lead to a higher value from home surveyors, increasing an initial investment.

Many homeowners are considering eco-friendly properties as smart investments. Smart investing is the process of making more calculated and researched decisions that satisfy your needs and financial goals for the future, as well choosing the best investment strategy at the time to let you maximise your wealth’s growth potential over the forthcoming years. Sustainable living and eco-friendly housing are revolutionising the property market, attracting a diverse range of individuals to a better, more efficient way of living.

نظرة على مشاكل تونس البيئية

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سيقودنا قلمنا هذه المرة إلى دولة إفريقية عربية تعد من بين أجمل البلدان و أعظمها من حيث تراثها المادي و اللامادي. إنها دولة تقع في شمال إفريقيا، يحدها من الغرب دولة الجزائر و من الشمال و الشرق البحر الأبيض المتوسط أما جنوبها الغربي فتحدها دولة ليبيا، و تتخللها واحات من النخيل و أشجار الزيتون، و أراض من القمح و الشعير.

إنها تونس العريقة، مزيج بين ما ترك الاسلاف من أقواس و أبواب و ما حباها آلله من سواحل و جبال و صحاري.

تتميز تونس بمناخ معتدل، فدرجات الحرارة معتدلة صيفا و شتاءا، فمناخها الرائع و موقعها الجغرافي الجميل، ساهم بشكل كبير في جلب السياح من مختلف أنحاء العالم، كما ساهم أيضا في جلب نوع آخر من السياح ألا و هم الطيور المهاجرة، حيث تتخد هذه الأخيرة تونس كمحطة للاستراحة خلال هجرتها من أروبا إلى إفريقيا جنوب الصحراء.

يقوم إقتصاد تونس أساسا على الزراعة و الفلاحة، حيث تعرف تونس بإنتاجها للحبوب، الزيتون، و التمور و تعرف أيضا بتصدير منتجاتها البحرية. كما أن تونس تعتمد على السياحة للرفع من اقتصادها و تقليص البطالة، حيث توفر كل ما يحتاجه السائح لقضاء عطلته بكل رفاهية، لكن الجدير بالذكر أن ما يجذب السياح ليس فقط الفنادق و المنتجعات السياحية و إنما طبيعة هذا البلد الخلابة، تنوع منظوماته البيئية بحيث نجد حوالي 69 منظومة طبيعية و اكثر من 7200 من الأصناف النباتية و الحيوانية البرية و البحرية.

فتميز هذا البلد على المستوى العالمي يكمن في مخزونه اللامادي من الأصناف و المنظومات و الموارد الجينية الذي يعتبر نقطة من نقاط قوة هذا البلد، كما أنها في نفس الوقت مكمن ضعف لما تشاهده تونس اليوم من مشاكل بيئية كبرى

أن تدهور الأنظمة الإيكولوجية الساحلية و البحرية و أنظمة المياه العذبة جاء نتيجة أنشطة الإنسان كالصيد الجائر، حرق الغابات، قطع الأشجار، الزحف العمراني و رمي النفايات في كل مكان جعل من المواطن التونسي مواطن غير مسؤول و غير واعي بأهمية تروثه الطبيعية.

المواطن ليس وحده المسؤول عن هذه المشاكل، فنجد من بين المشاكل ثلوث الهواء و المياه من طرف المنشآت الصناعية وأيضا مؤسسات الدولة التي تقف عاجزة عن اتخاذ أي قرار أو موقف لردع الخالفين مواطنين كانوا أو مؤسسات صناعية.

كما نلاحظ أيضا عجز الجمعيات عن أداء دورها كاملا إزاء تردي الأوضاع البيئية و عن إيجاد خطاب مناسب للتحسيس. و الملفت للنظر إيجابيا في تونس خلافا لباقي الدول العربية هو التصالح الواضح بين الجمعيات و مؤسسات الدولة و التطلع للعمل معا من أجل تحقيق أهداف مشتركة.

الهدف هو إبقاء تونس الخضراء ، و هذا لن يتأتى إلا بإدراك أهمية هذه المناطق و مواجهة هذه المشاكل باعتماد أسلوب العمل المتكامل المشترك ، و اتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة انطلاقا من دراسة علمية شاملة مسبقة للنمطقة من أجل التدخل الصحيح للحد من التدهور و معالجة الخطر القائم على التنوع البيولوجي.

و لتحسين المستوى البيئي للبلاد فالحل هو الطفل التونسي لأنه ركيزة البلاد و مستقبلها لذا من المهم جدا إدراج التربية البيئية في المناهج التربوية و المشاريع العملاقة و مخططات التنمية من أجل الانتقال من برامج التوعية إلى إنشاء جيل تونسي واعي بثروته الطبيعية و بأهمية المحافظة عليها و إستغلال موارده بعقلانية و استدامة.

Sand and Dust Storms in the Middle East: Facts to Know

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Sand and dust storms are regular occurrences around the world and more common in arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Middle East. Dust storms play an important role in global dust cycle, and can alter the radiative balance. It can damage agricultural crops and retard plant growth and alter the life cycle of the marine benthic organisms due to less sun light penetration into the sea floor. Dust storms can cause social disruption, economic loss and adverse impact on human health.

sand and dust storm

MENA region has been regularly witnessing extreme weather events in recent years

When the visibility is below 1000 meters on a dusty day, it is considered that dust storm is occurring. Sand and dust storms should not be confused with other types of dusts such as rising dust, suspended dust and haze. The former are mostly associated with dry and hot northerly and north-westerly winds locally whereas the latter are mostly caused by human activities. Many studies have shown that dust oscillation at local level is associated with strengthening and weakening of low level tropospheric wind. The dust storm occurs at any place when there is an interaction of weather event with soil and land management such as soil structure and vegetation cover.

Sand and Dust Storms in Arid Countries

The major source of sand storm in arid countries are the presence of desert itself. The Sahara Desert itself accounts for 25% of the suspended micro particles in the atmosphere. The total worldwide annual production of dust by deflation of soils and sediments was estimated to be 61 to 366 million tonnes. From Africa alone it is estimated that more than 100 million tonnes of dust per annum is blown westward over the Atlantic. Arabian Peninsula is also recognised as one of the major dust sources of the world.

The major source of present day sand and dust storms are the subtropical desert regions and the semi-arid and sub-humid regions, where dry exposed soil is subject to severe winds at the dry period of the year, i.e. the summer time. In the Gulf region, the regional sources of dust and sand are alluvial plains of southern Mesopotamia, Syrian Desert, Jordan and North Saudi Arabia. The dust storms in the region are dominated by Shamal winds, which is the local name for the northerly and north-westerly winds.

In the desert regions, there are two main factors that have been identified as causing sand and dust storms. These are geographic condition and climatic conditions. Some of the components of these two conditions are;

  • Loose and dry sand, dirt, lack of vegetation or land cover
  • Strong seasonal wind speed on the ground
  • Surface air turbulence due to huge amounts of radiation in the region
  • Vertical and unstable weather conditions,
  • Dry surfaces due to lack of rain.
  • Decrease in soil moisture and the soil/ sand binding capacity due to reduced or lack of rainfall
  • Anthropogenic factors such as land clearing and desertification

The frequency of dust storms during the summer time are more as it provides the most favourable climatic conditions for the same. Human induced changes are also considered as significant factors in increase in occurrences of dust storms in some non-arid regions.

Local and Global Impact of Dust Storm on Climate

Dust particles in the air, also known as dust aerosols, cause a shielding effect similar to rain cloud. Hence, dust aerosols can alter the climate by intercepting incoming radiation from the sunlight, reducing the net radiation at the surface during its occurrence. Net radiation is equal to absorbed sunlight minus thermal radiation emitted by the surface back to the atmosphere. This causes a local cooling effect for a temporary period of time. The temperature can reduce by 10C due to diminished sunlight falling onto the surface. However, dust aerosols differ from sulphate aerosols emitted from volcanic eruption activities.

dust storm in middle east

Sulphate aerosols are lofted into the stratosphere following the eruption. They reflect sunlight back into space and reduce the amount of radiative heating both within the atmosphere and at the surface. However, the displacement of solar heat away from surface at local level due to dust aerosol alters the Earth’s climate. The cooling effect can only remain for a short period of time as heat from surrounding warmer region gets transferred to the dust affected region to bring an equilibrium temperature distribution and hence offsetting the cooing effect. Therefore, the local temperature returns to normal after a short period of time.

Cooling effect of Arabian dust cloud can sometimes be extended from northern Asia to the Pacific and North America when the atmospheric circulation that connects the regions downwind to beneath the dust cloud.

air quality in abu dhabi

Effect on Sand and Dust Storm on Sustainability

Sand and dust storm can cause negative impacts on three pillars of sustainability; society, economy and environment. As the dust cloud rises, it reduces the horizontal visibility. Low visibility can affect human life in many ways. The fine suspended particles also contain contaminants, bacteria, pollens, which cause negative health impacts such as allergies and respiratory diseases.

Dust also carries air borne pollutants such as toxins, heavy metals, salt, sulphur, pesticides etc. They cause significant health impacts when people inhale the contaminated dust. Dusts can corrode buildings and other built infrastructure since it is contains high level of salts particularly in the dust storms of deserted gulf region.

Urban Development in Nouakchott – Perspectives and Challenges

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Nouakchott, capital city of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is the biggest city in the Sahara region. Like other major cities worldwide, the city is plagued by environmental, social and economic challenges. Sewage disposal network, dating back to 1960’s is no longer sufficient for Nouakchott. The country is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and woody biomass for meeting energy requirements, though there is good potential of solar, wind and biomass energy. Solid waste management is becoming a major headache for city planners. Population is increasing at a tremendous pace which is putting tremendous strain on meager civic resources.

nouakchott

Making of Nouakchott

Mauritania is a Western African country bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco, Algeria, Mali and Senegal. Most of its 1,030,700 km2 are covered by deserts. A country as wide as Egypt, it is only scarcely inhabited by some 3.500.000 people. A crossing of cultures, most of the country is inhabited by Arab nomads, the Moors, while the South is inhabited by the African Toucouleur and Soninke people.

Before the country became independent in 1960, the French founded the new capital city Nouakchott. Originally, Nouakchott was a city intended for 3.000 inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants were nomads and the city was established at a meeting place and cattle fair for the nomads. The etymology of the name may mean salt marsh or shore. The area is flat, protected from the sea by low dunes and originally bordered by savannah type vegetation.

After independence, the city grew very quickly, well beyond the expectation of its French founders. In the 1970’s Mauritania sided with Morocco in the Western Sahara war, and was badly defeated by the Polisario rebels. The war caused a massive arrival of refugees from the combat zones in Northern Mauritania. At the same time, drought and famine devastated the whole Sahel region which causes a large-scale refugee influx in the Nouakchott region.

Problems Galore

The arrival of refugees swelled the population of the city, making it the fastest growing city in the region, apart from causing a massive disruption in the environment. For decades, the majority inhabitants of Nouakchott lived in slums. The refugees came with their cattle and contributed to the destruction of existing savanna vegetation by overgrazing. The sand dunes quickly became loose and began to threaten the city from the East and North. Chaotic urbanization caused further environmental destruction, destroying the littoral zone.

The city also suffered social problems, as traditional ways of life disappeared. Former shepherds, agricultural workers and freed slaves became urban poor with little education and abilities to fit in a new economic model. The modern way of life lead to proliferation in plastics items and the landscape of Nouakchott got littered with all sorts of wastes, including plastic bags and bottles.

Nouakchott continues to grow with population crossing one million. However, there is stark absence of basic amenities in the city.  Apart from several wells, there are no potable water supplies. The city had no bituminous road beside the two main avenues until recently. The city lacks urban planning, wastewater management and waste management. The construction of harbour and urbanization has led to the destruction of the littoral dunes. The city is in real danger of being flooded in case of sea storm or high tide. The most threatened place is Tevragh Zeina, the most affluent part of the city.

Urban Development in Nouakchott

Nouakchott is a typical example of chaotic urbanization

Sand dunes are another cause of worry for Nouakchott. In the 1990’s a Belgian project for the construction of a green belt helped in stopping the progression of dunes. However, with expansion of the city, people have now started to build their dwellings in the green belt. The city is also at risk of being flooded in case of rain. In September 2013, during late rainy season, several parts of the city were flooded by rain. Parts of the city are still marked by semi-permanent sewage pools which are a major threat to public health.

Silver Lining

In recent year, environment and sustainable development have become a priority. The government has built roads in Nouakchott and constructed a water abduction system for bringing water from the Senegal River. Slums have been replaced by social dwellings for the poorest.  New schools, hospitals and universities are sprouting at a rapid pace.

Plans are underway to develop the interior of the country to stop internal immigration to Nouakchott. The country is also making made ambitious climate change strategies and has banned the use of plastic bags which has led to its replacement by biodegradable or reusable bags. Mauritania has rich biodiversity, especially in its sea. Infact, the country has many biodiversity hotspots which may attract people for ecotourism.

There are huge challenges to be tackled to transform Nouakchott into a modern city. Due to nomadic links, Mauritania’s Arabs have a special link to desert and are counted among the environmentally-conscious people of Western and North Africa. However considerable efforts are required to educate the people living in and around Nouakchott and motivate them to become an active participant in sustainable development of the city.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Food Wastes

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Food waste is one of the most prominent waste streams across Middle East.  The mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, fast-food joints and cafeterias in the region has resulted in the generation of huge quantities of food wastes. The proportion of food waste in municipal waste stream is gradually increasing and hence a proper food waste management strategy needs to be devised to ensure its eco-friendly and sustainable disposal.

food waste management

Food waste is an untapped energy source that mostly ends up rotting in landfills, thereby releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Food waste includes organic wastes generated in hotels, restaurants, canteens, cafeterias, shopping malls and industrial parks in the form of leftover food, vegetable refuse, stale cooked and uncooked food, meat, teabags, napkins, extracted tea powder, milk products etc. It is difficult to treat or recycle food waste since it contains high levels of sodium salt and moisture, and is mixed with other waste during collection.

The two main pathways for food waste management are:

  • Composting: A treatment that breaks down biodegradable waste by naturally occurring micro-organisms with oxygen, in an enclosed vessel or tunnel or pit
  • Anaerobic digestion or biogas technology: A treatment that breaks down biodegradable waste in the absence of oxygen, producing energy-rich biogas that can be used to generate electricity and heat.

Composting

​​Composting provides an alternative to landfill disposal of food waste, however it requires large areas of land, produces volatile organic compounds and consumes energy. Compost is organic material that can be used as a soil amendment or as a medium to grow plants. Mature compost is a stable material with a content called humus that is dark brown or black and has a soil-like, earthy smell.

food waste disposal

Compost is created by combining organic wastes (e.g., yard trimmings, food wastes, manures) in proper ratios into piles, rows, or vessels; adding bulking agents (e.g., wood chips) as necessary to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials; and allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process.

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion has been successfully used in many countries to stabilize food wastes, and to provide beneficial end-products. Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Germany and England have led the way in developing new advanced biogas technologies and setting up new projects for conversion of food waste into energy.

Biogas from MSW

Anaerobic digestion is a reliable technology for treatment of organic fraction of MSW

Anaerobic digestion technology is the best possible utilization of food waste. A biogas plant is a decentralized energy system, which can lead to self-sufficiency in heat and power needs, and at the same time reduces environmental pollution caused for food waste.

Among the different types of organic wastes available, food waste holds the highest potential in terms of economic exploitation as it contains high amount of carbon and can be efficiently converted into biogas and organic fertilizer. Food waste can either be utilized as a single substrate in a biogas plant, or can be co-digested with organic wastes like cow manure, poultry litter, sewage, crop residues, abattoir wastes etc.

Things You Should Know About The Dangers of Asbestos

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The use of asbestos has been a widespread issue that continues to impact countries on a global scale. As a favored material used in buildings and construction projects throughout the 20th century, asbestos held an incredible appeal as a mineral known for its heat and fire resistant properties.

For decades, this substance was synonymous with manufacturing and development. However, it was soon discovered that once asbestos was disturbed or damaged, the fibrous material could have a fatal effect on those that came into contact with it.

asbestos use in construction industry

Asbestos in the United States

Despite its known dangers, asbestos continues to pose a threat, especially in the construction industry. Every year, around 125 million people around the world experience occupational exposure to asbestos. Much has been done to raise awareness about the substance, yet asbestos is still allowed in construction materials and supplies throughout the United States as 1 percent of the product. Along with this, its more prominent presence in older buildings presents a high risk to construction workers during the renovation and demolition of these structures.

As a result, asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of occupational cancer in the U.S. Construction workers are one of the leading groups that suffer from asbestos exposure, with demolition crews at the forefront in their frequent contact with damaged and contaminated rubble. However, the same can be said for a variety of professionals that repair and refurbish structures built before 1970.

The construction industry can be broken down into a number of specialized vocations, from home renovators to tile setters, carpenters, and plumbers. Asbestos fibers can spread throughout a jobsite through contact, which can further expose family members and loved ones if the material is brought into the home.

There are an estimated 4,000 construction materials that once regularly contained some form of asbestos, including shingles, pipe insulation, paints, and cement. Across such a broad spectrum of supplies and substances, this means that a wide array of construction workers risk exposure to asbestos on a daily basis. Today, these materials may still contain asbestos, given that they meet governmental guidelines.

Asbestos Globally

The risks of asbestos also continue to plague many nations around the world. The Middle East was once used as a hub for asbestos well into the late 20th century, along with the boom in oil drilling. As more and more urbanization and infrastructure projects were taking place, asbestos was being continually brought into the environment.

In the 1960s around 20 percent of asbestos could be found in the Middle East. Although almost 60 individual countries around the world have taken measures to ban asbestos, the material is often still found on construction sites due to global regulation disparity and misinformation or ignorance.

Additionally, in places like South Africa and Canada that once thrived on the mining of asbestos, the dangers of exposure remain prevalent. Because the effects of asbestos inhalation can take decades to present themselves, those who worked with the mineral years ago may still be at a high risk.

Towns neighboring these mines and other construction sites often see the negative impact of asbestos as it is carried out and spread into the environment. Since mining asbestos can send the particles into the air, secondhand exposure was also very common. Despite South Africa’s prohibition of asbestos in 2008, much of the region’s environment is polluted and in some cases, unlivable.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, has direct correlation with asbestos exposure

Impact on Public Health

Why is this naturally sourced mineral so harmful? Over time, asbestos has been linked to serious cases of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and various cancers. Once the fibrous material has been inhaled, they attach to the lining of the lungs and other respiratory organs. As time passes, these fibers cause irritation and can have a serious impact on health.

Mesothelioma, specifically, is known for its direct correlation to asbestos exposure. This rare form of cancer is especially fatal, as symptoms can take anywhere from 20-50 years to develop. As mesothelioma has a low survival rate, few patients survive more than five years once the symptoms are present and just about 55 percent live longer than six months. There are three strains of Mesothelioma: pleural (in the lung lining,) peritoneal (in the abdomen lining,) and pericardial (in the heart lining).

Asbestos has made a significant impact on the world at large. Despite its beneficial fire resistant properties, the material has too negative of an impact on the health of those exposed to it to be fit for use.

Despite the stricter regulations many nations have put into place, asbestos is still found in numerous older buildings and homes, putting those who renovate and inhabit them at risk. To this day, asbestos is continuously used and mined in several countries. However, if legislation continues towards a global ban on asbestos, and the construction industry moves to educate and take extra precautions when handling materials containing the substance, these harmful effects may become less detrimental.

Information Resources

http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs343/en/

https://www.ecomena.org/asbestos-waste-management-in-mena/

http://www.afro.who.int/news/asbestos-use-continues-africa-despite-severe-health-warnings

A Beginner’s Guide to Greenhouse Gardening

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If you’ve ever been interested in greenhouse gardening, you aren’t alone. Greenhouse gardening lets you grow plants on an extended schedule or have things that you wouldn’t normally be able to grow in your area.

If you’re thinking about greenhouse gardening, the following are some of the main things to know as you get started.

introduction to greenhouse gardening

Types of Greenhouses

There are a few main types of greenhouses you’ll initially choose from, including:

  • A cold frame greenhouse is one designed to rely on natural heat from the sun. The sun’s heat creates a microclimate for plants that’s warmer than the air outside. You can extend your growing season, particularly in the weeks that are transitional between seasons.
  • Portable greenhouses come in a range of sizes and designs, and some are small enough to fit on a balcony if you’re in an urban area.
  • Raised bed greenhouses are good for limited spaces, and they are also portable.

When you have a greenhouse, it’s going to work generally by converting light energy to heat. Light will enter a greenhouse, and then it’s trapped by the surrounding material. The light is absorbed by the plants in your greenhouse, and then as part of that, it’s turned into heat energy which remains trapped in your greenhouse. The environment is ideal for plants to thrive no matter the season.

The Benefits

The following are some of the primary benefits that come with having a greenhouse:

  • You get an extended growing season without restrictions on what you grow and when you can grow it. You can plant just about anything, anytime you want. Your garden greenhouse creates a climate that’s warm all year round. You can control the temperature and the growing environment, so you can also start to plant earlier or later in the season. Greenhouse plants you might grow throughout the year include peppers, summer squash, cucumbers, and strawberries.
  • Greenhouse gardens give you more pest prevention. When you plant in the open, it means that animals and bugs are going to have easy access. It’s a lot tougher for pests to get in a greenhouse. You may be able to grow without pesticides at all. As a result, you’re going to get truly organic produce.
  • If you opt for a portable greenhouse, you can move it around different areas of your outdoor space or take it with you if you move.
  • You’re not limited to growing certain foods based on the climate where you live.
  • When your plants are in a greenhouse, there’s a stable environment, so they’re not at the mercy of the elements, which can include major fluctuations in temperature or excessive rain or wind.
  • Since the conditions are more consistent, along with your plants being more likely to survive in a greenhouse, they’re also likely to be healthier.
  • You can have more variety in what you grow. For example, all in one location, you can start seeds, grow exotic plants, and do vertical gardening.
  • You might get a mood boost from spending time in your greenhouse. You can get out of the house even in the cold weather months, and it may help if you have symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Are There Downsides?

As with anything, there are some downsides to keep in mind before you jump in headfirst to greenhouse ownership.

greenhouse-design-ideas

Knowing about these downsides is just as important as knowing the benefits of a greenhouse. One of the main downsides that you have to weigh is the fact that building a greenhouse can be pricey. Greenhouse kits can cost anywhere from $750 up to almost $6,000, on average. Once you have a greenhouse, you might want to use it more, so you’re going to garden more and need the supplies that come along with that, such as soil and fertilizer.

While the upfront costs can be somewhat expensive, the good news is that operating and maintaining a greenhouse generally isn’t.

Having a greenhouse can get time-consuming because you might spend a lot of time working in it, but for you, this may not be a downside.

While a greenhouse can keep your plants safe and pest-free, if you bring in one plant that has a disease or pests, it can quickly spread whatever it is to the other plants when they’re in an enclosed greenhouse environment. You have to make sure your greenhouse is healthy and clean.

Since greenhouses keep out the majority of pests, that means that pollinators like bees are kept out. If you’re growing plants requiring pollination, as such, you have to do it by hand.

Starting Your At-Home Greenhouse

If you’ve weighed both the pros and cons and decided you want to start a small greenhouse at your house, what should you do to plan it?

  • Think about your goals. What types of vegetables and plants are you planning to grow, and how many of them do you want to ideally accommodate? You also might consider whether you want your greenhouse to double as storage for your tools and gardening equipment.
  • You want to choose the perfect site for a greenhouse because this is one of the most important parts. For example, how much sunlight does the site you’re thinking about regularly get? Do you want your greenhouse further away or closer to your home? Do you want to be able to access it quickly?
  • Will your greenhouse be attached or detached? An attached greenhouse shares a wall with your house, while a detached is standalone. An attached greenhouse gets heated air from your home in the winter, keeping it warm, but it can also be more difficult to heat in the winter. A detached greenhouse, by contrast, can have more ventilation, which is good during the summer.
  • How will you heat and cool your greenhouse outside of the sun itself?

Finally, what’s your budget? You can do the labor yourself and save quite a bit of money. If you hire someone else to build your greenhouse, in addition to the costs of the materials or the kit you use, labor can be anywhere from $50 to $200 an hour.