EV Battery Recycling Methods for the Middle East

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Following global transitions, the Middle East is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable transportation, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more popular and widespread. This transition is driven by the global commitment to reduce carbon emissions and adopt more sustainable energy solutions. However, with the rise of EVs comes the serious challenge of managing used batteries. Developing proper recycling methods to reduce waste and recover valuable materials from EV batteries is very important.

EV battery

This article explores EV battery recycling in the Middle East, including existing initiatives, recycling methods, challenges, and prospects.

Why EV Battery Recycling is Important

EV batteries, mainly lithium-ion, have a lifespan of eight to fifteen years. However, they are considered used at around 70-80% capacity. As EVs become more popular, the region faces a challenge in reducing the waste of increasing numbers of used batteries. Without proper handling, these used batteries can lead to environmental hazards, including water and soil contamination from the metals inside them.

On the other hand, efficiently recycling used batteries can recover valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel and reduce the need for new mining operations. This, as well as simply reusing used batteries in other industries, supports the circular economy and reduces waste.

Methods for EV Battery Recycling

Pyrometallurgy (Smelting)

Traditional method involving high-temperature processing to extract valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper. It is highly effective for these metals, excluding lithium. It also requires high energy consumption and results in high carbon emissions. This could be an option for the Middle East, with improvements in energy efficiency and emission control.

Hydrometallurgy (Chemical Extraction)

Chemical solutions are used to dissolve battery materials and recover the metals. This method requires lower energy consumption and generates less pollution. It also recovers more lithium than smelting. For the Middle East, this could be the ideal solution, with the only challenge being managing the chemical waste.

EV battery recycling

Direct Recycling

This method maintains the structure of cathodes inside the batteries, allowing them to be reused in new batteries. It reduces the need for mining, has a low environmental impact, and is more cost-effective for battery manufacturers. This could be a great solution for the Middle East to produce new batteries locally and import less.

Second Life Applications

Most used EV batteries are still at around 70-80% capacity when deemed inadequate for EVs. These can be repurposed for solar energy storage, grid stabilization, or backup power generators for homes. This solution is excellent for the Middle East as it is affordable and sustainable, and many countries already invest in solar energy projects.

EV Battery Recycling Initiatives in the Middle East

A few countries in the Middle East have started addressing the challenges of EV battery recycling, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE has taken a big step towards establishing a sustainable EV battery life cycle with two main initiatives. The Beeah project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the American University of Sharjah, plans to develop the first recycling plant for used EV batteries.

The second is the Witthal Gulf Industries’ project, which, in partnership with Kezad Group, will establish a lithium battery recycling plant with a capacity to process 5,000 tons of battery waste annually. These efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert EV batteries from landfills align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goal.

Saudi Arabia also plays an essential role in the EV battery supply chain through its Lithium Processing Agreement. In 2021, they became the first country in the Middle East to establish battery-processing capacity by signing an agreement with EV Metals Group to build a battery chemicals complex in Yanbu Industrial City. In 2022, the Saudi EV brand Ceer was announced with a goal of producing 500,000 EVs by 2030. These, along with several other efforts, show the kingdom’s commitment to being a key player in the supply chain and life cycle of EV batteries.

Challenges in EV Battery Recycling

The Middle East is facing several challenges in establishing EV battery recycling infrastructure, including:

  • Technological limitations: some recycling methods require technologies and expertise that are still developing in the region.
  • Economic feasibility: the high costs of the recycling processes discourage investors.
  • Regulatory frameworks: policies and governance regulations are still in development and may lead to inconsistencies in the industry.
  • Public awareness: the public is unaware of the importance of recycling EV batteries, which can result in difficulties with collection and recycling.

Future Prospects and Recommendations

To overcome these challenges and establish a sustainable life cycle for EV batteries in the Middle East, the following strategies can be applied:

  • Invest in research and development: this can lead to tailoring cost-effective and efficient recycling technologies for the region.
  • Develop regulatory frameworks: clear policies and regulations provide more structure and encourage compliance and standardization.
  • Foster partnerships: public-private collaborations help join resources and expertise, accelerating the achievement of a shared goal.
  • Enhance public awareness: educational campaigns promote participation and compliance of the public.

Conclusion

The Middle East is transitioning towards more sustainable transportation solutions, and addressing the challenges that come with them is increasingly important. EV battery recycling initiatives are emerging in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, showing their commitment to developing a circular economy. By investing in technology, developing regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaborations, the region can pave the way for a sustainable life cycle for EV batteries and contribute to global environmental goals.

References

https://www.beeahgroup.com/beeah-recycling-uae-ministry-of-energy-infrastructure-and-american-university-of-sharjah-to-launch-uaes-first-ev-battery-recycling-facility/

https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/how-saudi-arabia-and-morocco-are-shaping-the-ev-battery-supply-chain

https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/how-saudi-arabia-and-morocco-are-shaping-the-ev-battery-supply-chain

5 Most Environmentally Friendly Colleges in the United States

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Education is only effective when it is combined with real change that impacts the world we live in. Selecting a college to study in can be a bit challenging as there are a plethora of factors you consider before choosing the best option. Some of these factors are education quality, study-life balance, healthy competition between students, co-curricular activities, and more. One other essential factor that a lot of people fail to consider is how environmentally friendly the university is. How can a college be environmentally-conscious, you may ask? To begin with, having many plants on campus and following eco-friendly practices for day-to-day college activities are some ways to do the same.

top 5 environmentally friendly colleges in the USA

Climate change impacts everything, and educational institutions are not exempt from taking responsibility for making the world better. Existing in harmony with nature ensures that we all have a healthy and hopeful future. Students need an environment where they feel safe and connected to nature to perform as well as they can in their academics.

Here are the top 5 environmentally friendly colleges in the United States

1. Colorado State University

Known as a very eco-friendly university in the United States, Colorado State University was the first ever university campus to get platinum status in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System. Other than this, the campus has taken initiatives to introduce eco-friendly projects such as a food scrap and waste reduction program. This program managed to reduce the number of leftovers at college events and prevent food wastage. The project also aims to provide students with access to healthy food whenever and wherever.

Apart from this, Colorado State University has aimed for 100% carbon neutrality before the end of this decade. The campus is one of the best sustainable and eco-conscious colleges in the whole country and is an excellent place to pursue your on-campus or online environmental science degree. This is an excellent example of the initiative the modern educational institution can partake in to manage its impact on the environment.

2. University of Virginia

A worthy recipient of the Green Ribbon Schools award given by the U.S. Department of Education, this university has worked hard over the last decade to make its campus a sustainable and harmonious environment for humans. The initiative recognizes schools and universities that practice sustainable habits and invites them to an exclusive ceremony where they receive the award and much-needed media attention. The University of Virginia ranks among the top 10 law schools in the US, according to LSAT experts, TestMaxPrep.com. With such a great green initiative by the university, it certainly makes it one of the finest campuses to study law.

The University of Virginia encourages and promotes sustainability among students and faculty members. They do this using diverse programs such as the Recycling and Waste Diversion program, the Green Workplace program, and the Green Labs program. These projects do an essential job of informing and educating students to minimize the amount of waste they create in their daily lives.

This college and other “green” institutions like to make their students understand the need for eco-friendly living. They often do it by adding some assignments associated with the environment and its protection. There are so many eco-friendly projects conducted at the university that many students think, “I would love it if someone could write my college research paper for me.” If that is your thought process, you can always contact a professional writing service. Their experts can write some essays for you to reveal some of your academic pressure.

3. Green Mountain College

As its name implies, Green Mountain College is an efficient and sustainable education leader in the country. The university was one of the first campuses in the United States to be awarded the reputed EPA Energy Star Campus recognition award. This recognition boosted the campus’ eco-friendly goals and pushed it in a greener direction.

Green Mountain College wants to convert to using renewable energy completely and be 100% carbon-neutral by 2030. Being very student-forward, the university’s sustainable actions are led by its graduates and students. One of its notable eco-friendly projects, the college’s biomass facility, was created and designed by students themselves and continues to be maintained the same way. Apart from learning essential things such as writing tips and marketing skills, the students at Green Mountain College learn to love and be one with nature early on in life.

4. Arizona State University

Known as a pioneer and industry leader among other eco-friendly colleges, Arizona State University launched its impressive “Carbon Project” to eliminate as much of its carbon emissions as possible. To do this, the campus planted more trees inside the university and allowed departments to shift to using electric vehicles.

environmentally-friendly college

The campus also began adopting carpool arrangements for its teachers and students and urged everyone to use sustainably-produced products. The university also often collaborates with ethical companies that practice fair trade labor practices. The college’s administration has always encouraged its students to take up eco-friendly and environment-based research projects to raise awareness and educate themselves.

5. The University of North Carolina

Another well-known environmentally-conscious college with the intent of attaining complete sustainability, the University of North Carolina intends to accomplish the following three goals:

  • No waste sent into landfills
  • Zero greenhouse gas emissions
  • Minimal usage of water and resources

In addition to this, the campus has invested a lot of resources in minimizing waste and constructing buildings that are energy efficient. It motivates its students and teachers to use transportation options that are friendlier to the environment. Unity among teachers, staff, students and the local community allows the university to take small steps towards sustainability that help them reach bigger goals. The campus also hosts numerous events to raise awareness about the preservation and conservation of the environment.

Conclusion

Every college wants to be green, but not all of them can achieve their goals effectively. To truly achieve complete harmony between nature and modern life, a campus must provide students with a conducive environment that keeps them close to nature. The colleges mentioned above are following essential sustainability practices to mitigate the effects of global warming. So, if you want to study at a university that cares about global well-being and ecology, the colleges on our list are worthy candidates for you.

5 Effective Ways to Improve E-Waste Management and Recycling

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Arguably, e-waste is fast becoming the defining issue of our age. Sure, plastics are a huge problem, and the true impact of our plastic production and consumption is only now coming to light. However, recent shifts in attitudes towards single-use packaging and other forms of non-recyclable plastics seems to be making some traction, and across the globe people are beginning to wake up to the destructive consequences of our reliance on plastics of all types.

ewaste-mobiles

The increase in electronic waste, however, shows no sign of slowing. Current estimates suggest that around two-thirds of the world population own a smartphone, with the average device thought to last around two to three years. That’s around 5 billion devices in circulation, and those numbers are growing year on year.

Smartphones may well be the most visible piece of the e-waste puzzle, but today, we are literally surrounded by tech at every turn. From the computers and laptops we use for work to the TVs and Bluetooth speakers we use to unwind. And let’s not forget, we are on the cusp of a new revolution in tech that is set to bring even more devices into our homes and offices—the Internet of Things.

Each of these highly complex products contain multiple materials that defy easy disposal or recycling. Additionally, many of the components within tech devices may be toxic when left to decompose in landfill, with lithium-ion batteries being particularly harmful to the environment. It is clear then, that both businesses and individuals need a better approach to e-waste management.

In this article, we will take a look at how you and your business can begin to improve e-waste management and recycling.

1. Buy Less

This statement is true for almost any type of product or resource. Buy less and make it last. Of course, the fast-paced nature of the tech world is always pushing you to purchase the latest models. However, when your devices are working perfectly well, do you really need the latest upgrade? Will it make your office run more smoothly? Will it increase sales or customer engagement.

Often, new devices bring diminishing returns if you keep up with the very latest trends. Why not hold onto your tech for just a little longer, or only replace it when it is broken. Maximising a products usefulness is the first step to minimizing electronic waste.

2. Donate Old Devices

If you must replace devices with the latest models, ensure that old devices and equipment that is still functioning is not left to gather dust or just dumped. Just because your FinTech company requires the fastest processors and latest software doesn’t mean that NGOs and other poorly funded organisations do.

Ewaste-Management

3. Check for Manufacturer Recycling Programs

Today, responsible companies are increasingly offering e-waste recycling programs specifically designed for the devices they manufacture. This provides two benefits: Firstly, since the companies who manufactured the devices have the tools and knowledge to disassemble them correctly, more resources can be recycled and reused.

Secondly, many manufacturers such as Apple, provide discounts and incentives to businesses and individuals on new products. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

4. Embrace the Cloud

Cloud computing has come a long way in recent years. Today, cloud storage in particular is already cheaper and more efficient than terrestrial storage. Additionally, SaaS generally requires minimal tech to run and little to no maintenance on the IT side. This allows you to cut down on new physical devices, such as servers or other storage options, and rely more on cloud-based solutions that centralize tech and prioritize sustainability.

5. Ensure E-Waste is Correctly Sorted and Tracked

When prevention is not an option, and in particular when devices are no longer functional, proper recycling is critical to ensure e-waste is kept out of landfill. Whether for small, regular collections or larger one-offs, companies such as RTS can help provide you with transparent services designed to let you track and monitor your e-waste at every stage of the journey—ensuring more of the e-waste you or your company creates is properly and responsibly recycled.

Climate Change Impacts on Public Health: Perspectives for Arab World

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Climate change is not only affecting the economies of Arab world but also having detrimental impacts on the very fabric of society, through threats to public health and livelihoods. Climate change in the Arab world is also exacerbating social inequalities, hitting the rural poor the hardest.

This is not a reason for complacency amongst the wealthy urban classes. Basic humanitarianism aside, history suggests that physical hardships can breed wider unrest: a body of evidence suggests that poor harvests caused by a major Icelandic volcanic ash cloud in 1783 triggered no less an event that the French Revolution.

climate-change in GCC

Extreme weather events and spread of diseases

With the Arab world already plagued by endemic unemployment and high inequality, it would be easy to see how global warming could play a significant role in socio-economic development and future political and geo-political events.

There is no doubt that, globally, we are seeing a much higher incidence of extreme weather events than seen since record-keeping began. Aside from a few nay-sayers, the scientific consensus is that climate change is causing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and cyclones. It is putting increasing pressure on crops and crop yields, both through more extreme temperatures and increase in insect attacks; it is creating a fertile environment for the spread of epidemics.

Impacts on public health

Climate change is adversely affecting our health which is becoming more severe with each passing year. The human catastrophe caused by violent sandstorms is not limited to the recent tragic events in India. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges that sandstorm dust is a major source of respiratory diseases in a number of countries, particularly in the Middle East & North Africa.

sand-dust-storm

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

Climate change is impacting on wind patterns, which in turn is contributing to the transfer of dust, pollen, bacteria, mold and other allergens, in the air, especially in extreme heat. Morocco and Algeria have experienced unprecedented pandemics and outbreaks of diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies that were, until recently, considered things of the past.

Well-established infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue are again on the prowl, and various new diseases, such as Rift Valley Fever and Horse Plague, are emerging.

Time for action

Research has shown that the average temperature in the MENA region will increase by around 2 degrees Celsius by 2050 in parallel with a depletion of the ozone layer protecting us from cancer-inducing higher levels of ultraviolet. These sobering facts should goad us into action.

While it may be too late to prevent much of climate change occurring, we are not yet too late to mitigate its worst impacts. Individuals, corporations and governments all need to accelerate programmes to minimize further worsening climate change, alongside introducing adaptation measures to reduce the health consequences associated with known climate change impacts. MENA governments need to do much more to incentivize the reduction in greenhouse gas and particulates emissions. We are well-placed to benefit from the advances in solar power and battery storage technologies – in our cars, our businesses and in our homes.

Crop biodiversity needs to be fostered; alongside programmes to ensure heat and drought-resistant crops are being planted in high-risk areas. Sustainability needs to be embraced at every level in society – from building design and manufacturing processes to end-of-life recycling. Medical sector also needs to be prepared to deal with changing patterns as a result of climate change, to avoid significant negative impacts on vulnerable communities.

Conclusion

Climate change is a world problem, but Arab countries will be amongst the worst affected, if we don’t act now. It should therefore be a top priority on our governments’ agendas to protect their citizens before it is too late.

Energy Efficiency Implementation in GCC’s Residential Sector: Actions and Technical Requirements

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The huge existing stock of residential units in the GCC region, and the expected growth in residential construction projects, convey different challenges at the time of energy efficiency implementation. New developments require the definition and the enforcement of standards to be included at the design process; while owners and users of existing units require motivation and financial strategies to implement different levels of energy efficiency actions.

A set of actions and requirements have been identified to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings, these include core management actions and specific technical requirements; and are defined for new developments and for already existent residential units.

New developments

New developments have the advantage of being able to incorporate energy efficiency features from the design, including improved building techniques, careful material selection and installation of control features that convey into lower energy requirements during the lifetime of the unit. Seven management actions have been defined for the achievement of energy efficiency in new residential units. Most of these actions must be initiated by the administration (or government) and then reach momentum with the developers.

Awareness raising implies communicating to the public the need for being less oil dependent and motivating such transition trough economic incentives and taxes. These steps also require the administration to design and enforce minimum building standards and to support the availability of service providers, suppliers and materials in line with the defined standards. A great example in some countries of the Gulf are the strict requirements for imports, manufacturing and installation of air conditioning.

Actions and technical requirements for energy efficiency implementation in the residential sector – New Developments

During the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the units is where the energy efficiency tasks are implemented and where specific adherence to technical requirements is due. The main categories of such requirements are included within the building envelope and building orientation, mechanical and electrical features, HVAC systems and thermal insulation. Minimum standards for these categories have been already defined within the Building Codes of some countries.

For the lifetime usage of the residence, other aspects are to be taken into consideration. Amongst these we find the acquisition of energy efficient home appliances such as refrigeration units, freezers and water heaters. It is also important the exclusive use of LED lighting, the inclusion of daylight control systems and even the consideration of PV systems. Equally important are the maintenance, monitoring and verification tasks to ensure that the design efforts reflect in energy savings during the occupancy of the building.

Existing residential units

Implementation of energy efficiency measures in existing residential units has an added level of complexity due to the cost involved and the additional work required. Core management actions for energy efficiency implementation of existing residential units. It is very important to motivate current owners and users to make the transition pointing out their personal and financial well-being from the modifications.

The odds for energy efficiency implementation increase when financing schemes for capital investment, that will be offset by future savings, are made available and broadly communicated.

Every housing unit differs in performance and needs; therefore, a basic energy audit is required to identify the opportunities for each situation. According to the resources available and the desired outcome, the opportunities are then selected for implementation. Three levels of interventions or technical requirements have been defined and grouped from ease of implementation and lower cost to more costly and efficient options.

Actions and technical requirements for energy efficiency implementation in the residential sector – Existing Units

The first level interventions include housekeeping, such as behavioral changes for switching off unnecessary lights and appliances, repairs of air leaks and filtration, and basic weatherization of the unit shell. It is important to run maintenance on air conditioning systems and regular cleaning and replacement of filters. Installation and proper setting of thermostats and LED lighting retrofit are other easy but effective measures.

Second level interventions include the replacement of energy inefficient appliances (i.e. refrigerators and freezers) and the installation of at least standard efficiency cooling systems. Building features shall be adjusted for minimum adherence to the building code.

Third level interventions are higher in cost but greater in savings. These include the implementation of a high-performance cooling system which can save up to 35%, and insulation of walls and roofs with close to 25% in energy savings. Other interventions include daylight control systems, and windows and door replacements to add shading features, glazing or adjustment of the dimensions window to wall ratio.

المبيدات الزراعية الكيماوية

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عمل الإنسان منذ عصور قديمة على إفساد البيئة التي يعيش فيها وأخل بتوازنها وجلب لنفسه مخاطر ومشاكل عديدة لم يقدر على تحملها ، من جراء كثرة الملوثات مثل نفايات المصانع والمنازل والمزارع ومخلفات المدن والمواد البلاستيكية ووسائل النقل والمبيدات والأسمدة …وتعتبر المبيدات الزراعية من أهم وأخطر ملوثات البيئة فهي مواد كيميائية سامة تستخدم لمكافحة الآفات وتؤثرعلى العمليات الحيوية للعديد من الكائنات الحية ، وهي أيضاً سامة للإنسان والحيوان.

وقد أحدث الإنسان تغييراً في التوازن البيئي في مناطق عديدة، بإستغلاله لها واستثماره لأرضها، فعدد الحيوانات التي تعيش في المناطق إنقرضت بسبب الإخلال في التوازن، وأصبح يتزايد على نطاقات واسعة، وهذا السبب الأصلي في وجدود الآفات المعروفة.ولكي يبني توازناً جديداً، ويقاوم الحيوانات والنباتات الضارة، إنصب إلى إستخدام بعض المنتجات الكيماوية التي تتزايد كميتها وتزداد خطورتها يوماً بعد يوم. ولا يوجد مزارع إلا ويعرف حجم الخسائر التي تسببها دودة القطن، وأسراب الجراد…. وغير ذلك من الآفات .

قديماً فكَّر الإنسان في وسيلة للحد من مخاطر تلك الآفات على النباتات مستخدماً في سبيل ذلك وسائل مختلفة، فكان يستخدم نبات العنصل للقضاء على الفئران،كما كانت مكافحة أسراب الجراد تتم بطرق بدائية، لم تحقق المرجو منها إلا في حالات خاصة عندما تكون أعداد تلك الأسراب محدودة،كما كانت تستخدم بعض مشتقات النباتات الطبيعية،ومع التطور تم اللجوء إلى إستخدام مخلوط بوردو الذي يتركب من كبريتات النحاس والكلس الحي والماء، ومستحضرات تتضمن الزئبق والرصاص والكبريت،وتتصف هذه المواد بترسباتها الخاملة التي يمكن لها أن تتراكم في التربة ملوثة إياها لتُغسل فيما بعد إما بالأمطار أو بواسطة الري بالمياه،محمولة إلى المياه الجارية والأنهار مؤدية إلى موت الأحياء المائية.وقد بدأ إستخدام المبيدات الكيماوية في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية عام 1967 حينما استخدم مركب أخضر باريس الزرنيخي لمكافحة خنفساء كولورادو ثم استخدم هذا المبيد مع الكيروسين لمكافحة العديد من الآفات الحشرية.

ورغم إختلاف الآراء حول النواحي السلبية والإيجابية للمبيدات الكيماوية، مازالت تعتبر حتى يومنا هذا ضرورية لتطوير الإنتاج الزراعي وحمايته بزيادة مردود وحدة المساحة المزروعة، أو التوسع في الأراضي القابلة للزراعة لزيادة الإنتاج في المساحة المزروعة، وقد أخفق في هذه المواجهة تارة ونجح تارة أخرى للحاجة الماسة للمعرفة بخصائص المبيدات الكيماوية الفيزيائية والكيميائية والبيئية والسمية … ومن الطبيعي أن هذه الخصائص غير معروفة لدى بعض المزارعين، ولكن يتوجب على الفنيين والأخصائيين الإلمام بها والقيام بتقديمها كنصائح وإرشادات إلى المزارعين للعمل على استخدامها بشكل علمي سليم من أجل ضمان عملية المكافحة للقضاء على الآفات الزراعية التي تصيب النباتات وبطرق آمنة بيئياً.‏

تُعرف المبيدات الكيميائية بأنها عبارة عن مواد كيماوية تستخدم لمكافحة الآفات الزراعية أو أي نوع من الكائنات الحية التي يمكن أن تشكل آفة على المحاصيل الزراعية، ويضعها العلماء في مجموعات وهي المبيدات الحشرية ، المبيدات الفطرية ومبيدات الأعشاب، بالإضافة إلى مبيدات القوارض، مبيدات الديدان الإسطوانية والرخويات ومبيدات العناكب. والمبيدات الزراعية بصورة عامة مركبات سامة وخطرة ويجب إستعمالها بحذر وعند الضرورة فقط بعد استنفاذ كافة أساليب الوقاية وطرق المكافحة الزراعية ويعتبر تعبيرLD50 مؤشراً على سمية المبيد وخطورته وتعني: جرعة المبيد مقدرة بالمليغرام لكل كغ من الوزن الحي التي يمكن أن تؤدي إلى موت 50% من حيوانات التجربة التي تتعرض لها وغالبا ما تكون مقدرة على الجرذان للجرعات المأخوذة عن طريق الفم.

أما الآفة الزراعية فهي أي كائن حي يصيب الإنسان أو ممتلكاته (من نباتات أو حيوانات) وتسبب له الضرر، فالحشرات من الآفات وكذلك الميكروبات(بكتيريا وفطريات وفيروسات) والحيوانات والطفيليات والطيور والقواقع والقوارض مثل الفئران وكذلك النباتات التي تنبت في غير مكانها تعتبر آفة أيضاً.

وبنظرة مستقبلية متفائلة يجب العمل على الحد والتقليل من إستخدام المبيدات الكيماوية والتوجه إلى إستخدام برامج الإدارة المتكاملة للمحاصيل ومنها المكافحة المتكاملة للآفات وتعتمد على استخدام الأعداء الحيوية والمواد الطبيعية (مفترسات،طيور،متطفلات،فرمونات جاذبة،وغيرها) المتوفرة  في الطبيعة أو التي تتجه حالياً كثير من الشركات إلى إكثارها وإنتاجها بشكل إقتصادي.

أما الأسر وأصحاب العلاقة بإستخدام هذه المواد الكيماوية الخطرة فيجب العمل على قراءة التعليمات الواردة على الملصقة بدقة عند شراء أي مبيد كيماوي وعدم ترك المبيدات قريبة أو في متناول الأيدي للكبار والصغار ومحاولة عدم إقتائها بكميات كبيرة قدر الإمكان في المنازل والحدائق، حيث يتوفر في الأسواق عبوات بكميات 200مل أو 100مل بمعنى يمكن إستخدامها والتخلص منها مباشرة بطريقة آمنة بيئياً.

كما ندعو الدول للإلتزام بما هو وارد في الإتفاقيات الدولية المتعلقة بالمواد الكيماوية ومن ضمنها المبيدات مثل إتفاقية روتردام،استوكهولم، بازل، ومونتريال والقرارات التي تصدر عن هذه الإتفاقيات وعما يصدر من قبل منظمة الصحة العالمية WHO ومنظمة الأغذية والزراعة للأمم المتحدة FAO  حفاظاً على صحة الإنسان والحيوان والبيئة.

كيف يتغير سعر البيتكوين مقابل الدولار وأين يتجه في المستقبل

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شهدت البيتكوين تطورًا كبيرًا منذ إطلاقها عام 2009، حيث أصبحت واحدة من أكثر الأصول الرقمية جذبًا للمستثمرين والمضاربين. ومع تزايد الاهتمام العالمي بالعملات الرقمية، أصبح قياس سعر البيتكوين مقابل الدولار مؤشرًا رئيسيًا لحالة السوق واتجاهاته المستقبلية. فلا يكاد يمر يوم دون أن يتابع المستثمرون والمتداولون التقلبات السعرية للبيتكوين، التي قد تشهد ارتفاعات وانخفاضات حادة خلال فترات قصيرة. لكن ما الذي يحدد قيمة هذه العملة؟ ولماذا تُقاس بالدولار الأمريكي؟ وما التوقعات المستقبلية لمكانتها في النظام المالي العالمي؟

bitcoin vs dollar

لماذا يقاس البيتكوين بالدولار الأمريكي؟

رغم أن البيتكوين عملة لا مركزية وغير مرتبطة بأي حكومة أو بنك مركزي، إلا أن قيمتها غالبًا ما يتم حسابها بالدولار الأمريكي. يرجع ذلك إلى عدة أسباب:

  1. الدولار كعملة مرجعية عالمية: يُعتبر الدولار الأمريكي العملة الاحتياطية الأولى عالميًا، حيث تُسعَّر معظم السلع والأصول المالية به، بما في ذلك الذهب والنفط. وبالتالي، أصبح الدولار المعيار الأساسي لقياس قيمة البيتكوين أيضًا.
  2. السيولة العالية للدولار: يتمتع الدولار بسيولة كبيرة، مما يسهل عمليات التداول بين البيتكوين والعملات التقليدية الأخرى.
  3. اعتماده في منصات التداول: معظم منصات تداول العملات الرقمية تستخدم الدولار كوحدة قياس أساسية لعرض أسعار البيتكوين.
  4. الاستقرار النسبي: على الرغم من تقلبات الدولار أمام العملات الأخرى، إلا أنه يُعد أكثر استقرارًا مقارنة بالبيتكوين، ما يجعله خيارًا منطقيًا لقياس قيمتها.

العوامل المؤثرة على سعر البيتكوين

يتأثر سعر البيتكوين بعدة عوامل رئيسية، أبرزها:

  1. العرض والطلب: كما هو الحال مع أي سلعة أو أصل مالي، يعتمد سعر البيتكوين بشكل أساسي على العرض والطلب. كلما زاد الطلب، ارتفع السعر، والعكس صحيح.
  2. التغيرات الاقتصادية العالمية: الأزمات المالية، التضخم، والسياسات النقدية تلعب دورًا كبيرًا في تحركات البيتكوين. فعلى سبيل المثال، عندما يفقد الدولار أو العملات التقليدية قيمتها بسبب التضخم، يتجه بعض المستثمرين إلى البيتكوين كملاذ آمن.
  3. التشريعات الحكومية: تؤثر قرارات الحكومات بشأن تنظيم العملات الرقمية بشكل مباشر على سعر البيتكوين. فعند فرض قيود صارمة، مثل الحظر الذي فرضته الصين على تعدين البيتكوين، شهد السوق انخفاضًا حادًا. وعلى العكس، فإن اعتراف الدول بالبيتكوين كأصل قانوني يعزز قيمته.
  4. اعتماد المؤسسات المالية: مع تزايد اهتمام الشركات الكبرى مثل Tesla وMicroStrategy بشراء البيتكوين، أصبح لهذه الاستثمارات تأثير كبير على السوق.
  5. التطورات التقنية: أي تحسينات في تقنية البلوكشين، أو ظهور ابتكارات تجعل البيتكوين أكثر أمانًا وسهولة في الاستخدام، يمكن أن تزيد من قيمته السوقية.

تأثير الاستثمارات المؤسسية على البيتكوين

في البداية، كان البيتكوين محصورًا في مجتمع من الأفراد والمضاربين، لكنه الآن أصبح محط أنظار المؤسسات المالية الكبرى. فقد بدأت شركات مثل Grayscale وFidelity وBlackRock في تخصيص أجزاء من محافظها الاستثمارية للبيتكوين، مما أدى إلى ارتفاع قيمته واستقرار السوق.

كذلك، بدأت صناديق التحوط والبنوك الاستثمارية في تقديم منتجات مالية مرتبطة بالبيتكوين، مثل العقود الآجلة والصناديق المتداولة في البورصة (ETFs)، مما سمح للمستثمرين التقليديين بالمشاركة في سوق العملات الرقمية دون الحاجة إلى امتلاك البيتكوين فعليًا.

البيتكوين كأداة تحوط ضد التضخم

أحد الأسباب الرئيسية التي دفعت المستثمرين لشراء البيتكوين هو استخدامه كأداة للتحوط ضد التضخم، ونظرًا لأن المعروض من البيتكوين محدود بـ 21 مليون وحدة فقط، فإنه يُنظر إليه على أنه أصل نادر، تمامًا مثل الذهب.

في السنوات الأخيرة، ومع ارتفاع معدلات التضخم في العديد من الاقتصادات الكبرى، زاد الإقبال على البيتكوين كوسيلة لحفظ القيمة. فقد رأينا كيف ارتفع سعر البيتكوين خلال فترات الأزمات الاقتصادية، حيث لجأ إليه المستثمرون لحماية أموالهم من تآكل قيمتها.

هل يمكن أن يصبح البيتكوين عملة عالمية؟

رغم شعبيته المتزايدة، لا يزال البيتكوين يواجه العديد من التحديات التي تعيق تحوله إلى عملة عالمية معتمدة على نطاق واسع، ومن أبرز هذه التحديات:

  1. التقلبات السعرية الحادة: يصعب على الأفراد والشركات استخدام البيتكوين في المعاملات اليومية بسبب تغير قيمته بسرعة.
  2. التحديات التنظيمية: الحكومات والبنوك المركزية لا تزال مترددة في تبني البيتكوين رسميًا نظرًا للمخاوف المتعلقة بغسل الأموال وتمويل الأنشطة غير القانونية.
  3. قدرة الشبكة على معالجة المعاملات: رغم التحسينات المستمرة، لا تزال شبكة البيتكوين تعاني من بعض القيود فيما يخص سرعة معالجة المعاملات ورسوم التحويل. 

مستقبل سعر البيتكوين مقابل الدولار

التوقعات بشأن مستقبل سعر البيتكوين مقابل الدولار تختلف بين المحللين، حيث يرى البعض أن البيتكوين قد يصل إلى مستويات غير مسبوقة خلال السنوات القادمة، بينما يحذر آخرون من احتمال حدوث انهيارات سعرية جديدة.

تشير بعض التوقعات المتفائلة إلى أن البيتكوين قد يتجاوز 100,000 دولار في المستقبل القريب، مدفوعًا بتزايد الطلب المؤسسي والاعتراف الرسمي به من قبل الحكومات. في المقابل، يحذر بعض الخبراء من أن اللوائح الصارمة أو التغيرات الاقتصادية المفاجئة قد تؤدي إلى انخفاضات حادة في السعر.

لكن بغض النظر عن هذه التوقعات، يبقى سعر البيتكوين مقابل الدولار واحدًا من أهم المؤشرات التي تتابعها الأسواق المالية، حيث يعكس تطور سوق العملات الرقمية ومستوى ثقة المستثمرين به. وبينما تستمر التقنيات المالية في التطور، يبقى السؤال مفتوحًا: هل سيكون البيتكوين مستقبل المال، أم أنه مجرد أصل استثماري مؤقت؟

Solid Waste Management in Jordan

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Jordan is an emerging and stable economy in the Middle East. The growing industrialization and high population growth rate has led to rapid increase in solid waste generation in the country which has, in turn, put increasing pressure in waste management infrastructure. Around 2 million tons of municipal waste is generated in Jordan each year with most of it diverted to unsanitary landfills and dumpsites. Improper solid waste disposal is leading to public health risks, adverse environmental impacts as well as socio-economic problems. 

Solid Waste Generation

The predominant fraction in Jordanian MSW is organic matter which makes up as much as 60 percent of the solid waste stream. Being a relatively modest Middle Eastern country, the per capita waste generation In Jordan is 0.9 kg per day. Municipal waste in the country has steadily increased from 1.5 million tons in 2000 to about 2 million tons in 2012 which is posing a serious challenge to municipalities in big cities like Amman and Aqaba.

Amman accounts for almost half of the total solid waste generated in Jordan. The Greater Amman Municipality has the duty to collect, transport, and dispose the waste to Al Ghabawi landfill site which is considered to be the largest landfill in Jordan serving Amman and 10 other major cities. In the coastal city of Aqaba, a private company collects and transports the waste to the landfill operated by common services council. There are 21 working landfill sites in Jordan, out of which 7 are closed landfill sites.

Apart from MSW, an annual amount of 1.83 million cubic meter of septic and sewage sludge from treatment of 44 million cubic meter of sewage water is generated in greater Amman area. The potential annual sewage sludge and septic generated in Amman alone is estimated at more than 85,000 tons of dry matter.

State of the Affairs

Currently there is no specific legal framework or national strategy for solid waste management in Jordan which is seriously hampering efforts to resolve waste management situation. Municipalities do not have enough funds to setup modern waste collection infrastructure, recycling facilities, waste disposal systems and waste to energy plants. Source-segregation is not practiced in the country and mixed waste is collected and dumped without any treatment.  Recycling, both formal and informal, is at early stages due to lack of trained manpower and modern machinery.

The role of private sector in solid waste management is also limited, except some pilot projects. In 2009, the government initiated Amman solid waste management project that aims at strengthening the operational, financial, and environmental performance of municipal solid waste management. Greater Amman Municipality is also planning to build two waste transfer stations in the northern and western areas of the city.

Rusaifeh Landfill Project

The Government of Jordan, in collaboration with UNDP, GEF and the Danish Government, established 1MW Biomethanation plant at Rusaifeh landfill near Amman in 1999.  The plant has been successfully operating since its commissioning and efforts are underway to increase its capacity to 5MW. The project consists of a system of twelve landfill gas wells and an anaerobic digestion plant based on 60 tons per day of organic wastes from hotels, restaurants and slaughterhouses in Amman. 

Al Ghabawi Landfill Project

Al Ghabawi landfill is the first of its kind in Jordan as it is designed and constructed with gas collection systems with financial assistance from the World Bank. The project operation is the first municipal carbon finance partnership in the Middle East. The electricity generated from landfill gas will be delivered to the national grid, displacing electricity produced by grid connected power plants that traditionally use heavy fuel oil. The Al Ghabawi landfill, comprising of three cells, started receiving waste in 2003. Cell 1 has reached full capacity. Cell 2 is constructed, operational and is being filled with waste. Cell 3 is planned to be constructed during 2013. Currently the site receives about 3,000 tons of waste per day but LFG recovery system is yet to be implemented. 

الصحة المناخية – مصطلح جديد وضرورة

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لا ادري ان يصح إطلاق تعبير ” الصحة المناخية” لكنني استوحيته من دراستي الجامعية حيث تخصصت بالصحة البيئية ومن بعدها ماجستير العلوم البيئية. فكما ترتكز الصحة البيئية على دراسة تأثير البيئة على صحة الإنسان وتأثير الإنسان على البيئة. فإن ايضا الصحة المناخية أعني بها تأثير التغير المناخي على صحة الإنسان وعلاقة الإنسان بتغير المناخ.

يؤثر تغير المناخ على نوعية مياه الشرب والمأوى الآمن وكمية الغذاء ونقاوة الهواء وفي نفس الوقت إن زيادة تلوث الهواء يؤدي إلى زيادة حدة تغير المناخ. وتأثير المناخ على الصحة يختلف بين البلدان والبلدان النامية والجزر هم الأكثر تأثرا والأقل قدرة على الاحتمال. حسب منظمة الصحة العالمية فإن تكاليف أضرار تغير المناخ على الصحة سيبلغ بين 2-4 مليارات سنويا بحلول عام 2030. كما أفادت المنظمة أن من المتوقع أنه نحو 250000 وفاة إضافية سنوياً  بين عام 2030 و2050 من جراء الإجهاد الحراري والإسهال  وسوء التغذية والملاريا.

كما افادت احدى الدراسات الامريكية ان تغير المناخ يؤدي إلى مشاكل في الصحة العقلية وخصوصا زيادة الاكتئاب. وشهدت مؤخرا الهند وبنغلادش ونيبال والولايات المتحدة أعاصير وفيضانات مدمرة أدت إلى الكثير من الوفيات والنزوح الداخلي عدا عن تدمير الممتلكات. صحيح أن تغير المناخ ليس السبب الرئيسي لكنه أدى إلى جعل هذه الظواهر الطبيعية أكثر فتكا وما ينتج من وفيات وأمراض جسدية ونفسية وخصوصا ما يعرف باضطراب كرب ما بعد الصدمة هو نتيجة تغير المناخ.

وإحدى مضاعفات تغير المناخ هو الجفاف مما يزيد من نسبة الأمراض المترافقة مع قلة المياه وتراجع النظافة الشخصية كما تزيد نسبة الأمراض المنقولة بالمياه. وقد أظهرت دراسات متعددة بين أوروبا والكويت  عن زيادة الأمراض والوفيات الناجمة عن الأمراض التنفسية والأمراض القلبية وازدياد حالات انحباس البول في فترات الطقس الحار.

وإحدى مضاعفات تغير المناخ هو الجفاف

كل هذه الدراسات يجب أن ترفق بخطوات جدية لوقف تغير المناخ وازدياد حرارة الأرض. يجب علينا الضغط على الحكومات للتحول من الوقود الأحفوري إلى الطاقة المتجددة.  بناء القدرات وتطوير الأنظمة الصحية وتكيّفها و استعدادها للاستجابة لتغيّر المناخ. كما يجب القيام بأبحاث ودراسات على صعيد المحلي وتبادل الخبرات مع البلدان الأخرى والدخول في شراكات مع مختلف الجهات الحكومية والغير حكومية المحلية منها والإقليمية والعالمية. ومن أهم أساليب حماية الصحة من تأثيرات المناخ هو التوعية بمخاطر التغير المناخي وتسهيل الحصول العامة على المعلومات.ويبقى الامل بتظافر الجهود لحماية صحة الانسان و لمحاربة تغير المناخ. فنعم والف نعم لحياة آمنة.

Taking Steps to a More Environmentally-Friendly Home Life

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Climate change is a fact, it’s manufactured, and the effects will only grow more pronounced. Although most of the harm from human activity is caused by a few major corporations, this is still an impossible situation to adapt to without individual action. To this end, more minor changes around the home can help us all play our parts to both mitigate waste and adapt to coming changes.

It’s time to try a new approach, and with the options of the modern world, these changes can be easy to implement, and highly advantageous. So while we don’t recommend jumping in with both feet without first looking, consider a slow approach, and you might be surprised to see just how much is achievable.

Learn and Work from Home

Remote learning isn’t always possible, but the benefits for the environment can be immense when it is.. Learning a language like English using a web service is one example, where online tutoring for all ages, from children to adults, is cheaper and greener. In addition, learning this way implies no travel, it often requires no extra technology, and it can be just as or more effective than learning the traditional way.

online education

The same advantages apply to work, where extra elements like paper-saving techniques can also be most easily implemented. At home, you have a lot more flexibility in making rules, and your practices can be infinitely greener than those developed by an old-fashioned company several decades ago.

Adjusting Your Home Environment

Speaking of changing your environment, there might also be untapped potential around your house available for aspects as simple as heating changes. Adjusting your home environment doesn’t mean turning your heat off and struggling in the cold, but instead adapting to slightly lower temperatures at certain times. Sleeping, for example, can be more accessible in the cold, and since you’re under the blankets anyway, a heater is wasted.

While making these changes can be accomplished manually,  some simple solutions are also made possible through smart home technology. This technology can schedule heating, lights, and cleaning and ensure that human forgetfulness is eliminated from some key energy-wasting areas. This tech has come a long way in the last few years, so it’s not as expensive as you might think.

Futuristic Smart Home

Re-Examine your Appliances

Not all home appliances are created equal and this applies most to old or outdated ones.. Before the push for greener standards, old machines around the house were often enormous energy sinks. Whether through nostalgia or simply not noticing, we can tend to keep these running longer than we should.

When making a replacement or an upgrade, be sure to check out the Energy Star ratings of the products first. An Energy Star certified system could use 25% less energy and 33% less water than a regular device for things like washing machines. Compared to much older systems, the saving can be even more pronounced.

lowering-home-temperature

Individually, even the most minor changes matter. Compounded over many small changes and years, consistent efforts can make a significant difference. Whatever situation you’re in, consider which of these above changes might be right for you, and you could soon start your journey towards a greener life. It can make a difference.

The Role of Transformative Green Hotels in Sustainable Tourism

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The global tourism industry is significantly shifting towards sustainability, driven by rising environmental awareness and a demand for responsible travel. Hotels, as significant components of the tourism ecosystem, are at the forefront of this transformation.

The recent opening of IHG’s voco Zeal Exeter Science Park in the UK marks a pivotal moment, showcasing the potential of net-zero carbon operations in hospitality. This groundbreaking hotel, powered entirely by renewable energy and designed with sustainable materials, sets a new model for eco-conscious accommodations.

sustainable hotel

As travelers become more environmentally conscious, integrating green infrastructure and sustainable practices into hotel design and operations is not merely an ethical choice but a crucial step toward a resilient and responsible tourism sector.

The Rise of Green Hotels: A Response to Climate Change

Traditional hotels often have a considerable environmental footprint, contributing significantly to carbon emissions through energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. Research published in Nature Climate Change estimates that tourism contributes approximately 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with accommodations playing a substantial role.

However, a growing awareness of climate change and its impacts is compelling travelers and the hospitality industry to seek more sustainable alternatives.

A 2023 report by Booking.com indicated that 76 percent of travelers globally want to travel more sustainably over the next year, highlighting a clear shift in consumer preferences. This demand is fueling the rise of green hotels, which are designed and operated to minimize their environmental impact through various strategies, from energy efficiency to waste reduction.

The transition to green hotels is not merely a trend but a necessary evolution to mitigate tourism’s environmental consequences and ensure the industry’s longevity.

Innovative Energy Solutions in Green Hotel Design

At the heart of the green hotel movement lies a commitment to innovative energy solutions. Energy consumption is one of hotels’ most significant environmental impacts, accounting for a large portion of their operating expenses and carbon footprint. Green hotels are tackling this challenge by implementing various strategies to enhance energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy sources.

Solar panels are becoming quite common on modern hotel rooftops, generating clean electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Many green hotels also invest in advanced building management systems that optimize heating, ventilation, and cutting-edge air conditioning or HVAC systems based on occupancy and weather conditions.

The selection of energy-efficient appliances and lighting, such as LED lighting, also plays a crucial role in minimizing energy demand. Collectively, these measures contribute to substantially reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, opening the door for a more sustainable hospitality model.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that energy efficiency measures in buildings could sufficiently reduce global energy demand by 2040 to 10 percent lower than in 2022, even as the world economy expands, underscoring the potential impact of these technologies in the hotel sector.

Optimizing Energy Efficiency with High-Efficiency Transformers

In green hotels’ intricate energy infrastructure, high-efficiency transformers play a pivotal role in ensuring dependable power distribution. While traditional oil-filled transformers have been widely used in hotels, the shift towards sustainability calls for more eco-friendly alternatives.

Transformers filled with natural ester fluids derived from renewable vegetable oils offer enhanced fire safety due to higher flash and fire points. They are also biodegradable, reducing environmental risks associated with potential leaks. These eco-efficient transformers contribute to a hotel’s sustainability goals by aligning with green practices and enhancing the hotel’s reputation among eco-conscious travelers.

The selection of high-efficiency transformers is crucial in green hotels striving for optimal energy performance. Even as renewable energy is the norm among green hotels, a balance of sources is often more practical. Traditional sources requiring an oil filled transformer still have their place. Such transformers, known for their robust performance and longevity, can contribute significantly to energy savings in hotel operations.

When properly maintained, these transformers ensure minimal energy loss during voltage conversion, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the hotel’s electrical grid. Advanced transformers are indispensable for green hotels aiming to minimize their environmental footprint, power consumption, and operational costs by reducing energy waste and ensuring a reliable and stable power supply.

The U.S. authority Department of Energy (DOE) has established energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers to reduce energy losses. According to the DOE, these standards are expected to decrease electrical losses by approximately 8 percent for liquid-immersed transformers, 13 percent for medium-voltage dry-type transformers, and 18 percent for low-voltage dry-type transformers.

The Energy Mix Required for an Energy-Efficient Ecosystem

To create an energy-efficient ecosystem, green hotels must integrate a diversified energy mix that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and enhances overall sustainability.

  • Renewable Energy Integration: The installation of on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, significantly lower a hotel’s carbon footprint. For instance, the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park operates entirely on renewable and solar energy.
  • Energy Storage Solutions: Battery storage systems ensure a steady power supply by storing excess energy generated during peak production periods for use during times of low generation.
  • Smart Grid Technologies: Implementing smart transformers and grid technologies improves energy distribution efficiency, accommodates fluctuations in renewable energy generation, and optimizes energy use.
  • Energy Efficiency Measures: Reducing overall energy consumption requires using energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and advanced HVAC systems.

By integrating these components, green hotels can establish a resilient and energy-efficient infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.

Sustainable Architectural and Interior Design in Green Hotels

Beyond energy efficiency, the physical design of green hotels plays a crucial role in their sustainability. Thoughtful architectural planning and interior choices can significantly reduce environmental impact and improve energy performance.

  • Passive Design Strategies: Utilizing natural ventilation, solar orientation, and thermal mass in hotel architecture reduces the need for artificial heating equipment and cooling systems, leading to substantially lesser energy consumption.
  • Sustainable Building Materials: Using recycled, reclaimed, and locally sourced materials decreases the carbon footprint associated with construction. Bamboo, recycled steel, and repurposed wood are increasingly popular options in green hotel development.
  • Green Roofs and Living Walls: Incorporating live vegetation into the building’s design helps with insulation, reducing energy demand for heating and cooling while improving air quality and aesthetic appeal.
  • Water Conservation Features: Smart water systems, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures, minimize water waste and reduce dependency on municipal water supplies.
  • Eco-Friendly Furnishings: Sustainable furniture and decor made from responsibly sourced materials, non-toxic paints, and biodegradable fabrics contribute to a healthy indoor hotel environment while reducing environmental impact.

Take Action: The Future of Sustainable Hospitality Starts Now

The hospitality industry is critical in shaping a greener, more sustainable future. Green hotels are reducing their environmental impact and setting new standards in energy efficiency, architectural innovation, and guest experience.

By adopting advanced technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable design principles, hotels can drive meaningful change while maintaining profitability.

You can be part of this transformation as a traveler, investor, or hotelier. Choose eco-conscious accommodations, support sustainability initiatives, and advocate for greener hospitality practices. The future of travel depends on our choices today—let’s build a more sustainable tourism industry together.

Microplastics – A Threat to Food Production at the Base Level of Photosynthesis

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Microplastics are everywhere and we need to know the impacts of these tiny plastic particles. These tiny particles are in our water, our food, in the air, in the soil, in the plants. Everywhere is anywhere and anywhere is everywhere.

microplastics and food production

What are microplastics? Broken down plastic objects and items that are randomly discarded or disposed of in approved manner. The plastic particles are less than 5 millimeters requiring a microscope to view the particles. Even smaller particles are referred to as nanoplastics.

Because the globe is so ensconced in the use of plastics domestically, in industry, medical equipment and applications, industrial usage, and even in agricultural activities such as crop grain and fruit and vegetable harvesting. These microplastics are everywhere. Not only are the plastics impregnated in our environment, they are a real threat to animals and humans, even to the point of threatening respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. At the other end of the human activity spectrum, plant production and food sources are also impacted at the photosynthetic cell level.

Food production is already in the news highlights because of ever-increasing population growth trends resulting in food security concerns and issues. Not to mention the impact from the changing weather systems that are drastically affecting production capacity and add to the stress of global food security.

Now, it is coming to light that the fundamental process of photosynthesis and the rate of this critical and vital process in natural food production across the global is being impacted.  The photosynthesis rates are being reduced due to microplastics present in plant structures.

In a recent publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2025, it has been revealed that microplastics are a direct threat to global food security. The threat by microplastic particle pollution is at the photosynthetic level in plant production. There is a significant reduction in photosynthesis in three significant food production arenas, namely in terrestrial plants and in algae in both fresh water and marine environments.

The global reduction in photosynthesis capacity is estimated between 7-12% due to the presence on microplastics in the plant materials. This in turn impacts the annual plant crop and seafood production capacity in million metric tons (MT). Crop production is estimated to currently have an annual loss of between 110-360 MT while seafood production could have a loss of between 1-24 MT.

plastic trash on a beach in the UAE

This highlights the urgency for adoption of more aggressive microplastic mitigation strategies. As well as building these factors into global food security predictions and planning schemes. More extensive investigation into how these microplastic components is entering the food chain systems at a most fundamental level is an area to monitor with both urgency and great concern.

In the meanwhile, individuals need to more proactive in monitoring their personal usage of plastics with regards to food storage and water filtering systems in the home. For the latter, it might be preferable to revert back to carbon-based filtration systems, and certainly to move to non-synthetic systems.

Our environmental issues are everyone’s concern. It needs participation in monitoring and adopting new technology in all possible areas of concern in order to manage these invasive threats to our global survival.