Green Finance: Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow

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Green finance provides linkage between the financial industry, protection of the environment and economic growth. Simply speaking, green finance refers to use of financial products and services, such as loans, insurance, stocks, private equity and bonds in green (or eco-friendly) projects. Green finance, which has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, provides public well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks and improving ecological integrity. For example, global interest in green energy finance is increasing at a rapid pace – in 2019, investments in green energy reached the figure of US$ 282.2 billion, which underscores the significance of green finance.

green-investment

Potential and Promise

Environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, resource conservation and sustainable development play a vital role in access to green finance. During the past few years, green finance (also known as climate finance) has gained increasing relevance mainly due to the urgency of financing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and scale of sustainable development projects around the world.

The impetus has been provided by three major agreements adopted in 2015 – Paris Agreement on climate change, a new set of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the ‘financing for development’ package. The implementation of these agreements is strongly dependent on finance, and realizing its importance the G20 nations established Green Finance Study Group (GFSG) in February 2016, co-chaired by China and the UK, with UNEP serving as secretariat.

According to Sustainable Energy for All, a global initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon, annual global investments in energy will need to increase from roughly US$400 billion at present to US$1-1.25 trillion, out of which US$40-100 billion annually is needed to achieve universal access to electricity. On the other hand, around US$5-7 trillion a year is needed to implement the SDGs globally.

Such a massive investment is a big handicap for developing countries as they will face an annual investment gap of US$2.5 trillion in infrastructure, clean energy, water, sanitation, and agriculture projects. Green finance is expected to fill this gap by aligning financial systems with the financing needs of a sustainable or low-carbon economy.

Bonding with Green

An emerging way to raise debt capital for green projects is through green bonds. Green bonds are fixed income, liquid financial instruments dedicated exclusively to climate change mitigation and adaption projects, and other environment-friendly activities. The prime beneficiaries of green bonds are renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport, forest management, water management, sustainable land use and other low-carbon projects.

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Green bonds enable fund raising for new and existing projects with environmental benefits

A record US$41 billion worth of green bonds was issued in 2015 which is estimated to rise to US$80 billion by the end of 2016. Notably, the World Bank issued its first green bond in 2008, and has since issued about US$8.5 billion in green bonds in 18 currencies. In addition, the International Finance Corporation issued US$3.7 billion, including two US$1 billion green bond sales in 2013.

Green bonds have the potential to raise tens of billions of dollars required each year to finance the global transition to a green economy. According to International Energy Agency, around $53 trillion of energy investments are required till 2035 to put the world on a two-degree path, as agreed during the historic Paris Climate Conference COP21. The main drivers of green bonds for investors includes positive environmental impact of investments, greater visibility in fight against climate change and a strong urge for impact investment.

Key Hurdles to Overcome

Many developing countries experience hurdles in raising capital for eco-friendly investment due lack of awareness and to inadequate technical capacities of financial institutions. Many banks, for instance, are not familiar with the earnings and risk structure of green investments, which makes them reluctant to grant the necessary loans or to offer suitable financing products. With rising popularity of green finance, it is expected that financial institutions will quickly adapt to funding requirements of environment-friendly projects.

التوصيل الأخضر والتسوق المستدام: دراسة حالة في الإمارات العربية المتحدة

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في عصر يتصدر فيه الوعي البيئي قائمة القضايا العالمية، يتساءل المستهلكون بشكل متزايد عن استدامة توصيل المنتجات ويبحثون عن طرق لجعل عادات التسوق لديهم أكثر مسؤولية بيئيًا. يتناول هذا المقال مختلف جوانب استدامة توصيل المنتجات ويقدم رؤى حول كيف يمكن للأفراد المساهمة في جعل كوكب الأرض أخضرًا أكثر من خلال اختياراتهم في التسوق.

supply chain and sustainability

التأثير البيئي لوسائل توصيل المنتجات التقليدية

تعتمد وسائل توصيل المنتجات التقليدية، التي تعتمد غالبًا على مركبات تعمل بالوقود الأحفوري وتعتمد بشكل كبير على التعبئة والتغليف الزائد، بشكل كبير على تدهور البيئة. يعتبر قطاع النقل مساهمًا رئيسيًا في انبعاثات غازات الاحتباس الحراري، حيث تنبعث شاحنات وفانات التوصيل ملوثات تضر بجودة الهواء وتسهم في التغير المناخي. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يزيد الاستخدام المفرط لمواد التعبئة غير القابلة للتحلل من مشكلة الفاحشة، حيث تملأ المستنقعات والمحيطات بملوثات ضارة.

حلول توصيل صديقة للبيئة

المركبات الكهربائية ووسائل النقل المستدامة

للتغلب على التأثير البيئي للنقل، تعتمد الشركات بشكل متزايد على المركبات الكهربائية للتوصيل. تنتج هذه المركبات أقل انبعاثات، مما يقلل من الأثر الكربوني المرتبط بنقل المنتجات. تنفيذ ممارسات النقل المستدامة، مثل تجميع الطلبات وتحسين مسارات التوصيل، يمكن أن يقلل بشكل إضافي من التأثير البيئي لتوصيل المنتجات.

ابتكارات التعبئة والتغليف

تحظى مواد التعبئة والتغليف الصديقة للبيئة، مثل الخيارات المعاد تدويرها والتي يمكن التحلل منها، بشعبية متزايدة. تعيد الشركات النظر في استراتيجيات التعبئة والتغليف لتقليل الفاقد وتقليل أثرها البيئي. اعتماد تصاميم التعبئة البسيطة واستخدام خيارات التعبئة قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام يمكن أن يسهم بشكل كبير في تقليل التأثير البيئي لتوصيل المنتجات.

different types of sustainable packaging

اختيار المصادر والإنتاج المحلي

يقلل اختيار الموردين والمصنعين المحليين من المسافة التي تحتاج المنتجات للسفر، مما يقلل من انبعاثات النقل. دعم الأعمال التجارية المحلية أيضًا يعزز الشعور بالمجتمع والاستدامة، مما يسهم في اقتصاد محلي أكثر صحة ومرونة.

التسوق بشكل أكثر بيئيًا

استهلاك مدروس

قبل القيام بعملية الشراء، يجب على المستهلكين أن يأخذوا في اعتبارهم دورة حياة المنتج، بما في ذلك إنتاجه ونقله وتخلصه. اختيار المنتجات المتينة والتي تدوم طويلاً يمكن أن يقلل من تكرار الاستبدال، وبالتالي يقلل من الإجم.

التحول الرقمي

اعتماد المنصات الرقمية والتجارة الإلكترونية يقلل من حاجة المتاجر الفعلية واستهلاك الطاقة المرتبط بها. يمكن أيضًا التسوق عبر الإنترنت أن يسهل إدارة المخزون بشكل أكثر كفاءة ويقلل من الفاقد.

WEE Marketplace: دراسة حالة في التسوق المستدام

WEE Marketplace، الموجودة في الإمارات، قادرة على تقديم نهج مبتكر لتوصيل المنتجات بشكل مستدام. ملتزمة بتقديم مجموعة واسعة من السلع في غضون ساعة واحدة في دبي، تجمع WEE Marketplace بين السرعة وصديقة البيئة. يوصي السوق باستخدام المركبات الكهربائية لتوصيل منتجاتها، مما يقلل من انبعاثات الكربون المرتبطة بوسائل النقل. تلتزم WEE Marketplace أيضًا باستخدام مواد التغليف الصديقة للبيئة، مما يضمن وصول منتجاتها إلى العملاء بأقل تأثير بيئي. من خلال التركيز على المصادر المحلية والتعاون مع الموردين الذين يهتمون بالبيئة، يساهم WEE Marketplace في الحد من انبعاثات سلسلة التوريد العالمية.

ملخص

بصفتنا مستهلكين، نلعب دورًا حيويًا في تشكيل استدامة توصيل المنتجات وجعل التسوق أكثر بيئة. من خلال دعم الشركات التي تعتبر الممارسات الصديقة للبيئة أولوية وتبني عادات المستهلك المدروسة، يمكننا أن نساهم جماعيًا في خلق مستقبل أكثر خضرة واستدامة.

Environmental Perceptions and Attitudes in Qatar – A Survey

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Measuring environmental knowledge, opinion and attitude is of paramount importance to the academics and policymakers for developing better policies for human well-being and protection of ecosystems. Self-reporting attitudes and behaviours are one of the ways to measure.

A first-of-its-kind national opinion survey on environmental issues was conducted in 2016 in a series of three surveys including ten socio-demographic questions in each survey. The survey covered a wide range of topics from climate change to government policies to urbanization to food.

The results show a large number of people are deeply aware of the local and global environmental problems. Overall, the public has a positive ecological worldview. There is a general agreement that public is willing to make concessions in their lifestyles to mitigate the impact on the environment. However, not many are willing to take difficult actions.

Lack of information dissemination is rife. The public is least aware of the initiatives the government has taken to improve the environment. The government must do a lot to disseminate the information and critically evaluate the State of the Environment in Qatar regularly.

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The environmental survey provides surprising findings on several issues that will help in developing policy interventions that could facilitate in transitioning to an environmentally conscious society in Qatar (target of NDS-I).

Background of the Survey

Environmental Development is one of the four core pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Vision lays the foundation for the sustainability of local ecosystem, judicious use of natural resources and minimize waste. To achieve this ambitious goal, the first National Development Strategy 2011-2016 set several targets to sustain the environment for future generations.

One of the key targets is to “build an environmentally aware society” and it is a precursor for successful environmental management in the country. To gauge the level of environmental awareness among the citizens and residents, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) initiated this study in partnership with the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS).

The environmental survey was intended to capture a current “snapshot” of attitudes related to Qatar’s environment and other related issues. The survey intends to contribute to the development of new policies or refining the existing policies and, potentially, to create new initiatives and programs to build an environmentally-conscious society.

The specific objectives of this survey were to

  • provide robust information on baseline environmental perception, attitude and behaviors of citizens and residents
  • offer policy recommendations based on the public opinion
  • proper new research agenda on understanding the interaction with the local environment among the citizens and residents

The surveys were divided into three parts and published online during February – November 2016. In total, there were 91 questions (Survey 1 -25; Survey 2 – 33; Survey 3 – 33) with extra ten sociodemographic questions in all three surveys. The sociodemographic variables used in the survey are similar to national census questionnaire except for the age category. The total number of respondents for three surveys were: 1,093; 753; and 963, respectively. The respondent’s age was above 17.

Key Findings about Environmental Attitudes

The survey finds that traffic congestion (62%) and air pollution (56%) are the two most significant environmental concerns of all in Qatar. More than one-in-four people believe depletion of natural resources (47%) and poor waste management (44%) also the areas of concern. Whereas issues such as desertification (19%), oil spills (20%), oil and gas depletion (24%) are not on high on public’s immediate concern. 70% of Qatari public view air pollution is the most pressing environmental concern of all in Qatar. Roughly half (49%) Qataris believe oil and gas depletion as a significant environmental problem than 22% of non-Qataris.

Desertification, sea water pollution tops the opinion list of Qataris than their counterparts. This indicates that Qataris have a general sense of understanding of the local concerns and expatriate community find it difficult to sense the urgency and importance.

The survey finds daily activities like air conditioning/lighting, water consumption and food waste contribute negatively to the environment. The public thinks driving a big car, having a big residence are not necessarily bad for the environment. Qataris are far more likely to see water consumption as one of the major activities affecting the environmental compared to non-Qataris (56% versus 34%). This view is common among the adults of age group 25-34 (54%) and 35-50 (70%).

Public’s response to most pressing global environmental issues (5 is highest, 1 – lowest)

An overwhelming majority (80%) of public know a lot or fair amount about climate change and sustainable development. Four-in-ten (40%) of the public say they know a lot about climate change and 32% about sustainable development. However, many other important environmental terms are less familiar; 15% say the public never heard about ocean acidification and some 10% say the same about ecological footprint.

There are some wide differences in opinion about desertification. More (74%) Qataris say they know a lot or fair amount about desertification compared to only 48% of non-Qataris. Qataris can relate themselves to the loss of ‘green’ in the desert area. But the diverse group of non-Qataris can hardly able to relate to this problem. Therefore, they know very little about it.

Collectively, Qatar’s public (47%) view climate change is one of the pressing environmental threats of our time. This view is prominent among the younger generation. Water and air pollution (44%) and loss of natural resources (36%) rank equally high in public’s concern.  However, issues like loss of biodiversity (18%) and urbanization (17%) do not really rise high in public’s view.

Generally, the public has a positive ecological worldview; non-Qataris are more likely to exhibit pro-environmental attitude than Qataris. A notable share (88%) of public agree that the Earth has limited natural resources like freshwater, food, etc.

A staggering majority (92%) of public back the statement that the quality of life depends on the quality of the environment. A vast majority of the public (91%) agree that humans are severely abusing the environment. Roughly two-thirds (63%) of public find it unacceptable to deplete the natural resources or sacrifice environmental quality for economic growth. 87% of the public overwhelmingly agree (of which 60% strongly agree) that we need to make sacrifices in our excessive consumer lifestyles to reduce environmental problems.

General environmental attitudes (or ecological worldviews) of Qataris

Fully two-thirds (67%) of public disagree that the environment is a low priority compared with other things in their life. By contrast, one-in-five (19%) Qataris say that environment is a low priority compared with other things in my life. Overwhelming majorities (88%) say they are willing to curb consumerist lifestyle to protect the environment and a notable share said very willing (37%) and 52% say fairly willing.

Note: This is first part of our special series on Environmental Awareness, Attitudes and Actions: A Baseline Survey of the Citizens and Residents of Qatar. The complete survey report can be downloaded from this link

Why Cities in the Middle East Need More Trees?

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In 2016, The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest environmental NGOs in the United States, released a report entitled “Planting Healthy Air” that examines the role planting trees in urban areas plays in reducing pollution and extreme heat. As the report indicates, the population of city dwellers globally is increasing, as is the number of deaths associated with exposure to pollution and intense heat waves. The authors of the report argue that urban forestation projects are one of the most cost effective means to reduce particulate matter in the air and cool temperatures in the world’s largest cities.

Urban forestation projects in the Middle East are an inexpensive and effective way of reducing air pollution, lowering temperatures by producing shade, improving health, and even raising property values. The return on investment (ROI) for tree planting is often more financially beneficial than other more costly investments, but ROI projections fluctuate when measuring effects in different neighborhoods. In general, the more densely populated, polluted, and hot a neighborhood is, the higher the return on investment tree planting will be.

middle-east-sustainability-trends

For this reason, it is understandable why major cities in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region are predicted to have a high return on investment for both reducing particulate matter in the air and mitigating heat waves. Some cities mentioned to have the highest return on investment in the region are Cairo, Beirut, Damascus, Rabat, Sanaa, and Baghdad. Other cities like Amman and Tripoli are mentioned to have a high ROI for reducing pollution but not lessening extreme urban heat.

Tree Planting Projects in MENA Region

Since this report five years ago, many MENA cities have initiated tree planting programs. In Beirut, AMWAJ began the Beirut River Forest and Green Cedar Lebanon agreed on a program with the city’s municipal government to plant over 10,000 trees in 10 years. Despite these apparent victories for Beirut’s urban canopy, the city destroyed the Mufti Hassan Khaled Garden in 2019, replacing it with a parking lot. One of the most ambitious urban planting projects in the Middle East is Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Green plan. The initiative intends to plant seven and a half million trees in the Saudi capital as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan. Other Middle Eastern planting efforts such as Jordan’s Green Amman 2020 Project and Qatar’s Plant Million Trees initiative will benefit the environment despite their cities having a lower comparative ROI.

These tree planting projects listed above are by no means the entirety of green initiatives in the MENA region, but many national projects do not directly benefit urban forestation. Morocco, for example, announced its Forests of Morocco 2020-2030 project to grow 600,000 hectares of dense tree cover around the country. Algeria, Tunisia, and Oman are also investing in large tree planting projects across their territories.

These initiatives intend to plant trees to prevent desertification and replace previously existing forests far from urban centers. While such projects are vital to slow desertification and reduce particulate matter from sand, they do not directly benefit city residents in the same manner as urban planting.

Benefits of Urban Forestation

The range that a single fully grown tree can filter air is approximately 15-30 meters. The greater concentration of trees in any given area, such as a city park, the more particulates the trees will filter. Similarly, urban design such as tree lined streets reduce a greater amount of pollution as the airborne particulate matter is filtered by multiple trees as wind carries the pollution down the road. Research from The Nature Conservancy’s report indicates that a tree lined street can reduce particulate matter in surrounding buildings by up to 50%.

Higher density tree planting also casts more shade and absorbs more sunlight which in turn lowers nearby temperatures. As climate change causes temperatures to rise in the already hot climates of the MENA region, efforts to cool urban centers such as tree planting are both cost-effective and reduce electricity usage for air conditioning.

Challenges in the Middle East

In many Middle Eastern cities, urban tree planting offers a large return on investment when factoring in health benefits as a result of more tree cover. What is more difficult than financing the projects is motivating local governments to prioritize urban tree planting over other development opportunities. Cities in the MENA region must proactively set aside land to invest in urban forestation rather than develop the area for commercial or residential use. Municipal governments also must research which species of trees to plant due to the limited water access in many Middle Eastern cities.

green-hope-uae

Almost every city in the MENA region listed by The Nature Conservancy’s report to highly benefit from urban tree planting are situated in arid environments. The report advises city administrators in arid regions to consider which trees are best to plant and if additional irrigation infrastructure must be built to ensure the trees’ survival.

While urban forestation is a useful tool to build healthier cities, governments must couple it with other environmental strategies. Cairo, for example, began a green roof initiative along with street level tree planting to reduce particulate matter in one of the Middle East’s most polluted and congested cities. Inhabitants of cities across the region must request, advertise, and support local initiatives to produce more sustainable environments.

These solutions do not need to be expensive or crippling to the local economy. The Nature Conservancy report suggests that investments of as low as $4 per resident in tree planting projects can dramatically reduce temperatures and filter pollutants from local air. As the MENA region moves their economies away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy, we must monitor their developments at the local level to promote environmentally friendly growth.

Green Building Trends in the Middle East

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The Middle East region faces a unique set of environmental and socio-economic challenges in the form of water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions, ecological degradation and abundance of fossil fuels. Commercial and residential buildings in the Middle East consume more energy than those in other parts of the world, mainly on account of extremely hot weather, rampant use of glass exteriors and heavy reliance on air-conditioning. The Middle East building industry, in recent years, is actively trying to make widespread use of eco-friendly architecture, traditional building methods and sustainable construction practices.

Some of the other drivers for the progress of green buildings sector in the Middle East are carbon-neutral buildings, self-sustaining urban planning and cultural sensitivity incorporating traditional Islamic architecture. Many countries in the region are increasingly promoting energy efficiency as a means to achieve energy security which has catalyzed the local green buildings industry. As far as social reasons are concerned, improved health and greater productivity are the top reasons for companies going green in their construction.

Siemens-Masdar

Green Building Trends in the Middle East

In recent years, green building design has emerged as a top priority in the Middle East. The number of LEED-registered buildings has increased rapidly across the region, from 623 in 2010 to more than 2500 in 2020.

UAE is ranked among the top 10 countries that hold LEED certifications in the world with Dubai ranked 3rd in the list of cities having the highest number of LEED-certified buildings. United Arab Emirates has more than 600 LEED-certified project, followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Some of the prominent green buildings are Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar City), Climate Change Initiative Building (Dubai), Qatar National Convention Centre (Doha), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Jeddah) and World Trade Center (Bahrain).

Siemen’s headquarters in Masdar City has the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum-rated office building in the entire Middle East. Msheireb Downtown Doha is regarded as the world’s first sustainable community, with more than 100 buildings targeting LEED Gold and Platinum rating.

Infact, the UAE has the fourth-largest stock of LEED-certified buildings outside the US at 3.1 million sq. meters. UAE also has the distinction of having the fourth-largest number of LEED-accredited construction professionals worldwide. Sunanda Swain, a leading Dubai-based green buildings expert says that, “Presently, the UAE has total cumulative gross square meters (GSM) of LEED- certified and registered spaces of 53.44 million and the total number of LEED-certified and registered projects are 910 (in comparison to 710 by June 2014)”. She adds, “In Abu Dhabi, over 700,000 square meters of real estate are certified by the Urban Planning Council under Estidama sustainability standards.”

Regional countries, such as Qatar and UAE, have come up with their own building sustainability standards and building laws to incorporate socio-economic, environmental and cultural aspects in modern architecture. Infact, Qatar’s Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) is billed as the world’s most comprehensive green building rating system while Abu Dhabi’s Pearl Rating System (Estidama) and Dubai’s Green Building Regulations has swiftly carved a niche of its own in global green buildings sector.

qatar-national-convention-center

Green Building Councils in United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt etc. are proactively working to popularize the concept of green buildings in their respective countries.

Conclusion

Green buildings can not only contribute towards environment protection in the Middle East but also bring lots of advantages to building occupants and users. Lower development costs, reduced operating costs, healthier indoor environment quality and less maintenance costs are hallmarks of major benefits associated with green buildings.

To sum up, green building technologies can serve as catalysts for smart urbanization in the Middle East, besides ensuring energy security, climate change mitigation, and opening new economic and job opportunities.

The Significance of Groundwater Atlas in Water Management

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Groundwater atlases are becoming a necessary resource for identifying natural reservoirs of our most precious natural resource – water.  A groundwater atlas for the USA was published was published by regions i.e. several states in the 1990s culminating in the 2000 release of the Groundwater Atlas for the U.S.A. It describes the location, extent as well as the geological and hydrological characteristics of aquifers across the United States.

An African Groundwater Atlas, a project undertaken by the British Geological Survey, released the atlas in 2014 making groundwater information and data available across the globe. Abu Dhabi released its groundwater atlas in 2019.

world-water-day

Importance of Groundwater Atlas for the Middle East

Across the globe, groundwater reserves are being depleted rapidly. Therefore, to better manage and conserve and even replenish groundwater, the location of the resource is essential. This is especially true in the extremely water scarce regions of the globe such as the GCC and MENA regions. The groundwater atlases are intended to better manage water allocation and access, and  improve the efficiency of water usage. Agricultural is a very large consumer of outdoor water usage.

In the UAE, in particular Abu Dhabi, groundwater is still the main source of water, while in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the natural water reserves have been used to near exhaustion. The Kingdom is highly dependent on desalination plants to provide the essential resource. Water security is a key national priority so conservation methods are essential to address the long-term sustainability of the region.

Groundwater atlas is an effective tool to assist in tracking, monitoring and analyzing the use of groundwater

Almost 65% of Abu Dhabi water supply is from their groundwater which translates into 2.1 million cubic metres per year. The groundwater is supplied from the Hajjar Mountains on border between UAE and Oman. For a desert nation, food security is intrinsic to the management of the water reserves. The greater portion of fresh fruits and vegetables are imported on a daily basis. This means that food security is also precarious in the region. Therefore, to introduce rigorous water conservation measures is of top priority.

Unending Benefits

It is difficult to devise a water conservation strategy when one does not have access to information about water availability in terms of geographical location and in volumetric measures. Therefore, groundwater mapping as well as soil characteristics are necessary information to move towards a more secure future. Water resource conservation measures however, will have to be integrated into agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, selecting of more drought and saline tolerant plant species, as well as embracing hydroponic and aquaponic agricultural practices.

The Abu Dhabi Groundwater Atlas was released this year as a tool to assist in tracking, monitoring and analyzing the use of groundwater. As the agricultural demand for water is so significant, better and more efficient water usage best practice must be identified and enforced in the area. Therefore, it is a critical tool to contribute to strategic water management plans and water efficiency measures. But in partnership with data mapping and strategic planning, community awareness of the serious nature of water resource usage and the limitations are crucial for any successful water management plans for the future.

Animal Welfare in the Holy Quran and Sunnah

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During the last few decades, agriculture and animal-rearing has become commercialized and industrialised. The breeding and slaughtering of farm animals in Muslim countries has become an unethical money-making business. In addition, the halal label  has lost its real meaning due to focus on maximum productivity and minimal compassion towards animals. The consumption of meat products  has increased manifolds in recent years which has led to significant increase in public health issues. Moreover, it is having harmful effects on the environment and on animal health as well.

animal welfare in Islam

Animals and the Holy Quran

Long before the emergence of the animal rights movement, Islam asked human beings to treat animals with kindness and respect. Allah’s mercy reaches all His creations including human beings. In the Holy Quran, Allah mentions the purpose behind the existence of those creatures. He insists on the protection of animal welfare and explicitly prohibits all kind of cruelty towards them. Only under strict conditions God allows us to consume animal meat.

The Holy Quran inform us about animal communities, which are similar to ours. This can only draw us to compassion towards them.

There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they all shall be gathered (Quran 6:38)

In this verse Allah, the Almighty, explains us that animals are members of different communities, like we are. An animal is a son, a brother and or a father of his or her fellow creature. This verse invites us to respect animals the same way we respect human beings.

Allah clarify us about the purpose of the existence of His creations:

And Verily! In the cattle there is indeed a lesson for you. We give you to drink (milk) of that which is in their bellies. And there are, in them, numerous (other) benefits for you (meat, wool, furr, transport), and of them you eat. And on them, and on ships you are carried. (Quran 23:21-22)

And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warmth (warm clothing), and numerous benefits (drink, meat) , and of them you eat. (Quran 16:5)

These verses clearly demonstrates that animals have been created for human benefits. We can have animals at our disposal for our subsistence, for our clothing and also for travelling. That is why we have to thank God for all these bounties.

Also, the consumption of animal flesh is only allowed if the soul of the animal has left the body with the utmost respect.

Allah tells us how to consume animal meat and which kind of animal meat is permissible.

Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytatah (the dead animals – cattle-beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat of that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols, etc., or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns – and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal – unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) – and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An-Nusub (stone altars)

…(Surah Al-Ma’idah verse 3).

Animals and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah (Hadith)

According to Aisha bint Abu Bakr, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was like a walking Quran on earth. He has shown us the Path by giving us the example of mercy and compassion towards animals.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has mentioned: “Allah is gracious and He likes meekness in all things.” Therefor Allah recommends us to be meek with all creatures: human beings, animals and also with plants.”

Islam strictly forbids all type of abuse and inhumane treatments of Allah’s creation. According to Ibn ‘Abbâs (may Allah be satisfied with him), the Messanger (peace be upom him) once saw a donkey hot branded on the muzzle and said: “May Allah curse the one who marked this animal.” (reported by Sahih Muslim).

Abu Masud (may Allah be satisfied with him) said: “During our journey with the Messanger of Allah (saws), we were confronted with a bird and its two offsprings. At that moment the Prophet (peace be upon him) was abscent for a while. We took the two chicks. When  Prophet Muhammad came back he saw the mother bird flapping around us and said, “Who has upset this bird by taking away her children? Give them back to her.”

Abu Masud also said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a colony of ants which we’ve burned. He asked, “Who is responsible for this act?” We answered, “We are”. The Prophet replied, “No one is allowed to punish with fire except the Creator who made it” (Reported by Abû Dâwûd and Ahmad)

In Islam, hunting is authorised but the killing of an animal without any reason is considered to be a crime therefore it is a huge sin.

According to Ibn ‘Omar (may Allah be satisfied with him) the Messenger of Allah said: “There is not a single person that kills an animal unlawfully, even if it is a bird, without being interrogated by Allah the Glorious.” They asked: “which way to kill is legitimate?” So he replied: “ Cut the throat for the consumption and don’t kill to throw away.” (Reported by Nassâ’i and Hâkim)

Amongst those who were cursed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the one that use anything in which there is a soul as targets for fun.

The goodness to animals is not just conditioned for human profit. It is at the fist place a religious law which applies to every Muslim.

According to Abu Huraira (may Allah be satisfied with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A man walking on the road got thirsty. He found a well, so he went down and drank of it. After climbing back, he saw a dog panting and licking the wet ground because he was very thirsty. The man realised that this dog suffers from thirst the same way I did. He went back down and filled his shoe with water, then held it with his teeth to climb out the well. The dog drank of it and Allah praised and forgave his sins. Prophet’s Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Do we get a reward for our good deeds towards animals?”. He replied, “There is a reward for the one who do good to any living creature.|”

Alternatively, if a man hurts an animal or if a man doesn’t behave correctly towards an animal, the animal will give an account to God the Greatest, as mentioned in the following authentic hadith reported by Imam Muslim.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “ A woman was chastened and thrown in hell because she starved a cat to death. The woman neither gave her water nor food. The cat was not free to nourish herself with little animals of the Earth” (as reported by Bukhâri and Muslim).

Recommended Resource: How to be a Sustainable Pet Owner

Why Should Kirkland Homeowners Hire Gutter Cleaners?

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Gutter cleaning is an essential maintenance task for homeowners in Kirkland. Properly functioning gutters are crucial for directing rainwater away from a home’s foundation, preventing potential water damage. Over time, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, leading to water overflow and damage to both the interior and exterior of the house. Homeowners often overlook this aspect of home care, which can lead to costly repairs in the future.

gutter cleaning benefits

Hiring professionals for gutter cleaning Kirkland offers a practical solution to maintaining the longevity of a home’s gutter system. Professionals have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and experience to efficiently and safely clean gutters. They can spot and address gutter issues that might not be apparent to the homeowner, such as minor holes or hidden blockages. For Kirkland residents, where weather conditions can contribute significantly to gutter blockage, professional cleaning services ensure that gutters are properly cared for throughout the year.

Moreover, professional gutter cleaners can save homeowners time and reduce the risk of injury from climbing ladders and working at heights. They can perform the job thoroughly and quickly, minimizing the disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine. By relying on professionals, homeowners in Kirkland can prevent water damage to their property, ultimately saving on long-term repair costs and preserving the value of their home.

Benefits of Professional Gutter Cleaning

Professional gutter cleaning presents critical advantages to homeowners, focusing on the integrity and functionality of their property.

1. Prevention of Water Damage

Water damage can be a costly repair for any homeowner. Professional gutter cleaning helps prevent this by ensuring that gutters are free from blockages that can cause water to overflow and seep into the home’s foundation or basement. They efficiently remove debris that might otherwise lead to damp problems or damage to the landscaping.

2. Pest Control

Gutters clogged with leaves and standing water attract pests such as rodents, insects, and birds. A professional cleaner eliminates these potential nests and breeding grounds, reducing the likelihood of pest infestations.

3. Extending Gutter Lifespan

Regular maintenance by a trained professional extends the life of gutters. They can spot and address minor issues before they escalate, such as:

  • Misalignment
  • Corrosion
  • Wear and tear

By hiring professional gutter cleaners, Kirkland homeowners proactively protect their investment and avoid future, more costly repairs.

Choosing the Right Gutter Cleaning Service

When selecting a gutter cleaning service in Kirkland, homeowners should focus on service quality and reliability.

What to Look for in a Gutter Cleaning Company

Homeowners should verify insurance and licensing to ensure the company is legally protected and adheres to state regulations. It’s important to check for positive customer reviews, which can often be found on service review sites or company websites. A reputable company should have a track record of safety and effective cleaning methods. Here’s a brief checklist:

  • Insurance and Licensing: Confirm that the company is fully insured and possesses the correct licenses to operate in Kirkland.
  • Customer Feedback: Look for testimonials and ratings from previous customers.
  • Experience: Opt for companies with a demonstrated history of safe and thorough gutter cleaning.
  • Equipment: They should use proper, professional-grade tools to ensure efficient and safe cleaning.

UAE and Indonesia’s Mangrove Alliance: A Global Climate Change Solution

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Mangroves dominate the entire Arabian Peninsula’s coastal vegetation. Once regarded as a swampy wasteland, mangroves are now the magic bullet for regions susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change.

The swampy marshes’ unique ability to mitigate the damage caused by waves, severe storms, and soil erosion, acting as a cushion, protecting coastal communities from flooding and the effect of sea level rise – makes it an “ecosystem engineer”.

UAE mangrove conservation

A nature-based solution

Mangroves are integral part the coastal ecosystem. It hold the potential to act as a carbon sink, taking in the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it to blue carbon. Blue carbon is present and stored in abundance in the soil and underground, showcasing the transformative power of nature-based solutions in the face of global environmental challenges.

A study by the FAO stressed the environmental significance of mangrove trees in protecting coastal communities from natural hazards such as storms, soil erosion, and tsunamis. The importance of mangroves for the combat of climate change is becoming more evident with the growing intensity of extreme weather events and rising sea levels in coastal regions.

Mangrove forests only covers 0.1% of the planet’s surface but it holds the ability to store blue carbon up to 400% more than tropical forests.

It is estimated that 341 threatened species around the world depend on mangrove forest for nesting and feeding grounds. 80% of the marine organisms rely on healthy mangrove ecosystem to thrive and acts as a breeding ground. Mangroves is also vital to safeguard the marine ecosystem against the ever-changing climate.

UAE’s mangrove restoration

UAE is among one of the most vulnerable countries towards climate crisis. UAE is facing warmer weather, increased droughts, increased sea levels and more vicious storms. Climate change has also placed the local marine ecosystem at significant risk of extinction.

Mangroves are an iconic part of the UAE’s ecosystem and are viewed as crucial to the planet’s sustainability. Mangroves were championed by the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They are now part of the UAE’s extension of the Blue Carbon Project, focusing on the importance of the mangroves’ carbon sequestration properties.

The UAE is leading the global initiative to educate, collaborate and fund to protect the global mangrove habitats. This stems from the UAE’s commitment to addressing climate change and safeguarding vital coastal ecosystems worldwide.

The UAE aims to plants 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, accounting for 9,200 hectares, 70 million more than that was stated in the second national contributions report under the Paris Agreement.

The mangrove trees in the Abu Dhabi alone are expected to store carbon at a rate of 0.5 tonnes per hectare per year. Sequestering at least 8,800 tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of over 900 homes. This is expected to contribute significantly to the UAE’s pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050.

UAE and Indonesia collaboration

The global mangrove area covers 147,359km², with Indonesia covering one-fifth of the worldwide mangrove areas. The global mangrove forests are shrinking significantly in recent decades, including in Indonesia, caused by deforestation, mangrove forest conversion, and climate change.

Hence, the UAE launched the global “Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)” in partnership and leadership of Indonesia at COP27, to support, enhance, and expand mangrove forests globally as a nature-based solution against climate change.

In COP28 summit, Mariam Almheiri, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, launched a mangrove research centre in Indonesia under MAC, for the advancement in research, innovation and in fostering knowledge exchange within the global scientific communities on mangroves and serve as part of its global mission to restore and protect 15 million hectares of mangroves by 2030.

MAC follows a voluntary approach, with the members determining their own commitments towards planting and restoring mangrove forests, promoting multilateral cooperation, and sharing knowledge.

mangroves-qatar-wakra

Global Fight Against Climate Change

The establishment of MAC and its research center in Indonesia paved the way for global unified approach towards mangrove conservation at COP28. COP28, which was held in Dubai stressed and encouraged the global community to come together for the restoration of mangroves.

The Mangrove Breakthrough, which was launched at COP27, by the UN High-Level Climate Champions and Global Mangrove Alliance, is made up of over 60  Environment Non-Governmental Organizations an Knowledge Institutions. Whereas the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, convenes government partners for capacity-building and best-practice-sharing, complementing the Mangrove Breakthrough.

The global mangrove protection and restoration of 15 million hectares by 2030 secured significant support from over 40 new governments and other stakeholders, with a goal of reaching USD 4 billion of sustainable finance via the Mangrove Breakthrough at the COP28.

COP28 saw a formal partnership announced between the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the Mangrove Breakthrough, where 49 governments which covers 60% of the world’s mangroves as well as over 50 non-state actors supporting the Mangrove Breakthrough targets to halt mangrove destruction by 2030. It made made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion of new investments by 2030.

The Mangrove Breakthrough has come a long way since COP27. We are honoured to be part of shepherding it to what it is today: a robust, scientifically and financially achievable pathway to scaled-up mangrove protection and restoration, now with the gravity of nations and the private sector behind it. COP28 has created momentum for these powerhouse ecosystems, and with that, increased coastal protection and sustainable livelihoods for millions of people while creating the conditions to grow the most effective carbon sinks we have. We look forward to more endorsements, because now more than ever, we need to keep the momentum going.” Said Han de Groot, CEO, Wetlands International.

MAC has signed 39 countries, with 50 non-state actors who met at COP28 affirmed their support for Mangrove Breakthrough. Political momentum has been created to realize mangroves’ massive potential as a carbon sink, and as weapon against the impacts of climate change. This accelerates the delivery of both the Paris Agreement and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Hence, international collaboration is crucial in mangrove restoration and conservation efforts.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives for Sustainable Commercial Plumbing

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Voices like those at Coastal Commercial Services, Inc. are spreading the word about the importance of ecologically friendly business practices. One area people can learn more about is how commercial plumbing can meet ecological standards. Now is the time when all domestic units can be outfitted with eco-friendly plumbing. Here are some initiatives that could be helpful:

eco-friendly commercial plumbing solutions

Smart Water Efficiency

Water efficiency just may be the diamond standard for sustainable commercial plumbing. Water-efficient fixtures are part of how we make low-flow toilets, urinals, and faucets that don’t leak or run. Advanced technologies like dual-flush mechanisms and smart sensors optimize water usage. Lower water bills mean less stress put on the environment.

Solar Water Heating Technology

When a business seeks to reduce its dependence on antiquated energy sources, it can look to the sun for answers. Solar water heating is an eco-friendly option businesses can trust. Solar panels capture sunlight and transform it into thermal energy. Solar panels are also known to capture enough energy that businesses and citizens can sell energy to companies or people.

Recycling Greywater

Greywater can be reused for many things. Sinks, showers, and washing machines give us a great amount of water that can be used for waste disposal and irrigation purposes. Installing greywater recycling systems helps conserve freshwater and lowers the water bills.

greywater recycling

Water Heaters Without the Tanks

Water heaters with storage tanks are famous for wasting energy. On the other hand, tankless water heaters heat on demand, which keeps energy loss to a minimum. Whether in commercial establishments or homes, tankless is a better way to warm up to the idea of eco-friendly initiatives.

Leak Detection and Repair

Undetected leaks are a menace to plumbing systems as well as a source is increased utility bills. With leak detection technology like smart sensors and monitoring systems, water leaks are promptly identified and can be dealt with accordingly. Businesses can use this tech to cut down on system damage and can reduce their cost of plumbing-related labor by a wide margin.

Also Read: Boosting Your Water Tank’s Pressure for Better Efficiency

Eco-Friendly Piping and Materials

Plumbing materials that don’t present environmental hazards are now widely available. Recycled copper pipes and pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are efficient, affordable, and easy to source. Not only are these materials known to have longer lifespans, they also greatly reduce the need for recurrent replacements.

Educational Initiatives

How building occupants and staff are indoctrinated around energy consumption is a relevant issue when discussing sustainable commercial plumbing. When employees are educated about water conservation measures, their day-to-day practices will reflect the difference. The impact of actions like reporting leaks and using water-efficient fixtures changes things for the better.

The Action Plan

Every company wants to be on the right side of history. Changing over to an eco-friendly plumbing scheme pays big dividends not only for the commercial entities that do it but also for the environment. Using water-efficient fixtures, solar water heating systems, and various other eco-friendly plumbing tech is easier than it’s ever been and as rewarding as it ever was.

Things You Should Know About Combined Heat and Power Systems

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Combined Heat and Power (CHP), also know as cogeneration, is the simultaneous generation of multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a single, integrated system. In conventional electricity generation systems, about 35% of the energy potential contained in the fuel is converted on average into electricity, whilst the rest is lost as waste heat.

types of CHP plants

CHP systems uses both electricity and heat and therefore can achieve an efficiency of up to 90%, giving energy savings between 15-40% when compared with the separate production of electricity from conventional power stations and of heat from boilers.

CHP systems consist of a number of individual components – prime mover (heat engine), generator, heat recovery, and electrical interconnection – configured into an integrated whole. The type of equipment that drives the overall system (i.e., the prime mover) typically identifies the CHP unit.

Prime movers for CHP units include reciprocating engines, combustion or gas turbines, steam turbines, microturbines, and fuel cells. These prime movers are capable of burning a variety of fuels, including natural gas, coal, oil, and alternative fuels to produce shaft power or mechanical energy.

working of CHP plant

Types of CHP Systems

Reciprocating or internal combustion engines (ICEs) are among the most widely used prime movers to power small electricity generators. Advantages include large variations in the size range available, fast start-up, good efficiencies under partial load efficiency, reliability, and long life.

Steam turbines are the most commonly employed prime movers for large power outputs. Steam at lower pressure is extracted from the steam turbine and used directly or is converted to other forms of thermal energy. System efficiencies can vary between 15 and 35% depending on the steam parameters.

Co-firing of biomass with coal and other fossil fuels can provide a short-term, low-risk, low-cost option for producing renewable energy while simultaneously reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Biomass can typically provide between 3 and 15 percent of the input energy into the power plant. Most forms of biomass are suitable for co-firing.

Steam engines are also proven technology but suited mainly for constant speed operation in industrial environments. Steam engines are available in different sizes ranging from a few kW to more than 1 MWe.

A gas turbine system requires landfill gas, biogas, or a biomass gasifier to produce the gas for the turbine. This biogas must be carefully filtered of particulate matter to avoid damaging the blades of the gas turbine.

Stirling engines utilize any source of heat provided that it is of sufficiently high temperature. A wide variety of heat sources can be used but the Stirling engine is particularly well-suited to biomass fuels. Stirling engines are available in the 0.5 to 150 kWe range and a number of companies are working on its further development.

A micro-turbine recovers part of the exhaust heat for preheating the combustion air and hence increases overall efficiency to around 20-30%. Several competing manufacturers are developing units in the 25-250kWe range. Advantages of micro-turbines include compact and light weight design, a fairly wide size range due to modularity, and low noise levels.

Aramco CHP plant

ARAMCO CHP Plant in Saudi Arabia

Saudi ARAMCO’s CHP Initiatives

ARAMCO has build CHP plants at three major oil and gas complexes in Saudi Arabia which demonstrate ARAMCO’s commitment to pursue energy efficiency in its operation. These cogeneration plants generate a total on 900MW of power and 1,500 tons of steam per hour, and are able to meet power and heating requirements at Abqaiq, Hawiya and Ras Tanura plants.

Environmental Allergies – Common Causes and Remedies

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In recent years, anthropogenic climate change has led to proliferation of environment-related diseases. The allergies caused by environmental factors are a major health problem for tens of millions of people all over the world. Environmental allergies involve an immune response to something in your surroundings, including home, workplace and outdoor. In contrast to food allergies, environmental allergies are an immune overreaction to triggers you come into contact in the daily life. Many people with perennial allergies also show signs of mood disorders and anxiety. BetterHelp has more information on how to find a free therapist online.

The most common environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroaches, cigarette smoke and pets. The major symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.

environmental-allergens

Sources of Environmental Allergies

The identification of environmental allergen is the foremost step in eliminating it and devising a treatment plan. Here are the most common environmental allergens you should be beware of:

1. Dust mites

Dust mites, the most common environmental allergen, are tiny microscopic creatures which live in furniture, mattresses, curtains and carpets. The allergic reaction is triggered by the inhalation of the waste products of dust mites which propels the immune system to produce antibodies against the otherwise harmless substances. The dust mites prefer warm and humid climates so your dust mite allergy may worsen in the summer months.

2. Pollen

Pollen is crucial for plant growth but can be fatal for people with allergies. During the spring, fall and summer seasons, plants release pollen grains which spreads through the air to fertilize plants of the same species. The allergic reaction is triggered when a vulnerable person inhales the pollen which is perceived as a threat by the body. The common sources of allergy-causing pollens are trees, grasses and weeds.

environmental-allergy

2. Pets

Dogs and cats are also a major cause of environmental allergies, with dander, urine and saliva being the common allergens. Usually, pet allergy is caused by tiny particles of dead skin shed by animals with furs and feathers. Animal saliva and urine can also trigger an allergic reaction. The best way to tackle a pet allergy is to avoid exposure to the animal.

pet-dander

4. Mold

Mold is a kind of fungus which propagates in moisture-laden environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and gardens. Mold spores can travel the air and cause allergic reaction among susceptible people. There are numerous types of mold but only few of them are responsible for allergies.

5. Cigarette smoke

Passive smoking can be a source of allergies in many people. Exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with increase in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Infact, studies have shown that the use of tobacco may induce an immune response with increased exposure to allergens.

How to Deal with Environmental Allergies?

The oft-repeated phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ is the best way to deal with environmental allergens. Some of the popular ways to fight environmental allergies are:

  • Using an indoor air filter
  • Regular washing of bedsheets and vacuuming
  • Keeping your windows closed during the days of high pollen concentration
  • Preventing growth of mold in bathrooms, basements etc.
  • Keep your pets out of your bedroom
  • Practising good personal hygiene at home

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction on account of environmental factors. Usually, antihistamines like Cetirizine are the common OTC medicines prescribed by doctors. Saline nasal spray is also a good way to treat allergies caused by dust mites.

Among natural remedies, the use of essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil, may provide relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Another emerging method to fight environmental allergies is immunotherapy which is also known as allergy shots.

Conclusion

Environmental allergies are a source of discomfort for millions of people of world. The climate change crisis has increased the prevalence of environmental allergens in our surrounding, resulting in mild to fatal symptoms among vulnerable people. The best way to fight environmental allergies is to avoid or minimize exposure to common allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold.