Trends in Sustainable Housing

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There has been large-scale proliferation in construction of buildings worldwide due to population growth, economic development, urbanization and migration. According to UN Habitat, there has been a migration of the world’s population from rural areas to cities or smaller urban areas. In fact, this trend is expected to continue and cities within the developed as well as developing nations are expected to grow in terms of population. As a result all forms of construction activities are expected to become more intense than ever in the years to come.

Usually the development of urban areas suffers from weak process of planning and control which lead to bad housing conditions, poor sanitation system, limited electricity and water supply, and often poverty.  These issues coupled with high population growth rate, environmental degradation, global warming and limited non-renewable resources highlights the importance of sustainable housing for the survival of humankind.

Sustainability in Buildings

Building construction and operation have extensive direct and indirect impacts on the environment. Buildings use resources such as energy, water and raw materials, generate a variety of wastes and emit potentially harmful gases. Basically the environmental impacts of buildings take place within six stages of building lifecycle:

  • Design process
  • Material or product manufacture
  • Distribution
  • Construction phase
  • Operation
  • Refurbishment or demolition

In terms of energy consumption, 60 percent of the world’s electricity is consumed by residential and commercial building. Space heating accounts for 60 percent of residential energy consumption and water heating for 18 percent in developed countries. Therefore radical changes must be made in design and performance of the buildings to reduce energy consumption and its corresponding environmental impact.

In many countries, sustainable construction methods are being adopted to lead the building industry towards sustainable development and provide better quality living environment. Basically sustainable building design and construction intend to diminish environmental impacts of building over its entire lifetime by paying attention to environmental, socio-economic and cultural issues.

Trends Around the World

The developed and developing world is facing sustainable housing and urbanization challenges in different ways.  Currently industrialized countries are the highest contributor in CO2 emissions. However it is expected that developing countries will take the lead in global warming in the near future. Developing countries are experiencing fast-paced urbanization and at the same time slums and informal settlements are also expanding rapidly which makes development of sustainable housing a difficult proposition.

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Sustainable housing aims to diminish environmental impacts of building

Countries around the world are taking steps towards implementing sustainable design in the building sector. However most of them are still far from reaching the intended targets.  The major barriers in implementing energy efficiency in the building sector include:

  • Economic and financial issues;
  • Structural characteristics of political, economic and energy system; and
  • Lack of awareness and information

However different countries adopt different approaches for sustainable construction and set different priorities, depending on their economic condition. Nations with high economic growth are developing sustainable buildings making use of latest technologies and innovations. In case of developing countries, social equality and economic sustainability are foremost considerations. In fact, developing countries are moving slowly or even negative towards adopting sustainable housing strategies.

As far as Middle East is concerned, economic considerations dominate for oil and gas-rich GCC countries as they protect their oil and gas export reserves by investing in new ways to boost energy efficiency and lower energy consumption. However for less-affluent countries, such as Jordan, lack of indigenous energy resources and high energy costs are the primary reasons for implementation of sustainable design strategies in buildings.

How to Reduce Food Waste in Ramadan: An Infographic

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The debate surrounding increased food waste generation during Ramadan has become a part of public discourse in Muslim communities worldwide. Almost one-fourth of the food purchased or prepared during Ramadan finds its way to trash bins.

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The staggering amount of food waste in Ramadan urgently demands a strong public-focused strategy for its minimization, sustainable utilization and eco-friendly disposal. 

This infographic will provide more insights into the magnitude of problem and plausible ways to tackle it. Keep reading to know how to make your Ramadan eco-friendly.

Polylactic Acid – An Emerging Bioplastic

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During the last decade, the movement towards bio-based products has increased dramatically as a result of increasing environment awareness and high increase in fossil fuel prices. That is why companies like Polymer Chemistry Innovations must offer products based on new environmental trends. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is an eco-friendly bioplastic derived from lactic acid which can be produced by fermentation of renewable resources. It is a new type of biocompatible material produced from utilizing lactic acid as monomer. Since lactic acid is a non-toxic component, which exists in human metabolism, PLA is safe polyester for human-related applications.

PLA-bioplastics

In comparison to traditional plastics, PLA has great potential in the plastic market. Petroleum-based plastic takes hundreds of year to biologically degrade and is manufactured from non-renewable resources. PLA, on the other hand, is recyclable, produced by less energy-intensive process and compostable. Infact, it is a polymer which can be naturally converted to carbon dioxide and water within few years.

Feedstock Selection

Many raw materials could be utilised to produce lactic acid such as, starch, lignocellulosic biomass, agro-industrial wastes, glycerol and microalgae. In order to choose the most suitable biomass for an efficient process, the raw material should have the following characteristic.

  • As cheap as possible to make the maximum profit from the project
  • Low level of contaminants which means less cost on pre-treatment of the biomass to purify the main substrate.
  • Rapid production rate, more harvested product should be obtained per annum.
  • High yield with less by-products formation.
  • Continuous production rate along the year to minimise the raw material storage.

It seems impossible to have 100% ideal raw material so a trade-off decision must be made. Moreover, the combination of more than one raw material is even possible if the second one is given for free, for example, provided that the chosen microorganism can convert both raw materials to lactic acid without an extra cost. Production of lactic acid from waste has been studied by many researchers. However, the two promising materials are paper waste and glycerol. Moreover, potato and corn starch effluent have been used as a free raw materials for lactic acid production.

Glycerol is the main by-product of the biodiesel production process therefore it would be a really cheap feedstock to be used in the production of fuel and chemicals. Ten percent of the total biodiesel production is by-product crude glycerol which could have a negative effect on the environment to be disposed. Production of chemical from this by product could minimise the price of the biodiesel as it is produced at a relatively large quantity.

Office automation paper could be pre-treated and then converted to lactic acid by a specific microorganism. Different types of pulp, hemicellulose, and toner or ink-related compounds can reduce the production rate of lactic acid.

Undoubtedly, the best carbon source for most microorganisms is glucose which could be easily utilized in large scale lactic acid production. The second preferred carbon sources are starch and lignocellulose materials which have been recognized as a cost effective raw material. However, it is more difficult to ferment lignocellulosic biomass than starchy ones to lactic acid. This is because lignocellulosic biomass has cellulose as the polymer which requires physic-chemical pretreatment and multi-enzymatic reactions.

Microorganism Selection

In general, microbial lactic acid is mainly produced by two types of microorganisms which are bacteria and fungi. The enantiomers, yields and concentration of lactic acid depend on the type and the strain of microorganism. Each microorganism requires specific raw material to be utilised to give specific productivity in the optimum culture conditions.

Applications of PLA

PLA finds wide applications due to its unique properties. PLA is being used for food packaging, automobiles, textiles, foams, films etc in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific. Europe is the dominant market for biodegradable polymers, accounting for more than half of the world consumption.

The key market drivers in Europe include a packaging waste directive to set recovering and recycling targets, a number of plastic bag bans, and other collection and waste disposal laws to avoid landfill. As far as Middle East is concerned, use of PLA or other bioplastics is in nascent stages and its current penetration is very negligible.

فيروس كورونا: فرصة لإعادة النظر

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لطالما اعتقدتُ أنّ ما من شيءٍ يحدثُ دون أن يحمل في طياته رسالة ما، إما أن تكون عامة لفئات كثيرة،  أو خاصة لأشخاصٍ معنيين بها، لعقودٍ طويلةٍ بقي الإنسانُ يؤدّي أعماله ومهامه بكفاءةٍ عالية، لكن هل فعلًا كان يبلي بلاءً حسنا في نهاية المطاف؟ بالرجوعِ للأثرِ البيئيّ لمختلفِ الممارسات التنمويّة في مختلفِ القطاعات نجدُ انتهاكًا كبيرًا للبيئة بوتيرة متسارعة، وعلى مر السنوات تكدّست كميات كبيرة من الملوّثات في بيئاتنا بكل مكوناتها، إضافة إلى استمرارنا غير المبرر في ظلّ هذا التطور الهائل الذي وصلنا إليه نكون قد وقّعنا وثيقة دمار كوكبنا بشكلٍ علنيّ وفي وقتٍ قريب جدًّا خاصة بعد التغيّر المناخيّ الحادّ الذي نشهده.

يُعزى تغير المناخ بشكلٍ مباشر أو غير مباشر للنشاط البشريّ الذي غيّر ويستمر في تغيير تركيبة الغلاف الجوي العالميّ، فحسب منظمة الصحة العالميّة؛ فإنّ المناخ أثّر على انتقال بيولوجيا الأمراض البشريّة، حيث من الممكن أن تتسبّب الحالات الشاذة المرتفعة لدرجات الحرارة، ومعدات الهطول بنقل عدد من الأوبئة التي تحتاج أوساطا حيوية أو عن طريق المياه لتنتقل. 

كما أن درجات الحرارة المرتفعة يمكن أن تسبّب أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، ناهيك عن الارتباط الوثيق بين درجة الحرارة والرطوبة النسبية وجودة الهواء الذي يعود بالضرر على مرضى الجهاز التنفسي وزيادة حساسيتهم. 

مثلما تبيّن لنا منذ بدء أزمة (فيروس كورونا) أنّ الفيروس يؤثر بشكل أكبر على مرضى القلب والجهاز التنفسي ويشكّل خطرًا على حياتهم يؤدّي بالغالب إلى الوفاة. 

لنفكّر للحظة

 كلّ فردٍ منا يجب أن يتحمّل ما سيحدث بعد انتهاء هذه الأزمة، ويكون قادرا على تحمّل المسؤولية الملقاة على عاتقنا جميعا، وهي مسؤولية التغيير، نحن هنا لا نتحدث عن تغيير جذريّ وكامل، فهو أشبه بالمستحيل لكن شيئا فشيئا يمكننا أن نتحوّل إلى استخدام الطاقة البديلة مثلا أكثر من قبل، بالطبع سنجد بعض الصعوبة فنحن لا نملك الإمكانات كافة التي تساعدنا على ذلك بشكل نستطيع به مجاراة استخدام البترول، الوقود الأحفوري كمصادر أساسية وقد تكون في بعض الدول الوحيدة للطاقة. 

علينا أن ننتبه جيّدا لنمط حياتنا، والأساليب التي نعيش بها، وأن يأخذ كل منا بعين الاعتبار أن التغيير يجب أن يتضمّن التفاصيل الحياتية جميعها من أبسطها، أدقها، إلى أهمها وأكبرها. بالطبع، لا يمكن للفرد وحده القيام بكل ذلك، والتغيير سيكون فرديّ دون إحداث التغيير في شتَى قطاعات الدولة، وعلى رأسها قطاع الصناعة؛ الذي يتحمّل المسؤولية الأكبر، كونه مساهم رئيسي في التلوث الذي بات كابوسًا يُلاحقنا حتى في يقظتنا. فبسبب صعوبة التحول في النظم الصناعية يتحتّم علينا إيجاد طرق مناسبة لتقليل التلوث إلى أدنى حدٍ يمكن الوصول إليه، مخفضين الآثار البيئية كذلك، وهذا من شأنه أن يرفع الكفاءة العامة للمنشأة حيث أن المخرجات الثانوية أي الملوثات يمكن تحويلها بطريقة أو بأخرى إلى مدخلات مثل الاستفادة من الحرارة الضائعة وتخزينها على شكل طاقة يمكن الاستفادة منها لاحقا، كما يمكن الاستفادة من المعادن الثقيلة والمياه الصناعية والأبخرة والأدخنة كل حسب طريقة الاستفادة الممكنة. 

كما يتحمل القطاع الزراعي مسؤولية واضحة وكبيرة في مكافحة التلوث.. قد يُهَيَّأ لنا في كثير من الأحيان أن الزراعة نشاط صديق للبيئة، لكن يمكن أن يكون أداة تدمير إذا لم يتم إدارته بالشكل الصحيح؛ من خلال ما تحدثه الخيارات الزراعية الخاطئة من آثار جانبية تدمّر التربة والمياه الجوفية والسطحية والثروة الحيوانية وبالتالي صحة الإنسان، التحول للزراعة العضوية كان في الماضي ترفًا لكنه أصبح الآن ضرورة للعيش والاستمرار بصحة جيدة.

علينا أن نعيد ترتيب أولوياتنا! … لذلك فالسؤال الآن ما الذي يمكننا فعله؟   

علينا إعادة النظر في كل شيء نفعله وتعلُّم القيام به في الوجه الصحيح هو طوق النجاة الذي سيعود بنا حيث  بر الأمان، حيث البيئة الآمنة التي تمنحنا الحب والعافية.. قراءة نشرات الطاقة على أجهزتنا المحمولة لا يكلّف شيئا، والعمل بالإرشادات سيوفر الكثير من الجهود، المحافظة على المياه من الهدر واستخدام طرق الحصاد المائي، كما إعادة النظر في المواد الكيميائية التي نستخدمها أمر في غاية الأهمية، العودة للمواد الطبيعية وتجنّب المواد المصنّعة سيعود بالنفع على كل من الإنسان والبيئة، واعتماد الأغذية الصحيّة وتجنب الطعام الملوث والمصنّع سيساهم في تعزيز صحتنا الجسدية والعقلية، حيث أن وكما نردد دائما: العقل السليم في الجسم السليم، والعقل السليم خلّاق، سيقودنا للمزيد من الحلول التي نحتاجها.

((دعونا نجعل التطور الذي وصلنا إليه وسيلة للحد من مشاكلنا بدلا من أن يكون حلًا تصاحبه مشكلات أعقد.))

عودة لعنوان المقال، نحن لسنا بصدد مناقشة سبب انتشار هذا الفيروس؛ لأن علم الفيروسات علم قائم بذاته، ولكن على كل شخص قراءة معطيات وتبعات كل ما يحدث حوله ومحاولة استنباط الرسالة التي يحملها كل حدث، ولا أظن أن انتشار الفيروس  حصل بمعزل عن الظروف البيئية التي نعيشها. 

وهذا ما وفقنا الله لفهمه وسددنا إليه، وبتعبير التوحيدي-رحمه الله- نقول: اللهم إنا نبرأ من الثقة إلا بك، ومن الأمل إلا فيك، ومن التسليم إلا لك، ومن التفويض إلا إليك، ومن التوكل إلا عليك، ومن الطلب إلا منك، ومن الصبر إلا على بلائك، اللهم تتابع برك واتصل خيرك وعظم رفدك وتناهى إحسانك وصدق وعدك وبرَّ قسمك وعمت فواضلك وتمت نوافلك، ولم تبق لنا حاجة إلا وقد قضيتها أو تكفلت بقضائها فاختم ذلك كله بالرضا والمغفرة، إنك أهل لذلك والقادر عليه

التغير المناخي وقمة باريس: الإجماع البيئي العالمي

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مما لا شك فيه أن قمة المناخ في باريس أظهرت جليا مدى قوة الخطاب البيئي ودبلوماسية البيئة  وقدرتها على توحيد الأمم وقادة العالم والمجتمع المدني لحماية الأمن الأنساني-البيئي.هذا الإتفاق يقتضي إالتزامات من كافة الدول مثل التكيف وتخفيف آثار التغير المناخي ودعم الدول النامية ونقل التقنية النظيفة للحد من حرارة الكوكب بما لا يزيد عن درجتين مئويتين أو أقل لغاية  (1.5  للعام 2050.  لكن هذا الإتفاق بحاجة إلى استثمار (100 بليون سنويا بحلول عام 2020) من دول الشمال الصناعي تجاه العالم النامي حيث أن ما نسبته عشرة بالمئة من الدول الصناعية تساهم بما قيمته خمسين بالمئة من إنبعاثات غاز ثاتي أكسيد الكربون. وكذلك هذا الإتفاق بحاجة إلى موافقة البرلمانات لأنه ما زالت أصوات تنادي بعدم المصادقة على إتفاق يحد من النمو الإقتصادي.

قد يبدو للبعض أن الإتفاق كان واقعيا ودون الطموح لكنه خطوة متقدمة عن كوبنهاجن وأقرته الدول النامية ومن ضمنها الهند والصين والدول النامية والعربية. القيادة العالمية لأكثر من 190 دولة وازنت بين علم المناخ وسياسة المناخ وتجاوزت أزمة الفعل الجمعي عبر إعتماد مشاركة الدول الطوعية بخفض الإنبعاثات بشفافية شريطة مراجعة مساهمات كل دولة قبل العام 2020. لكن يبقى التساؤل عن مدى عقلانية العالم في التفاوض على مستقبلنا المشترك على هذا الكوكب الهش. إذا كان علم المناخ هو الذي يرفد القرار لحماية الحياة على الأرض فما مدى هامش التفاوض لدى قادة العالم خاصة وأن شعار القمة “ليس لدينا كوكب آخر”.

اتفاق باريس أقر بوجود فجوة بين تعهدات الدول لخفض الإنبعاثات والهدف المنشود للوصول لأرتفاع حرارة الأرض بمقدار درجتين ولكنه حدد مبدأ العدالة والمسؤولية المشتركة لكن المتباينة للحد من التلوث وكذلك ربط عدالة المناخ بحقوق الإنسان لم يرد إلا في المقدمة. هناك مراجعة كل خمس سنوات للتأكد من مدى الإلتزام وهناك نص يفيد بأنه يجب على الدول زيادة نسبة الإلتزام مع الزمن لتحقيق الهدف المنشود ضمن الأاتزام الطوعي لكل دولة. ومع حلول عام 2025 سيتم تحديد قيمة الألتزام المالي بمقدار 100 بليون كل عام وكيفية وآلية جمعه وصرفه. هناك آليات للتواصل ولتبيان مدى الإلتزام للدوا الصناعية كل سنتين. هذه كلها إنجازات ضمن سياسة فن الممكن في عالم تحكمه أجندات ومصالح الدول الصناعية. لكن أدركت الدول النامية أنها يجب أن تجلس على طاولة المفاوضات وتطالب بحقها وإلا فلن يجدي منطق التشكيك بعلم المناخ ومصداقية قمة المناخ.

لكن جوهر المشكلة البيئية مرتبط بنمط التنمية والإستهلاك والإنتاج الذي أدى إلى تدهور الأنظمة البيئية نتيجة نسق التفكير الغربي، ونمط التنمية الغربية اللذين يعتمدان مبدأ النمو لأجل النمو، والتشجيع على الاستهلاك المفرط. إن البقاء على نفس وتيرة النمو هو الذي أدى الى حالة تردي حالة الحياة الإنسانية، المتمثّلة في إزدياد هوة الفقر والجوع والتلوث. تكمن أهمية قمة المناخ في باريس في طرح الإسئلة الجوهرية المرتبطة بالعدالة البيئية والمواطنة البيئية ومسؤلية الملوث في الدعم المالي والتقني وبناء قدرة دول العالم النامي لمواجهة آثار التغير المناخي.  المسؤلية الإنسانية عن أمن الكوكب وعمارة الأرض هي مسؤولية الجميع لأنه لا إنفصال بين الأمن البيئي والإنساني. التحول للطاقة النظيفة والمتجددة وكذلك تعديل ومراجعة نمط التنمية يعد ضرورة للحد من ظاهرة التغيّر المناخي. إن هذا التلوث الذي يفوق الطاقة الإستيعابية للكوكب  هو دليل على فشل آلية السوق في حماية البيئة وما يرافق تدهورها من أخطار على الأمن الغذائي والمائي والإنساني. قمة المناخ تعطينا درسا أساسيا في أنه لا يمكن تحديد إطار القيادة الإنسانية للعالَم بالدول القطرية، وقصره عليها بمنأى عن المسؤوليات الأخلاقية والإنسانية للجميع تجاه الكوكب، وتجاه الجيل القادم، وتجاه فقراء العالَم؛ إذا رغبنا تحقيق تنمية المستدامة في ظلّ حكم عالمي عادل ورشيد.

لقد شهد القرن العشرين جدلاً واسعاً حول الأثر السلبي لنمط التنمية الغربي، ومفهومه للنمو، وربطه للسعي نحو السعادة من خلال الاستهلاك المفرط، وتحويل الكماليات إلى ضروريات. كما تعرّض البيئيون لنقد نمط التنمية الغربي وأثره السلبي في تدهور الموارد الطبيعية، وتلوّث الماء والهواء والتربة. والآن، ونحن في بداية القرن الحادي والعشرين، فإنّا نشهد نموّاً متصاعداً لدول آسيا، من مثل: الصين، والهند. فالنمو المتصاعد في الصين مثلاً يقتضي استهلاكاً واستنزافاً لموارد الكوكب، من مثل: الحبوب، واللحوم، والحديد، والأخشاب، والطاقة؛ ممّا يدعونا إلى التحقّق من جدوى محاكاة النموذج الغربي، من حيث: الاستهلاك المفرط، واستخدام الطاقة الأحفورية (غاز، فحم، نفط)، وهو ما يُؤثِّر سلبياً في صحة الإنسان، ويضر بالكوكب والاقتصاد.

من المهم هنا بيان الفرق بين التنمية والنمو؛ فالنمو يرنو إلى جعل الأشياء أكبر، بينما تهدف التنمية إلى جعل الأشياء أفضل. وعلى الرغم من زيادة الإنتاج العالمي مرات تقريباً خلال المئة سنة الماضية، إلّا أنّ ذلك أدى إلى تدهور في النظام البيئي لم تشهده البشرية في تاريخها، وهو صورة من صور إهلاك الحرث والنسل، والفساد في الأرض بما كسبت أيدي الناس. ومن وجهة النظر الاقتصادية، فحين يصبح النمو غير فاعل اقتصاديّاً نتيجة الآثار السلبية والجانبية، فلا بُدّ من مراجعة نمط التنمية، وطرائق قياس النمو التي تعتمد الدخل القومي GNP))؛ لأنّها لا تُقدِّم صورة حقيقية للنمو.

ومن المحزن حقّاً أنّ الحروب والتسلح والإحتلال وسيادة ثقافة الإستهلاك في عالمنا العربي تفضي إلى تلويث البيئة وزيادة تركيز انبعاثات الكربون، وإحداث خلل في التوازن الكوني والحالة الطبيعية ((Natural State أو الفطرة، ويظهر ذلك جليّاً في ما نعيشه اليوم من آثار التغيّر المناخي أو الاحتباس الحراري، التي يُهدِّد الحرث والنسل ومستقبل البشرية، وكل ذلك مرتبط بخياراتنا ونمط حياتنا وبما كسبت أيدي الناس. إنّ عولمة السوق الاقتصادية، تستدعي إيجاد آليات مناسبة للمجتمع المدني للتعبير عن الرأي الآخر بحرية،ويتمكن من نصح  ونقد المجتمع والسياسات العامة لأن كل ذلك هذه الإجراءات تُشكِّل صمام أمان اجتماعي وثقافي يُسهِم في خدمة المهمَّشين والفقراء. إن قدرة المجتمع المدني من أن يطرح خطاباً ورؤيةً مشتركةً للتصالح مع كل ما يحيط بنا، ضمن منظومة متناغمة للاقتصاد والثقافة البيئية هو مؤشر على إستدامة المجتمع.

ولعل أحد أهم الدروس التي يمكن أن نتعلّمها من أصحاب الحضارات القديمة، هو عجزهم عن استشراف المستقبل وإدراكه والتصدي لمخاطر المناخ. انهارت وبادت حضارات لعدم تحقيق شروط الإستدامة والعدالة الإجتماعية، وعدم نجاحهم في التوصّل إلى حلول ناجمة للمشاكل المتعلقة بالأمن الغذائي-المائي-الطاقة؛ لقد اندثرت حضارات مثل سبأ والمايا لأسباب عدّة؛ أبرزها: تدمير الموارد الطبيعية (رأس المال الطبيعي) بالاستغلال الجائر للغابات، وانجراف التربة، وتغيّر المناخ، وموجات الجفاف، بالإضافة إلى النزاعات والحروب، وعدم التصدي للمشاكل الرئيسة التي تعيق التنمية. وهذا يدعونا إلى إعادة النظر في طرائق قياس تقدّم المجتمع التي تعتمد معايير اقتصادية محددة وغير دقيقة، من مثل: الدخل القومي (GNP)، أو مؤشر التنمية البشرية (HDI) ومؤشر الإستدامة.

لذا حتى تحقق قمة المناخ مبدأ العدالة البيئية لا بد من تحديد المسؤولية التاريخية عن الخلل في توازن الكوكب والتصدي من أجلتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة لما بعد 2015. إن تعدي الدول الصناعية والشركات العابرة القارات على موارد العالَم النامي وسلب السكان الأصليين حقوقهم بذريعة الأمن القومي وأمن الموارد والطاقة، وفي ذلك إزدواجية في معايير العدالة والنزاهة ؛ فالحروب والنزاعات في كلٍّ من: العراق، والسودان، وفلسطين وغيرها، هي خير شاهد على مدى الفساد الذي ألحقته هذه الحروب بالإنسان والبيئة، فضلاً عن تراجع فرص التنمية مقابل التسلّح.

إنّ المتأمّل للكّم الهائل المتسارع لتردي حالة الأرض من تصحر وتلوث وما يرافقه من حجم التسلح والفقر وتراجع ومؤشرات التنمية في المنطقة العربية  ومعدلات الفقر والبطالة والتشرد في المنطقة العربية؛ سيهوله مدى استفحال مناحي الفساد في هذه المنطقة. إنّ فهم فقه المقاصد وعمارة الأرض وصناعة الحياة تُؤكِّد القاعدة “درء المفاسد مُقدِّم على جلب المصالح”. لذا، يجب مراعاة مبدأ الحيطة (Precautionary Principle)، الذي يقضي بعدم إحداث خلل في الإنسان والبيئة، وهذا المبدأ هو نقيض المبدأ المعتَمد في النظام الرأسمالي، الذي ينص على أنّ “الـمُلوِّث هو الذي يدفع” (Polluters Pay)؛ أي أنّه يمكن تعويض الـمُتضرِّر عن آثار التلوّث، وهذا خلل واضح في التفكير؛ إذ إنّ بعض أنواع التلوّث لا يمكن معالجة آثارها (Irreversible). كما لا يمكن تعويض الخلل في النظام الطبيعي بالمال.

إن جوهر الأزمة البيئية يكمن في حرص الدول الغنية (10% منها تسهم في %50 من التلوث العالمي ) على وتيرة النمو المضطرد ونمط الحياة، بينما يطالب الآخرون (50% منهم يسهموا في 10% من التلوث) بالحد من التلوث ودفع ثمن التلوث الذي عمره أكثر من ثلاثة قرون من التقدم الصناعي في دول الشمال. خلاصة القول إنّنا بأمس الحاجة إلى تطوير فكر جديد لحساب تلوث المناخ بحيث يعتبر الإستهلاك ضمن المعادلة لأن العديد من السلع يتم إنتاجها في دول خارج الدول المستهلكة. قمة باريس تذكرنا أن القرار السياسي يسمع لصوت العلم وللمجتمع المدني لكن هذا الإتفاق يمثل إزاحة في الفكر البيئي بحيث تتحمل كل دولة حصتها “العادلة والمعقولة” ضمن منطق المنفعة الإقتصادية. إن حماية هذا الكوكب تعني بالضرورة أن علينا جميعا تمثُّل أخلاقيات عمارة الكون التي  تتطلّب توازناً  محكماً بين رأس المال الاجتماعي والإنساني والطبيعي؛ حتى لا نُثِقل كاهل الأرض بمخلّفات تُفضي إلى حرمان الجيل القادم من الحياة الطيبة ، وحتى لا ينتهي بنا المطاف إلى حالة “بئر معطلة وقصر مشيد”.

Cryptocurrency Mining in UAE

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a growing hub for digital currency, with an increasing number of citizens and businesses investing in various digital currencies. As the popularity of virtual currency grows in the UAE, it has become an attractive destination for cryptocurrency miners to set up operations. This article will explore the history, regulations, and policies related to cryptocurrency mining in the UAE as well as discuss some of the opportunities and challenges for crypto miners in this region.

bitcoin mining in UAE

Overview of Cryptocurrency and Crypto Mining in the UAE

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that can be used to transfer funds between individuals or organizations without requiring a third-party intermediary. Cryptocurrencies use cryptography to secure transactions and are stored on blockchain networks. Cryptocurrency miners are individuals or companies that use powerful computers and specialized software to validate transactions on the blockchain, in exchange for rewards paid out in cryptocurrency.

History of Crypto Mining in the UAE

The first crypto mining in UAE started in 2017. Since then, there has been an impressive growth in the number of miners operating from within the country, with some estimates suggesting there could be around 1,000 active miners currently based in the UAE. This is due to a favorable regulatory environment which makes it relatively easy for businesses to set up crypto mining operations compared with other countries.

Regulations and Policies Related to Crypto Mining in the UAE

The Central Bank of UAE does not recognize virtual currencies as legal tender but has a clear set of regulations and policies on how to control them. The UAE government also encourages the use and development of blockchain technology, with initiatives such as Dubai Blockchain Strategy 2020 which aims to make Dubai the global blockchain leader.

Challenges and Opportunities for Crypto Miners in the UAE

The main challenge for miners in the UAE is the high cost of electricity. This is compounded by the stiff competition from large mining farms located outside of the country. Despite these issues, there are still many opportunities for miners in UAE due to its supportive regulations, favorable geographical location and access to cheap labor.

FAQ

Is it legal in UAE?

Yes, it is legal to mine cryptocurrency in the UAE. The Central Bank of the UAE has put in place regulations and policies to control virtual currencies but does not recognize them as legal tender.

choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange

Is it profitable there?

Yes, it is possible to make a profit from cryptocurrency mining in the UAE. However, due to high electricity costs and increased competition from large mining farms located outside of the country, miners must consider their setup carefully in order to maximize profits.

Are there any government initiatives?

Yes, the UAE government has launched several initiatives to promote the use and development of blockchain technology. For example, Dubai Blockchain Strategy 2020 aims to make Dubai the global leader in blockchain innovation.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency mining in the UAE is an emerging industry that offers both challenges and potential rewards for those willing to take the risk. The country has a supportive regulatory environment and is home to some of the world’s biggest crypto miners. It remains to be seen if the UAE can maintain its competitive edge in this rapidly changing industry and continue to attract new miners in the coming years.

Environmental Challenges in Saudi Arabia’s Oil and Gas Industry

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Despite the efforts of global society and scientists to reduce the dependency on oil and gas as a main source of energy and find new green and renewable energy sources, the oil remains the most effective one. The oil production rate has increased incrementally from the 1970s to the 2020s, which is driven by the demand for oil.

peak-oil-middle-east

A Global Problem

The main problem with the dependence on oil and gas as a primary source of energy lies in the huge pollution caused by the industry. For example, oil enterprises and petroleum companies currently release about 2000 tons of chemicals in the atmosphere and discharge about 70 million tons of polluted wastewater to sea per annum.

This amount of continuous pollution, which is a result of normal activities, not accidents, forms the second major threatening to the entire ecosystem and humankind’s life. The major sources of pollution in across the world are vehicular emissions and industrial discharges. Infact, the urban atmosphere is 90% polluted with automobile transport residue, especially in the big cities.

The oil and gas industry is paying increased attention on protecting the environment especially after the new environmental regulations in the globe supported by specialist organizations like API, IPIECA, and OGP. Unfortunately, there is no practically 100% safe operation for plants and pipelines networks in oil processing. So, risks such as oil spills and gaseous emissions are essential features of the energy industry.

Situation in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian authority for environment referred to as ‘The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP)’, pays great attention to protect the country’s environment. This is also reflected in Saudi Aramco pollution concerns where the importance is given to control and monitor pollution at both the coasts – eastern and western.

It is well known that in Saudi Arabian oil and gas industry, most activities are located offshore. So, oil spills and potential accidents with pipelines, facilities, oil tankers, or rigs, are very much existent and having serious negative impact on marine life and public health.

Havoc Caused by Oil Spills

Oil spill is considered to be the most environmentally challenging aspect of oil production for two reasons. First, because offshore spills are usually hard to control due to the nature of the offshore environment and tide movement. Second, because of the huge harm that the oil spill puts on marine habitats which in turn is considered as the main source of food for the community.

Scientific studies have shown that when an oil spill occurs offshore, the oil film on the surface contains 60% of hydrocarbon of which 50% is evaporated into the atmosphere. In addition, below sea surface the hydrocarbon percentage reaches 30%, This percentage is decreases to 10% at a depth of 100 meters. Unfortunately, the below surface area forms the living area of marine growth which in turn forms the food for most kinds of fish.

Bioremediation is a popular method to treat oil spills in seas and on beaches.

Moreover, oil spills may occur at any time with no pretending or expectation. This is because they are a result of oil operation activities failures or accidents. For example, flaring and venting, decommissioning of oil and gas installations, oil storage tanks disposal, drilling activities etc. Oil spills can be a source of escalated accidents as well and entail potential risks. Oil spill in the offshore area requires international collaboration and pre-set contingency response plan to control it and limit its harmlessness. The governmental authority put oil spills in high priority accidents’ classification after the fire.

The Menace of Emissions

The second environmental challenge facing Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry is CO2 emission. As a result of necessary and ordinary flaring and manufacturing process activities that take place in refineries and gas oil separation plants, the increasing amount of CO2 is being released to the atmosphere. CO2 affects the quality of air and works to increase the global temperature.

The air quality improvement concept is part of article 2 of the General Environment Law. It is also linked to the 10th,11th, and 13th sustainable development goals (SDGs) for sustainable cities and communities in UN protocols. As a member of G20 countries, Saudi Arabia has submitted a national climate plan to the UN. It also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 130 million tons by 2030.

It is worthy to mention here that the energy sector contributes about 92% of CO2 emission, and 66% of which is from electricity generation, desalination, and land transportation. The Saudi electrical company had also announced its plans to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy. However, it seems challenging to fulfill the huge need for electricity from solar energy despite the sunny weather that Saudi Arabia enjoys.

The Way Forward

The boom in industrial activities and investment in Saudi Arabia is demanding more power. As we know the modern factories and manufacturing processes require increasing flux of electricity, other than the expanding cities. Globally, it is challenging to continue on hydrocarbon production with low cost and simultaneously adhere to environmental regulations and social responsibility.

Therefore, the balance between booming industrial activities in Saudi Arabia and its demand for power and the CO2 emission reduction need is challenging to go through. One of the alternative power sources which are being discussing by the Saudi government is the nuclear power as it can produce power more efficiently than fossil fuel and solar energy despite its controversial nature.

The two issues, oil spills, and CO2 emission carry negative effects on the global climate. That is why global collaboration and united regulations should be followed to ease tackling these issues or reduce their negative impacts.

As a conclusion, the Saudi Arabia transformational movements to meet the objectives of Vision 2030 can be a fixing tool for the environmental challenges it faces. For example, utilizing artificial intelligence in designing environment-friendly factories, increase the awareness of global environmental concerns among the business sector, or investing in industrial recycling facilities, besides developing new environment protection legislation and policies. Saudi Arabia’s approach facing the environmental challenges and the global climate issues is encouraging and promising and reflects its role as a member of the G20 country group.

Information Sources

Kapsarc.org. 2017. [online] Available at: <https://www.kapsarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/KS-2017-MP04-GCC-Energy-Overview-2017.pdf>  [Accessed 20 March 2020].

Gossen, L. and Velichkina, L., 2006. Environmental problems of the oil-and-gas industry (Review). Petroleum Chemistry, 46(2), pp.67-72.

UNDP. 2018. Sustainable Natural Resources Management | UNDP In Saudi Arabia.

Food Waste, Ramadan and the Middle East

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With the holy month of Ramadan already underway, huge food wastage in the Middle East is again hogging limelight. It is a widely accepted fact that almost half of the municipal solid waste stream in the Middle East is comprised of food wastes and associated matter. The increasing amount of food wastage in Ramadan urgently demands a strong and holistic food management strategy to ensure its minimization, ethical utilization and eco-friendly disposal.

iftar-party-food-waste

 

Food Waste in Ramadan

Middle Eastern nations are acknowledged as being the world’s top food wasters, and during Ramadan the situation takes a turn for the worse. In the GCC nations, as per conservative estimates, around 50 percent of the food prepared during Ramadan is wasted.

In 2012, the Dubai Municipality estimated that in Ramadan, around 55% of household waste (or approximately 1,850 tons is thrown away every day. An estimated 4500 tons of food is wasted across Saudi Arabia during Ramadan. Food waste generation in Bahrain exceeds 400 tons per day during the holy month, according to Rehan Ahmad, Head of Waste Disposal Unit (Bahrain). As far as Qatar is concerned, almost half of the food prepared during Ramadan find its way into garbage bins.

The amount of food waste generated in Ramadan is significantly higher than other months. There is a chronic inclination of Muslims towards over-indulgence and lavishness in the holy month, even though the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), asked Muslims to adopt moderation in all walks of life. Socio-cultural attitudes and lavish lifestyles also play a major role in more food waste generation in Ramadan in almost all Muslim countries.

food waste in ramadan

Economic Implications

The greater the economic prosperity and the higher percentage of urban population, the greater the amount of waste produced. A good example is the case of oil‐rich GCC which figures among the world’s most prolific per capita waste generators. High-income groups usually generate more food waste per capita when compared to less-affluent groups. Hotels, cafeterias, restaurants etc. are also a big contributor of food wastes in the Middle East during the holy month of Ramadan.

Food waste generation is expected to steadily with the rapid growth of regional economies boom. The per capita production of solid waste in Arab cities such as Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi is more than 1.5 kg per day, placing them among the highest per capita waste producers in the world. These statistics point to loss of billions of dollars each year in the form of food waste throughout the Arab world, especially during Ramadan.

food wastage during Ramadan

The Way Forward

The foremost steps to reduce food wastage are behavioral change, increased public awareness, strong legislations, food banks, recycling facilities (composting and biogas plants) and community participation. Effective laws and mass sensitization campaigns are required to compel the people to adopt waste minimization practices and implement sustainable lifestyles.

During Ramadan, religious scholars and prayer-leaders can play a vital role in motivating Muslims to follow Islamic principles of sustainability, as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith The best way to reduce food waste is to feel solidarity towards millions and millions of people around the world who face enormous hardships in having a single meal each day.

Post-Coronavirus World: Human Development Re-defined

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Like many of you around the globe, I have been adjusting with the exigencies of the spread of COVID-19, both personally and professionally. The crisis is rejuvenating human traits and values from various angles. Self-care, life balance, personal development, helping others, and considering the environment are just a few of many values and principles that are boiling down these days.

Let’s take environmental values as an example with the several statements issued lately about the potential impact of Coronavirus on some of the hot green issues of today, Climate Change and Biodiversity. A few questions come to mind – though I don’t claim to know the answers for: is COVID-19 becoming the nature’s savior from air pollution and GHG emissions? Have we – humans – brought in Coronavirus by disrupting the ecosystems? Are there any lessons from the Coronavirus era that can guide human development in its new form?

A few days ago, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Inger Andersen, said that humanity was placing too many pressures on the natural world with damaging consequences, and warned that failing to take care of the planet meant not taking care of ourselves. She also highlighted that never before have so many opportunities existed for pathogens to pass from wild and domestic animals to people, noting that 75% of all emerging infectious diseases come from wildlife. Within the same context, climate scientists urged nations to act now and prepare for a risky future of extreme climate change consequences.

Let’s try to imagine the world post COVID-19, regardless of when that is going to be. Economies and financial institutions are already doing the math, and the picture doesn’t look good. The IMF recognized that the coronavirus crisis will plunge the world economy into recession, and the World Bank and IFC’s Boards of Directors approved an increased $14 billion package of fast-track financing to assist companies and countries in their efforts to prevent, detect and respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19.

Countries are taking drastic economic relief measures during the crisis and would be in severe need for more aggressive economic recovery plans after this is all over. People, like us Jordanians – who have been put as a top priority by our leadership and government during the crisis; are keen to return this back through engaging in local economic development projects and enterprises.

A new set of questions arise: how would emerging economies survive another recession? How logical would it be to go back to reports and studies from the pre-Coronavirus era to plan for the future? Would human development, job creation and social security still mean the same as they do now? And, should the world expect another crisis due to the ignorance and/or lack of action by decision-makers?

Climate change and biodegradation might not be the most appealing headlines to many, nowadays. Nevertheless, no one would deny that the past couple of years were not easy on people and governments. Buildings, infrastructure, basic services and people’s health and safety; were not at their best. The direct and indirect impact of climate change on economies and communities is becoming more visible, while action is not as visible despite the relatively increased attention in some regions.

In Jordan, for example, we lost lives, and many are suffering the consequences of floods and droughts. Such impacts are magnified by the increased population (hosted refugees), unemployment and the challenging water and energy supplies. We have taken serious steps to strengthen clean energy penetration but with huge dependence on across-borders collaboration.

One more set of questions comes up: would the global transition towards clean energy be hindered by Coronavirus crisis? Would the Paris Agreement targets need to be adjusted to reflect further delay in action? Could climate financing and green economy form a feasible solution to recover the suffering economies and create more humane economic development plans?

Three possible takeaways from Coronavirus experience – at least from my own perspective; the first is that yes, the world smells, looks, and feels more clean, which means a few measures can make a difference when it comes to the environment; the second takeaway is that it might be too late to intervene once the impact has arrived; and last but not least, one should realize that challenges will continue to become more complex and interrelated so, we cannot stop acting on a problem just because another one has just emerged. Delaying action on any human development challenge is a recipe for crisis.

Unconventional challenges should inspire unconventional solutions. Scientists from all disciplines are called upon today as the most knowledgeable and credible to not only analyze and solve today’s problems; but more importantly to anticipate the future with all its complexity, and to guide our human development plans towards a more livable planet.

Ramadan: A Time to Respond to the Earth’s State of Emergency

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This week marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan, a month which has been identified as a time to gain taqwa – God-consciousness. This month invites Muslims to attain nearness to Allah (SWT).

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ١٨٣

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain taqwa, Qu’ran, 2:183

Ramadan and climate change crisis

However, Ramadan is more than the individual forms of worship. Ramadan embodies a sense of community. A time of gathering in the mosque; of sharing meals; of engaging in acts of kindness, compassion and empathy towards the creation of Allah (SWT). Ramadan is a time to embody acts that uphold the sacred trust and responsibility of khalifah towards the Earth. To consciously honour and uphold the dignity of every creation of this Earth, which Allah (SWT) has created.

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَـٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ

And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth, Qur’an, 6:165

This week also, simultaneously marks the release of the new UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which indicates that humanity has reached “a critical moment in history,” as per IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee.  As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has put it, the report presents an Acceleration Agenda and is a massive call to action by every nation and sector to act with a sense of immediacy and urgency, a moment for humanity to join efforts, and be part of the solution.

environmental-quotes

For Muslims, as we step into the blessed days of Ramadan, this report should be a call for us to pay special attention towards the Earth, and divine creation of Allah (SWT). How can we focus on attaining nearness to Allah (SWT), and ignore the suffering and damage that is happening to His Creation? Islam provides Muslims with a very unique framework for connecting with and upholding the well-being of the Earth. One that is connected to a divine connection to Allah (SWT).

Within the Qur’an itself, Allah (SWT) has explained that all of creation is united in a single bond of worship and glorification of the Lord.

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًۭا ٤٤

The seven heavens, the earth, and all those in them glorify Him. There is not a single thing that does not glorify His praises—but you ˹simply˺ cannot comprehend their glorification. He is indeed Most Forbearing, All-Forgiving., Qur’an, 17:44 

The loss of species, the damage to the Earth is in fact a damage to the very entities that are engaged in worship and glorification of The Creator.  We have to question, how do our actions become accomplices in the destruction of this sacred Earth?  In the words of Guterres, “We have never been better equipped to solve the climate challenge, but we must move into warp speed climate action now.  We don’t have a moment to lose.”  So the question to ourselves as an ummah is, how did we react when this news reached us?  How did Ramadan transform us inwardly, and how did we manifest this outwardly through our actions on this Earth?

Quran and environmental conservation

Amidst the reality of the rapidly degrading state of the Earth through the climate change crisis, Muslims have also been equipped with a framework that enables us to act with a balance of hope and meaningful action, rather than despair of loss.

As found in the hadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

“If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.”

For a Muslim, there is a sense of finding hope and grounding oneself in knowing that Allah (SWT) has knowledge over all things and is the Protector of all.  Thus, acting with calm consistency and recognizing one’s individual responsibility to simply act without attachment to the outcome is the very act of building hope for a Muslim.

May this Ramadan be a time of attaining nearness to Allah (SWT) and meaningful action which embodies a commitment towards responding to the critical state of the Earth, InshaAllah.

Mangroves in Qatar: Perspectives

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Mangroves are trees and shrubs that have adapted to life in a saltwater environment, usually found in the intertidal zone of a coastal or estuarine area. The halophyte characteristics of a mangrove tree allows it to grow in saline environments where no other tree can, thereby making significant contributions to the local ecosystem. Yet these reservoirs of “blue carbon” are seriously threatened. Across the globe, coastal ecosystems are currently being lost at a rate of about 2% a year – a staggering number when the carbon storage potential is considered.

mangroves-qatar-wakra

In a harsh desert environment such as Qatar, mangroves are one of the few ecosystems able to sustain life during the hot summer months. In recent years, Qatar government has been more focused on protecting these areas than the past, however 70% of the country’s mangroves have already been lost.

Introduction to Mangroves

Being at the beginning of the marine food chain, mangroves are therefore instrumental to a thriving marine habitat. The mangroves extensive root system provides an area of natural protection for fish and other marine nurseries and play an important role in protecting the coastline from the erosive effects of waves and storms. By filtering sediments, the forests also protect coral reefs and seagrass from being flooded by sediment.

Mangroves can store 5 times more carbon per square metre than tropical or boreal forests and when these areas are destroyed, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere where it contributes to global climate change.

Mangroves in Qatar

Qatar is home to the Avicennia marina species; it is known as the grey or white mangrove trees, with the largest eight forests located in the east coast of the country. The oldest and largest mangroves can be found at Al Thakira and Al Khor. Although the government have starting a replanting project around the country, the mangrove lake at Al Wakra was recently uprooted for development. In a country where the harsh desert conditions limit the vegetation growth, mangroves in Qatar provide a haven for birds, fish and mammals.

Recent studies have shown that Avicennia Marina populations have the ability to adapt to the varying weather along the Qatar coastline through the evolution of genetic variations in the different mangrove forests.

Carbon Sequestration

The coastal ecosystems of mangroves mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it within the biomass of the plant and roots, and in the soils below. This ability to predominantly store carbon in the soils of coastal ecosystems, ensures the carbon is stored for a very long time, up to millennia.

It is estimated that mangroves sequester up to 25.5 million tonnes of carbon per year and provide 10% of the essential dissolved carbon supplied into the world’s oceans.

Mangrove Depletion

Despite increasing awareness regarding the benefits and carbon storing potential of mangroves, their destruction continues globally due to both economic and political motives. Even in countries like Qatar, where mangroves forests are protected by law, a lack of enforcement coupled with an incentive to reclaim land can result in forest destruction. Another cause of mangrove destruction is pollution by solid waste such as plastics and glass.

When these mangrove forests are degraded, lost or converted to other land uses, the stored carbon in the soils are exposed and released into the atmosphere or ocean as CO2. On a global scale, this is currently resulting as 0.15 – 1.02 billion tons of CO2 released annually. The combined global area of mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrass meadows equates to only 2-6% of the total forest area. However, degradation of these systems can account for 3-19% of the global carbon emissions from deforestation.

UAE mangrove conservation

Conservation of Mangroves

Legislation needs to be enacted on a global scale to protect mangroves from direct human damage. Such legislation must be enforced by local government to ensure mangroves are not removed, and the use of herbicides or other chemicals near mangrove forests are banned. Local communities need to be educated to understand the importance of these costal ecosystems, and the effects of their degradation.

The rapid development in Qatar has been encroaching on the mangrove populations along the coastline. Qatar is gradually increasing the level of protection of the country’s mangroves, with 40% of the country’s coastline now protected. Organisations such as Conservation International have begun mapping out the mangroves locations and data in Qatar and around the globe in order to assess the population distribution and threatened areas. With further enforcement and data tools, the mangrove forests of Qatar can be restored, and continue to provide immense benefits to this harsh desert environment.

Food Waste and the Spirit of Ramadan

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In recent years, enormous generation of food waste during the holy month of Ramadan has been a matter of big debate in Muslim countries and elsewhere. As per conservative estimates, around one-fifth of the food purchased or prepared during Ramadan finds its way to garbage bins or landfills. This translates into thousands of tons of precious food which could have been used for feeding tens of millions of hungry people in impoverished countries of Asia, Africa and elsewhere. The staggering amount of food waste generation during Ramadan urgently demands a strong strategy for its minimization, sustainable utilization and eco-friendly disposal.

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Gravity of the Situation

Middle East nations are acknowledged as being the world’s top food wasters, and during Ramadan the situation takes a turn for the worse. The holy city of Makkah witnessed the generation of 5,000 tons of food residuals during the first three days of Ramadan in 2014.

In 2016, around 1803 tons of food waste was produced in Abu Dhabi every day during the holy month of Ramadan. In Bahrain, food waste generation in Bahrain exceeds 400 tons per day during the holy month. Same is the case with Qatar where almost half of the food prepared during Ramadan finds its way into garbage bins.

The scenario in less-affluent Muslim countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Pakistan is not different. According to Malaysia’s government agency Solid Waste And Public Cleansing Management Corporation, more than 270,000 tons of food in thrown into garbage bins during Ramadan.

Needless to say, the amount of food waste generated in Ramadan is significantly higher than other months, as much as 25%. There is a chronic inclination of Muslims towards over-indulgence and lavishness in the holy month, even though the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked Muslims to adopt moderation in all walks of life.

Socio-cultural attitudes and lavish lifestyles also play a major role in more food waste generation in Ramadan in almost all Muslim countries. High-income groups usually generate more food waste per capita when compared to less-affluent groups. In Muslim countries, hotels and restaurants are a big contributor of food wastes during Ramadan due to super-lavish buffets and extravagant Iftar parties.

The Way Forward

The foremost steps to reduce food wastage in Ramadan are behavioral change, increased public awareness, strong legislation, creation of food banks and community participation. Effective laws and mass sensitization campaigns are required to persuade the people to adopt waste minimization practices and implement sustainable lifestyles.

food-waste-ramadan

Super-lavish buffets and extravagant Iftar parties are big contributors of food waste in Ramadan

Establishment of food banks in residential as well as commercial areas can be a very good way to utilize surplus food in a humane and ethical manner. Infact, food banks in countries like Egypt, India and Pakistan have been operating successfully, however there is a real need to have such initiatives on a mass-scale to tackle the menace of food waste.

Dubai has laid down new guidelines to cut food wastage and streamline the donation of excess food prepared at banquets and buffets. The “Heafz Al Na’amah” is a notable initiative to ensure that surplus food from hotels, Iftar parties and households is not wasted and reach the needy in safe and hygienic conditions. In Qatar, Wa’hab is helping in sustainable utilization of leftover food but supplying it to the needy ones.

During Ramadan 2015, Dubai Municipality launched an initiative called ‘Smart Homes,’ which will continue this year. The initiative encourages Dubai residents to reduce waste during the holy month. Smart Homes is a waste gathering technique in electronic containers that measures the amount of waste produced by each home. The initiative mainly targets residential areas dominated by Emirati residents due to their large family gatherings,” he said. Homes that produce the least amount of waste during the holy month are rewarded with cash prizes and certificates that encourage them to reduce waste.

In addition to such initiatives, religious scholars and prayer-leaders can play a vital role in motivating Muslims to follow Islamic principles of sustainability, as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith. The best way to reduce food waste during Ramadan is to feel solidarity towards millions and millions of people around the world who face enormous hardships in having a single meal each day.