Medical Waste Management: An Infographic

Healthcare sector in the Middle East is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments. The growing amount of medical waste in the Middle East is posing significant public health and environmental challenges across the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, inefficient medical waste treatment technologies and lack of research on healthcare waste management.

This infographic will provide more insights into medical waste management situation in the Middle East.

How To Choose A Solar Panel

Solar panels are the bread and butter of a solar power system installation. Ensuring that you get the best quality for your requirements is important in making an informed decision about what to install and who will be putting it up.

Otherwise, you could find yourself constantly having to fix solar panels that aren’t at the correct angle or facing away from the optimal direction.

tips to choose a solar panel

Unfortunately, most salespeople won’t have much advice about buying the best solar panel brand for your needs. Therefore, take a moment before purchase to do your due diligence to ensure that if something goes awry, then the seller won’t put you into trouble – especially if it can be avoided! It is also highly important to know the tips for maintaining peak performance with clean solar panels.

What Do Solar Panels Involve?

You’ll find solar energy systems in different shapes and sizes, with homeowners often choosing to have them installed on their rooftop to harness the power of the sun.

Businesses are also increasingly opting to install solar panels as a low-cost way to produce electricity.

Utilities are not to be left behind and now, large solar power plants are being built with grids to provide energy to all the customers who choose to remain connected to these grids.

Solar PV systems are multifunctional once installed and can generate electricity as well as reduce your monthly energy bills. When solar panels convert light from the sun into clean electrical power, it also reduces your dependency on other power sources and companies.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The average solar panel installation in the UK costs £5,000 to £10,000. Solar panels cost different amounts based on your location, how much electricity your household consumes annually, and how many panels you need overall.

It’s important to note that a more expensive solar panel system is likely to produce more electricity as well, thus reducing your bills and increasing your savings per year overall.

One of the great things about solar power is that if you’re using ‘Smart Export’ from your supplier, then you could be earning up to three times what you save through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

This can help pay for your overall investment earlier than expected.

Why A Heat Pump With Your Solar Panel?

Heat pumps are based on a relatively new technology that typically uses less electricity to produce more heat, as opposed to boilers. They complement other forms of renewable energy such as solar power and are therefore extremely popular in the UK with more people using them in conjunction with solar panels.

ground source heat pump

The Renewable Heat Incentive program is subsidized by the government, and it supports homeowners who wish to install a heat pump system along with a heating system that uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.

Sustainable developments have started using lightweight solar panels to warm up a water tank on the rooftop.

This water tank in turn supplies radiant floor heating when required to domestic and commercial buildings where space utility is an important design consideration.

You can save time, save money, and get free and no-obligation quotes from vendors for your solar panel and heat pump as well. Increase the present market value of your home or business property with affordable and environmentally friendly solar panels.

Financing Solar Panels: Are Solar Panels Financially Feasible For You?

Solar panels are taking off and that’s the cold, hard truth. In recent years, the residential solar energy market has seen incredible growth. While the particular business segment still has a long way to go, figures don’t lie and the foreseeable future all point to the technology’s development. But if you haven’t joined the bandwagon just yet, you may be asking yourself if the homeowners who’ve already done it are worth emulating. 

Is it even feasible, to begin with?

Hearing “well that really depends” as a response can be off-putting, so this article aims to thoroughly discuss the financial factors that determine if solar panels are worth it for you. 

Are Solar Panels A Good Investment?

To better understand if solar panels are a good investment, we must appreciate and understand what and how residential solar panels can benefit us, there are few things we may want to consider. Listed below are questions you can ask yourself:

Is my electricity bill always high?

There are plenty of things that can encourage you to start utilizing solar energy for your home, but your electricity bill is a massive determiner. At present, utility companies have rates that vary depending on where one lives. Some parts of the US may have electricity companies that charge 20 cents or more per Kilowatt-hour, while other parts of the country may demand only eight cents per kWh. 

Going solar allows one to efficiently set up on their roof a mini power plant to replace their current one where their utility sources its electricity from. So if your bills are regularly high, that means you’re the one who benefits the most of our solar panels. 

SolarGaps’ innovation, is a sure-fire way to keep electricity costs low while looking trendy and stylish at the same time.

If you’re uncertain how much money solar panels save you, there are a ton of solar calculators you can find online. They may not be able to give you the exact quotation you’re looking for, but they’re mostly good gauges of how much money you’ll ultimately save. 

Is it expensive to have solar panels installed?

Just like electricity consumption, solar panel installation prices also vary. One strong factor is the equipment you choose and the solar company you partner with. Cheap solar panels may be tempting, but if you’re looking at big-time savings in the long run, selecting premium equipment remains to be the better choice. 

It’s also good to note that taking the time to read up on your solar panel options can do wonders. Like shopping for phones, consider every material and alternative to assess if you really are getting your money’s worth. There are also dozens of online resources that display side-by-side comparisons for best solar panel equipment options

To solidify your search, factor in the solar rebates and incentives extended to people in your area. This can help you exponentially reduce your net cost. Lots of municipalities and states provide solar tax credit cuts and other monetary incentives for their residents; whether a 30% tax discount or a cash rebate, the perks can be inviting. 

What if I don’t live in a tropical state?

It goes without saying that solar energy heavily and exclusively obtains its power from the sun. But the truth is, you don’t have to be a California or Las Vegas to reap its benefits. As a matter of fact, states like New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are great examples of states that make use of residential solar panels the most. The reasoning is pretty direct: because these states often have more expensive electricity charges, their local incentives are a lot more enticing than many other parts of America. 

Solar Energy Installation Shopping Tips To Take To Heart

Make the time to get multiple quotes 

Similar to buying a plane ticket bound for a foreign country, it’s good to know what your pricing options are. Note that shopping for solar panel installations shouldn’t be overnight activities. Always, always include the reviews of every solar panel company in your area. To avoid being forced to pay inflated prices by popular solar panel installers, consider every quotation and package service you can. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests this, too. 

Look for installer networks online to include smaller solar panel contractors in your list of options. Quotations are generally free and may give you a clear picture of how much you can save and what your alternatives are. Those who get multiple quotations can expect to save up to $10,000. Like a phone plan that’s designed to last you long, invest not only money but your time, too, in understanding every package presented to you.  Here is the difference between good and bad solar installation.

Many times, the most popular solar providers don’t offer the best deals

Just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it’s the best. This is precisely why neglecting to consider smaller contractors can hurt you in the long run. When you don’t examine every option you have, you intentionally miss out on deals that would have benefited you most. Popular solar providers may only be popular because of their budget for advertising. If you check online, you will find that large solar installers can be $5000 costlier than smaller ones.

While credibility is important, going for more practical solar packages isn’t a bad idea, too. Besides, size doesn’t always equate to credibility—this is why you read up on reviews, to start with; to make sure equal consideration is given to every solar company near you, be they popular or not. 

Compare the equipment solar providers present you

Unless you give the whole solar panel project a taste of the old DIY treatment, you’re going to have to study what solar equipment options your local providers present you. These often have a tremendous impact on how electricity is produced and preserved for your home. 

By obtaining a diverse set of solar panel quotations, you can assess savings and costs associated with the equipment these solar panel packages come with. There are a variety of factors to tick off your consideration list and knowing that exceptional solar panel materials aren’t always the solution to better savings can be helpful. 

Do I have to go solar now?

If your line of reasoning leans more toward: “are solar panels for my home crucial now or can I afford to give it a few more years?” as opposed to “is this really needed?” then you’re most probably on the right track. Being able to incorporate natural energy to your way of life isn’t only helpful, it’s also an important step towards conservation. But it’s expensive, you say.

To a degree, this can be true. But zero down financing loans can help counter this excuse. While having to exhaust a few thousand dollars, in the beginning, can sound overwhelming to many homeowners, the savings one gets as their solar panel journey begins is immediately noticeable.

After everything that’s been said and considered, let’s revisit the titular question: are solar panels financially feasible for you?

While only you can answer this question, the best answer is “it should be.” Given how solar energy is a safe solution to getting rid of fossil fuels such as gas and coal, resorting to solar energy is a small step every American household should take to better improve the way we go about the environment.

Things to Know About Habitat Loss in MENA

Habitat loss of native species in MENA region is increasing at a sensational rate as a consequence of natural and human causes. MENA has diverse ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial, with different climate patterns. The region have three globally recognized hotspots; the Irano-Anatolian region, the Mediterranean forest region and the Horn of Africa region. According to 2015 IUCN Red List, approximately 2476 species in MENA are under threat comprising of mammals, fishes, birds, mollusc, amphibians, reptiles, and other species.  28% of threatened species comprises of fishes, 18% plants, 12% birds, 9% mammals and rest others.

habitat loss in MENA

IUCN data show highest threatened species in Turkey (379), Yemen (292), and Morocco (193). The Socotra archipelago in Yemen is known for its biodiversity with 850 plant species, 30% of which are endemic. Yemen has higher percent of threatened plant species than other species, unlike other region.

Species under Threat

Considering individual country data, MENA may not account much to global threatened species. However, this region holds planet’s most of the dry and desert area with many endemic species.  Arabian Gazelle, Arabian Tahr, Arabian Oryx, Bunn’s Short Tailed Bandicoot Rat, Buxton’s Jird, Dahl’s Jird, Durcas Gazelle, Euphrate Jerboa, Four toed Jebora, Golden Hamster, Nubian Ibex, Persian Fallow Deer, Slender Horn Gazelle are few of the unique threatened species present in the area.

Large and medium sized mammals are generally protected by conservation measures and protected areas by most of the countries. Small sized mammals like rodents are majorly fed to larger species destroyed as pest, or by destruction of marshy and swamps. Aden Gulf Torpedo, Ala Balik, Burdur Spring Minnow, Cave fish, Damascus Garra, Pale Dotty Back, Yag Baligi, Scrapper, Spotted Bleak, Tuz Golden Barb, Yarkon Bream are among few beautiful endemic fish species threatened by declining hydrological regime, water abstraction, agricultural pesticides, catching, dam construction, illegal fishing, introduction of alien species.

Tourism, poaching, hunting, oil pollution, looping, deforestation, dam construction, human pressures are major threats to bird species. Arabian Woodpecker, Island Cisticole, Jouanin’s Petrel, Socotra Bunting, Yemen Accentor, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler are endemic and non migratory. Diversity in reptiles (snakes, tortoise, lizards) and amphibians (salamander, newt, frogs) are also endemic and face human pressure.

MENA experiences reflective ecological changes due to water scarcity, climate fluctuation and human activities. Native non-migrant as well as the migratory species faces equal consequences. Native species take longer time to adapt new and sudden environment alterations, thereby affecting their food source, breeding habits and even modifications in gene expressions. Nomadic, migrant and vagrant species lose their connectivity and risk their life, resulting to global drop of species.

Key issues

Species losing their breeding capability are among major consequence due to human activities. Preservation in captivity has shown low breeding capability in some species like gazelles. Pet keeping of rare species has been locally considered to be a part of royal luxury leading to illegal trading and demanding. Such practices hamper their nutrition, health, reproductivity and even lifespan.

Washing of pesticides into water resources, oil spills and industrial effluents (hot brine, residual chlorine, anti foaming, anti scaling agents) to marine environment, exhaust release from industries and vehicles, exposure of sounds, flaunts of artificial lights are major forms to pollution.

Intensive agricultural system, salination of groundwater, the reduction of fresh water resources, the decline of soil biota, weak fisheries management, land reclamation, harsh quarrying in mountain habitats, over grazing, overhunting, are the major threatening activity in mass.

Increasing ecotourists, entertainment facilities and infrastructural development have serious consequences for natural habitats, especially in coastal regions of Arabian Peninsula. 40 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s coastal reclamation has resulted in destruction of 50 per cent of its mangroves. GCC countries invest heavily in construction activities to build up artificial islands with limited sustainable supervision which buries the corals that support fish stocks and water quality.

Coral bleaching have destroyed 20,000 km square of coal bed in UAE coastline, representing 7.9% world’s coral cover. As far as Qatar is concerned, the rapid development has been encroaching on the mangrove populations along the coastline. Artificial coral reef building approach is one way to mitigate the environmental situations where fish breeding grounds are being destroyed especially by human activities such as overfishing, and island development and land extension along the coast lines. There is urgent requirement for strategic plans to incorporate biodiversity policies into national development planning processes in all sectors.

Sustainable Fashion – Fact or Fiction

The truth behind supposedly sustainable fashion is that it is not sustainable at all. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry has resulted in emerging ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’, and ‘conscious’ collections. These labels mean nothing to fast fashion companies but they do mean something to the thousands of trusting consumers being fooled.

is sustainable fashion a fiction

Studies have shown that people are willing to pay more for environmentally aware products which makes sustainability an effective marketing tool. Our high streets have been polluted by greenwashing. Greenwashing is presenting something to be environmentally responsible when it does not live up to the standard it has implied. This has grown with the use of the word ethical, which means that they are socially responsible for their workers but definitely does not include the maintenance of the earth.

Arguably, an ethical brand should also be sustainable. Greenwashing is as simple as using earthy, natural colours with countryside backdrops in campaigns. H&M is most widely known for this in their “conscious” collection which is a small percentage of their products that is allegedly sustainable and good for the environment. To quote their 2019 press release “every piece in the collection is made from a sustainably-sourced material, such as 100% organic cotton”.

What is not clear however is whether their clothes are entirely made from cotton or is it partially made from cotton and that that fraction is what is 100% organic. You will quickly realise that their products are often a mix of fibres where only a small share of the garment is made from more environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, how is a material sustainably sourced? This relentless use of meaningless, vague, and legally undefined words allows big companies to get away with all of this misinformation.

There are many empty phrases used to trick everyday consumers into believing that they are buying sustainable products. Some brands claim that they reduced their carbon emissions by 15%. They omit the fact that this is a statistic per garment and that they produced 30% more products that year. This use of half-truths, omissions, and in some cases lies goes unpunished as sustainable fashion is a relatively new concept.

Companies can only be trusted if they are 100% transparent about the origin of their materials, the production, and the transport. Your cotton dress that was ‘Made in Italy’ may have only been sewn in Italy. It is important to do independent research and inquiry regarding every garment you intend to purchase.

recycled clothing

An easy way to shop more sustainably is to buy second-hand. This is not very new but is now becoming increasingly popular with the introduction of selling platforms such as Depop and Poshmark. Another way is to invest in longer-lasting and usually more expensive items of clothing this way you are not under the pressure of purchasing clothing as often.

The best way to ensure that you are buying environmentally friendly products is to check the tag inside the garment as to what it is composed of. A good product should include mostly organic or recycled materials. If we cannot trust these brands, then we have the responsibility to shop with sustainability in mind.

The Islamic Principles on Sustainable Development

A huge number of verses in Qura’n and several sayings of the Prophet Muhammad indicate the great importance that has been given to environmental concerns and the responsibility of man to the environment. The concept of sustainable development in Islam can be defined as “The balanced and simultaneous realization of consumer welfare, economic efficiency, attainment of social justice, and ecological balance in the framework of a evolutionary knowledge-based, socially interactive model defining the Shuratic process”. The Shuratic process is the consultation or participatory ruling principle of Islam.

sustainable development in islam

The over arching principle in the use of nature is derived from the prophetic declaration that states: “There shall be no damage and no infliction of damage“. The right to benefit from the essential environmental elements and resources such as water, minerals, land, forests, fish and wildlife, arable soil, air and sunlight is in Islam, a right held in common by all members of society.  Each individual is entitled to benefit from a common resource subject to establishing the degree of need, (needs have to be distinguished from wants) and the impact on the environment.

Earth is mentioned 61 times in the Qura’n. According to Islam, the universe has been created by Allah (God) with a specific purpose and for a limited time. The utilization of natural resources (ni‘matullah – the gifts of Allah) is a sacred trust invested in mankind; he is a mere manager and not an owner, a beneficiary and not a disposer. Side by side, the Islamic nation has been termed as) ummatan wasatan) the moderate nation in the Qur’an, a nation that avoids excesses in all things. Thus, Muslims in particular have to utilize the earth responsibly for their benefit, honestly maintain and preserve it, use it considerately and moderately, and pass it on to future generations in an excellent condition. This includes the appreciation of its beauty and handing it over in a way that realizes the worship of Allah.

The utilization of all natural resources – land, water, air, fire (energy), forests, oceans – are considered the right and the joint property of the entire humankind. Since Man is Khalifatullah (the vicegerent of Allah) on earth, he should take every precaution to ensure the interests and rights of others, and regard his mastery over his allotted piece of land as a joint ownership with the next generation.

Land Reclamation

Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever brings dead land to life, for him is a reward in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it shall be reckoned as charity from him“. The Prophet in another occasion said, “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him“; and, “If anyone plants a tree, no human nor any of the creatures of Allah will eat from it without it being reckoned as charity from him“. This testifies the importance the Prophet in the early days of Islam has given to reclamation of land and the equal rights of all God’s creatures to benefit from the resources of earth.

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife and natural resources are protected under Shariah (Rules of Islam) by zoning around areas called “hima”. In such places, industrial development, habitation, extensive grazing, are not allowed. The Prophet himself, followed by the Caliphs of Islam, established such “hima” zones as public property or common lands managed and protected by public authority for conservation of natural resources.

wildlife protection in islam

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

Water Rights

In the Shariah, there is a responsibility placed on upstream farms to be considerate of downstream users. A farm beside a stream is forbidden to monopolize its water. After withholding a reasonable amount of water for his crops, the farmer must release the rest to those downstream. Furthermore, if the water is insufficient for all of the farms along the stream, the needs of the older farms are to be satisfied before the newer farm is permitted to irrigate. This reflects the sustainable utilization of water based on its safe yield.

Environment Protection

The rights to benefit from nature are linked to accountability and maintenance or conservation of the resource. The fundamental legal principle established by the Prophet Muhammad is that “The benefit of a thing is in return for the liability attached to it.” Much environmental degradation is due to people’s ignorance of what their Creator requires of them. People should be made to realize that the conservation of the environment is a religious duty demanded by God. God has said.  “And do good as Allâh has been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allâh does not love the corrupters”, (Al Qasas 28:77.(

Waste Generation

Islam calls for the efficient use of natural resources and waste minimization. God says in Qura’n: “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; “He” loves not the excessive”, (Al-A’raf 7:31). “And do not follow the bidding of the excessive, who cause corruption in the earth and do not work good”, (Ash-Shu’ara 26: 151-152). “And do not cause corruption in the earth, when it has been set in order”, (Al-A’râf 7:56).

Water Pollution

Water also plays another socio-religious function: cleaning of the body and clothes from all dirt, impurities, and purification so that mankind can be presentable at all times. Only after cleaning with pure (colorless, odorless and tasteless) water, Muslims are allowed to pray. One can only pray at a place that has been cleaned. In light of these facts, Islam stresses on preventing pollution of water resources. Urinating in water (discharging wastewater into water stream) and washing or having a bath in stagnant water are forbidden acts in Islam. The Prophet said: “No one should bathe in still water, when he is unclean”.

Water Conservation

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the proper use of water without wasting it. The Prophet said: “Don’t waste water even if you are on a running river”. He also said: “Whoever increases (more than three), he does injustice and wrong”.

water-conservation-mosque

تشجيع الناس على عدم تضييع الماء خاصة في المساجد و دور العبادة

Sustainable Forestry

Islamic legislation on the preservation of trees and plants finds its roots in Qura’nic teachings of Prophet. They include the following: “Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter” and “If anyone plants a tree or sows a field and men, beasts or birds eat from it, he should consider it as a charity on his part”. He is also reported to have encouraged tree planting as a constructive practice, saying that even if one hour remained before the final hour and one has a palm-shoot in his hand, he should plant it. Even at times of war, Muslim leaders, such as Abu Baker, advised their troops not to chop down trees and destroy agriculture or kill an animal.

Public Participation

The protection, conservation, and development of the environment and natural resources is a mandatory religious duty to which every Muslim should be committed. This commitment emanates from the individual’s responsibility before God to protect himself and his community.  God has said, “Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption in the earth. God does not love corrupters”.

Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline: Economy Development or Environmental Disaster

An ambitious project concerning energy industry in Africa between Morocco and Nigeria was set to be constructed to enhance the acceleration of electrification projects across the West African region. The objective of Morocco-Nigeria pipeline project is aimed at creation of a competitive regional market of electricity, and to connect gas resources from Nigeria to West African countries including Morocco.

The pipeline project will be approximately 5,660-km long and its construction works will be in phases covering 25 years. After feasibility studies in 2017, the two countries opted for a combined onshore-offshore route to build the pipeline.

The two countries are expecting great economic outcomes by conducting this milestone gas pipeline project. In fact, it is considered a strategic project by both countries, will have a significant impact on the populations of West Africa and likely to evolve Morocco and Nigeria into leaders of South-South cooperation in Africa, according to “maroc.ma” [1.

gas-pipeline

Major Causes of Concerns

This pipeline project has been a subject of major discussions concerning its impact on the environment, public health and biodiversity of the area. It is considered a step back for Moroccan efforts to produce more clean energy and harness the solar power as a main energy source of the country. Various policy, decision maker and environmental specialists did raise concerns about the choice of spending nearly 20 billion US dollars on a pipeline while it can be invested in improving and strengthening renewable energy projects in the West African region.

One of the major environmental objectives set by the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) [which was hosted by Morocco in 2016] is the reduction of the fossil fuels-based energy due to its bad consequences on the health of human beings and the planet earth in general. However, we still see Morocco and Nigeria willing to implement this project despite concerns raised by various NGOs protesting the gas pipeline project. Some of the key contentious issues for the NGOs are as follows:

  • While the acceleration of global warming exceeds all expectations and greenhouse gas emissions have set a new record in 2016, the construction of this pipeline can only go in the direction of an increase of extraction and consumption of fossil resources, the main causes of global warming.
  • Contrary to what is often asserted, natural gas is not clean energy. The methane in it is more volatile than CO2, and much more powerful in global warming potential. Moreover, the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has accelerated dangerously since 2007.
  • The extraction, transportation and use of fossil fuels has considerable environmental implications in the form of disturbing effects of seismic studies on marine fauna, the use and release of various chemical substances and wastes, the risks of leaks, fires and explosions related to corrosion and navigation are additional risks to that of methane emissions. This will destroy livelihoods of millions of our people depending on fisheries in our regional waters.
  • The section already constructed (WAGP) was done without consulting the populations who rejected the environmental impact study.
  • It is a top-down project that does not consider the needs of the populations and the environment. They are not consulted and will not be the first beneficiaries of this pipeline. While Nigeria is Africa’s largest exporter of gas and oil, less than half of the population has access to electricity. In Benin, Togo, already served by the WAGP, barely a third of the population have access to electricity.
  • The proposed pipeline is a project for the multinational corporations. Nigerians do not benefit from oil exploitation in Nigeria.
  • The energy produced will be used primarily to fuel agri-business projects and export-oriented industrial clusters at the expense of small farmers and artisans and the satisfaction of the needs of the people.
  • This project will be a financial sinkhole. It is likely that the forecast cost of US $ 20 billion will be probably doubled and will lead to an exponential increase of the debt burden of our countries.

The Way Forward

The complete independence from the consumption of fossil resources is far to be a reality for the African continent that suffers from a shortage in energy production and transmission. This shortage and dependence on foreign investments is set to grow in the light of the recent efforts of industrialization of the continent set by the African Development Bank [4] [5].

Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project will have negative impacts on environment, public health and biodiversity.

The combination of industrialization and energy sufficiency is a complex multi-objectives problem. It needs a special evaluation and analysis to consider all factors and reduce the side effects on the environmental and social prosperity of the African population.

A smart production of energy and transmission to the West African region is a possible alternative for the pipeline project. The investment in solar energy which is one of the valuable resources of the African countries is a must. 20 billion US dollars could make a difference in the energy network of the continent and transform it into one of the leaders of clean energy in the world.

خطط برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة تعزّزقدرة البلدان على رصد مصادر المياه

 عندما نتكلم عن المياه، لابدّ لنا من التركيز على المنطقة العربية التي يشكّل سكانها 5 % من عدد سكان العالم، ولكنها لا تمتلك سوى 1% من اجمالي كميّة المياه العالمية. وفقا لتقديرات الأمم المتحدة، فان اثنتا عشرة دولة عربية تعاني من نقص حاد في المياه؛ اذ ان كمية المياه المتؤتية من مصادرمتجددة لا تصل الى 500 متر مكعب للفرد الواحد سنوياً. وقد طرحت الاستراتجية العربية للأمن المائي  (2030-2010)، مشاريع لادارة والاستخدام الكفوء لمصادر المياه.

غير ان قطاع الزراعة لا يزال يستهلك 85% من مصادر المياه العذبة في حين لا تتعدّى العائدات الزراعية اكثر من 8% من الناتج القومي. كما ان الدخل العالي للفرد في بعض البلدان العربية، والنمو الحضري وعدم اعتماد القطاع السياحي مبادئ الاستدامة، وتوفّر الكمية الكافية من الطاقة لتحلية المياه،  اضافة الى الصراعات التي شهدتها المنطقة وادّت الى الهجرة الداخلية لكمّ كبير من السكّان، كلها عوامل وضغوطات ساهمت في زيادة كمية استهلاك المياه العذبة ونفاذ مصادرها.

فبينما تشكّل الانهار المعمّرة 70% من مصدر المياه العذبة في  بعض البلدان كلبنان والأردن، تعتمد بلدان اخرى مثل عُمان والسعودية وسوريا ودولة الامارات العربية المتحدة واليمن على المياه السطحية والانهر الموسمية. اما باقي البلدان العربية الأخرى، فان ثلث امدادات المياه تأتي من المياه الجوفية.

كما يؤدي استخراج المياه الجوفي بشكل مستمر وغير مستدام الى شحّ مخزون المياه الوطني والمشترك بين البدان مما يؤدّي الى نشوء الصراعات. فقد أكّد الباحثون على ان 70 الى 80 % من اسباب الصراع الداخلي في اليمن، هو الحاجة الى المياه في ظلّ تزايد عدد السكان وسوء ادارة المياه. 

ولا بدّ من ان نشير الى ان 75% من مصادر المياه، هي من خارج المنطقة العربية بما في ذلك تحلية مياه البحر التي تستهلك كميات ضخمة من البترول الذي بدأ ينفذ وبالتالي يجب التركيز على استحداث آليات تحلية تعتمد على الطاقة البديلة. اذ ينتج عن عملية التحلية مخلفات تؤدي الى تملح البحار المحيطة وزيادة درجة حرارتها وبالتالي تقلل من كفاءة محطات التحلية.

امام هذا الواقع المرير حيث اصبحت الصراع على الماء صراع من اجل البقاء، ندّق في برنامج الامم المتحدة للبيئة في غرب آسيا ناقوس الخطر وندعو الدول العربية الى اتخاذ اجراء سريع لتنفيذ خطط للادارة المتكاملة للموارد المائية،  بما في ذلك ادارة الطلب على المصادر المائية المتوفرة واعتماد التكنولوجيا الحديثة والابداع الفكري والفنّي في شتّى استخدامات المياه المنزلية والصناعية والزراعية.

من ناحية اخرى، تعاني المنطقة العربية من تهديد لأمنها الغذائي بسبب اعتمادها على مصادر مائية شحيحة وعلى استيراد موارد غذائية رئيسة من الخارج او الأستثمار في اراضي زراعية خارج حدود المنطقة العربية. لذلك فان التعاون الاقليمي في منطقتنا هو حاجة ملّحة لضمان الأمن المائي والغذائي العربي.

اما على الصعيد العالمي، فلم يكن لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة (يونيب) ان يلزم الصمت  وعلى مرأى منه ثلث من سكّان العالم يصارعون من اجل حياة  تتلاشى امام ندرة المياه، منهم مليون ونصف طفل  يقضون كل عام ظمأى او بسبب الآفات الناتجة عن تلّوث المياه وانعدام امدادات الصرف الصحّي.

ازاء تلك الأزمات التي تسبّبها الحاجة الملّحة الى المياه، وضع برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة استراتجية خاصّة  بناءً على طلب من حكومات العالم، من شأنها توفير المبادئ التوجيهية التي يجب ان تتبنّاها السياسات لتحقيق الاهداف المنشودة  من حيث تأمين حاجة البلدان للمياه  بشكل عادل ومستدام ومكافحة العوامل المناخية والبشرية التي تتسبّب بالجفاف.

اضف الى ذلك، النظام العالمي للرصد البيئي/برنامج المياه، الذي يعتبر ابرز البرامج التي وضعها يونيب وتضمّ مئة دولة حول العالم من ضمنها السعودية والكويت والأردن والعراق. حيث يعمل هذا البرنامج على تعزيز تبادل المعلومات والبيانات  حول نوعية المياه العذبة ويساهم في زيادة قدرة البلدان النامية على رصد نوعية المياه داخل القطر او الاقليم.

وان لم يسعنا من خلال هذا النص، ذكر جميع التقارير والبرامج والحلول العالمية والعربية الخاصّة بادارة مصادر المياه، فاننا نشدّد على اهمية الجهود الاقليمية لادماج قضايا المياه بالسياسات الوطنية والدولية  في السعي لايجاد الآليات اللازمة للحدّ من الازمات التي يولّدها النقص الحاد في المياه، كتلك التي تسبّبت بنزوح أكثر من 100.000 من سكان شمال العراق عام 2005.

فنظراً للضغوطات التي تعاني منها منطقتنا العربية من التزايد السكاني الى تغيّر المناخ وموجات الجفاف والتصحّر وانحباس الأمطار، تعتبرقضية المياه من ابرز القضايا التي تحتاج الى حلّ يرتكز على التعاون الاقليمي. اذ يعتبر نجاح الاستراتجيات المتعلقة بالمياه رهن الالتزامات السياسية والمالية والبشرية اضافة الى عوامل اخرى كتقييم موثوق لمصادر المياه المتوفرّة.

فلا بدّ لنا من ان نلفت الى دراسات برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة التي قدُّرت مساحة مصادر المياه في غرب آسيا ب 85  كلم مكعب؛ والتي من المرجح ان تنخفض الى 20 بالمئة خلال الخمسين عاما القادمة بسبب عوامل متعدّدة كتغيّر المناخ.

ان الماء بشتى انواعه يختزن ثروات عدّة تشكّل مصدراً للحياة ولانتاج الطاقة المتجدّدة؛ وفي صونه، نشارك برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة في تحقيق خطّة المستقبل الذي نصبو اليه حتى لا يعاني اي فرد اويقضي بسبب عدم وفرة المياه

اذا يعتبر التخلي عن اللحوم ضروريًا للتخفيف من تغير المناخ

استهلاك اللحوم هو عنصر أساسي في النظام الغذائي الحديث. في العالم المتقدم، كان استهلاك اللحوم في ارتفاع مستمر منذ عقود. في العالم النامي، يأكل الناس كميات أقل من اللحوم لأنهم لا يستطيعون تحمل تكلفتها الباهظة. إن حجم الاستهلاك العالمي للحوم له آثار بيئية خطيرة ويزيد من حدة تغير المناخ. وهذا يعني أن الإنتاج العالمي للغذاء مسؤول عن ثلث جميع غازات الاحتباس الحراري المنبعثة من النشاط البشري. لذلك، من المنطقي القول بأن العلاقة بين استهلاك اللحوم والآثار السلبية لتغير المناخ مثل الاحتباس الحراري هي شيء يجب استكشافه بعمق حتى نتمكن من فهم كيفية تقليل مخاطر الكوارث البيئية.

how giving up meat can reduce climate change impacts

علاوة على ذلك، يلعب التخلي عن اللحوم دورًا أساسيًا في الحد من آثار تغير المناخ. إن معيار استهلاك اللحوم غير مستدام بيئيًا لأن “الأبقار والأغنام والماعز … لا تزال بحاجة إلى الكثير من الأراضي للرعي” والتي يمكن استخدامها بدلاً من ذلك لزراعة المزيد من الأشجار لامتصاص المستويات العالية من ثاني أكسيد الكربون في الغلاف الجوي، وهو مشروع حاسمة للحد من آثار تغير المناخ. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، إن البصمة الكربونية للحوم البقر والضأن أعلى بثلاث مرات تقريبًا من تلك الموجودة في لحم الخنزير أو الدواجن أو الأسماك المستزرعة لكل 100 جرام من البروتين، و ٢٤ مرة أعلى من البقوليات مثل الفول والعدس. وهذا يرتبط بالتأثير الكارثي لتربية الماشية على البيئة.

تتسبب تربية الماشية في فقدان الموائل الطبيعية حيث يجب تطهير المزيد من الأراضي وإزالة الغابات بينما تستمر انبعاثات الكربون في الزيادة . على المستوى العملي، فإن الحملة لتقليل الاستهلاك العالمي للحوم وإنقاذ الكوكب تعززها حقيقة أن إنتاج لحوم الأبقار يرتبط بفقدان الغطاء الحرجي الاستوائي في غابات الأمازون المطيرة.

لذلك يعتبر التخلي عن اللحوم خطوة مهمة من منظور أخلاقي خاصة بسبب تأثيرات تغير المناخ. يضع نمط الحياة الخالي من اللحوم ضغطًا أقل على البيئة لأنه يقلل بشكل كبير من خطر إزالة الغابات وزيادة انبعاثات الكربون بسبب انخفاض الطلب على إنتاج اللحوم. نتيجة لذلك، أعتقد أن التخلي عن اللحوم أمر بالغ الأهمية لتقليل بصمتك الكربونية والبقاء استباقيًا في التخفيف من آثار تغير المناخ.

سبب آخر يجعل التخلي عن اللحوم مهمًا في الحد من آثار تغير المناخ هو أن اللحوم الحمراء هي مصدر رئيسي لانبعاثات غاز الميثان. الميثان، أحد غازات الدفيئة، يزيد الاحترار بمقدار 23 مرة عن ثاني أكسيد الكربون ويساهم بشكل مباشر في الاحتباس الحراري، وهو أحد التداعيات المهمة لتغير المناخ. ومن النتائج الأخرى لاستهلاك اللحوم روث الماشية المسؤول عن 65 في المائة من انبعاثات أكسيد النيتروز. أكسيد النيتروز، غاز آخر من غازات الدفيئة، يبقى في الغلاف الجوي لمدة 114 سنة. يساهم أكسيد النيتروز في تغير المناخ من خلال بقائه في طبقة الأوزون والتسبب في الاحترار العالمي.

من وجهة نظر المستهلك، أوصي بتقليل استهلاك اللحوم أو اختيار نظام غذائي خالٍ من اللحوم حيث ستنخفض انبعاثات الميثان وأكسيد النيتروز وهذا سيساعد على تقليل المخاطر العالمية للاحترار العالمي وتخفيف آثار تغير المناخ. يمكن دعم رأيي بالأدلة. على سبيل المثال، ثلاثة من أكبر منتجي اللحوم في العالم، JBS و Cargill و Tyson ، انبعثوا ما يقرب من العديد من الغازات المسببة للاحتباس الحراري مثل أكبر شركات النفط ، بما في ذلك Exxon و BP و Shell .

علاوة على ذلك، يعد التخلي عن اللحوم أمرًا حاسمًا في الحد من آثار تغير المناخ حيث ينتهي الأمر بإهدار اللحوم في مواقع دفن النفايات وإطلاق كميات كبيرة من غاز الميثان، أحد غازات الدفيئة. على سبيل المثال، “نهدر ما يقدر بنحو 1.3 مليار طن من الطعام كل عام” ويؤدي إهدار اللحوم إلى زيادة انبعاثات الميثان. بدورها، تؤدي انبعاثات غاز الميثان هذه إلى ارتفاع نسبة غازات الدفيئة في الغلاف الجوي مما يؤدي إلى الاحتباس الحراري وتفاقم آثار تغير المناخ. نظرًا لأن كل من روث الماشية واللحوم المهدرة المترسبة في مواقع دفن النفايات يطلق غاز الميثان في الغلاف الجوي، فإن الخطر على البيئة لا يمكن إنكاره. لذلك، هناك سبب وجيه آخر للتخلي عن اللحوم وهو تقليل تلوث الهواء الناجم عن المستويات العالية من الميثان في الغلاف الجوي.

veganism-mena

تشمل الفوائد البيئية الناتجة عن اتباع نظام غذائي خالٍ من اللحوم تلوثًا أقل للهواء الناجم عن مواقع دفن النفايات. في رأيي، هذا سبب رائع لاختيار نظام غذائي خالٍ من اللحوم. لا يقلل النظام الغذائي الخالي من اللحوم من انبعاثات الميثان فحسب، بل يقلل أيضًا من تلوث الهواء المسؤول عن ملايين الوفيات المبكرة كل عام ويؤجج تغير المناخ. على هذا النحو، لمكافحة حالة الطوارئ المناخية والمساعدة في حماية بيئتنا، نحتاج جميعًا إلى تقليل كمية الطعام الذي نهدره.

في الختام، يعتبر التخلي عن اللحوم أمرًا ضروريًا للحد من الآثار طويلة المدى لتغير المناخ. يرتبط استهلاك اللحوم ارتباطًا وثيقًا بالمشاكل البيئية مثل إزالة الغابات وفقدان الموائل الطبيعية وانبعاث غاز الميثان وأكسيد النيتروز، وكلها تسبب تراكم غازات الدفيئة في الغلاف الجوي وتساهم في ظاهرة الاحتباس الحراري. يرتبط هذا مباشرة بتغير المناخ. لذلك، فإن تقليل تناول اللحوم أو أن تصبح نباتيًا هو الخطوة الأولى لتقليل الآثار الضارة لتغير المناخ.

ترجمة

علياء الشملان. الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية

علياء الشملان طالبة في الثانوية في الصف العاشر بمدارس التربية الإسلامية. ولدت وترعرعت في الرياض بالمملكة العربية السعودية، حيث تواصل العيش بشغف لعلوم البيئة والحفاظ على البيئة واستعادتها. خارج المدرسة، تتطوع لمساعدة الآخرين على اكتساب المزيد من المعرفة، وكذلك من أجل تطويرها الشخصي، وهي تستمتع بقضاء الوقت في الهواء الطلق، والرسم، وإجراء البحوث العلمية.

July 2019 – The Hottest Month Since 1850

Thousands of surface monitoring stations spread around the globe have gathered temperature data and other meteorological information to secure the ranking of July 2019 as the hottest month on Earth since 1850. It is important to mention that there are very scant meteorological records prior to this date for global analysis.

Independent climate monitoring organizations and research institutes such as Berkley Earth and Copernicus Climate Change Service (EU) have bother reached similar analysis results even though the margin from the previous warmest month of July 2016, is a very slight increment of 0.14 degrees (0.08C). Other research institutes shared their analysis such as NASA announcing that the July 2019 global average surface temperature is 1.71 degrees (0.95C) warmer than the 20th century average. The Japanese Meteorological Agency found the July 2019 global average surface temperature to be on par with the July 2016 data. Other supporting data reflect that the ten hottest July global average surface temperature have occurred since 2005.

Not only are the thermometer readings soaring but the extent and natural disasters are also extensive. Extreme heat waves across Europe and in parts of the USA have raised the awareness of the severity and consequences of increased temperatures. Wildfires have moved further north into the Arctic regions across Siberia, Greenland and Alaska. Previous years, wildfires have raged across the mid-latitudes in west and southern-west North America and the Mediterranean regions. Also, this year, sea ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic have been at record lows. Low sea ice levels translated to missing sea ice that would have extended to over 1 million square miles of ice was absent.

Greenhouse gases emissions into the atmosphere, resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, is not in dispute. There are weak, natural triggers such as El Niño and La Niña phenomena, that can trigger warmer temperatures, but the El Niño is very weak this season.

Data from the period, 1850-1900, is considered a baseline for pre-industrial temperature trends. According to Berkley Earth, the July 2019 global average surface temperature was 2.2 degrees (1.22 C) warmer than the pre-industrial trend. The Paris Climate Agreement aimed to keep the long-term global average surface temperature below, in fact “well below” 3.6 degrees (2.0 C). But to have any hope of achieving this or staying below this limit requires drastic action by the major developed nations that are driving the global warming powerhouse. This is where we fail to see any responsible action by leading well developed nations.

In terms of the whole year as being noticeably warmer throughout the 12-month period, will most likely continue to be held by the year 2016.  But this is not about breaking records but a severe warning alert that our planet is consistently recording hotter and hotter temperatures across the globe that require serious action on the part of all more developed and less developed nations if we wish to have a sustainable future on this planet.

Medical Waste Management in MENA

Healthcare sector in MENA region is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other establishments. According to a recent Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs report, Egypt generated 28,300 tons of hazardous medical wastes in 2010. In the GCC region, more than 150 tons of medical waste is generated in GCC countries every day. Saudi Arabia leads the pack with daily healthcare waste generation of more than 80 tons. These figures are indicative of the magnitude of the problem faced by municipal authorities in dealing with medical waste disposal problem across the MENA region. 

Magnitude of the Problem

The growing amount of medical wastes is posing significant public health and environmental challenges in major cities of the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, and lack of research on medical waste management. Improper management of medical wastes from hospitals, clinics and other facilities in MENA pose occupational and public health risks to patients, health workers, waste handlers, haulers and general public. It may also lead to contamination of air, water and soil which may affect all forms of life. In addition, if waste is not disposed of properly, ragpickers may collect disposable medical equipment (particularly syringes) and to resell these materials which may cause dangerous diseases.

Medical waste management method in MENA is limited to either small-scale incineration or landfilling. The practice of landfilling of medical wastes is a matter of serious concern as it poses grave risks to public health, water resources, soil fertility as well as air quality. In many Middle East and North Africa countries, medical wastes is mixed with municipal solid wastes and/or industrial wastes which transforms medical wastes into a cocktail of dangerous substances. 

The WHO policy paper of 2004 and the Stockholm Convention, has stressed the need to consider the risks associated with the incineration of healthcare waste as a typical medical waste incinerator releases a wide variety of pollutants which may include particulate matter, heavy metals, acid gases, carbon monoxide and organic compounds. Sometimes pathogens may also be found in the solid residues and in the exhaust of poorly designed and badly operated incinerators. In addition, leachable organic compounds, like dioxins and heavy metals, are usually present in bottom ash residues. Due to these factors, many industrialized countries are phasing out healthcare incinerators and exploring technologies that do not produce any dioxins. Countries like United States, Ireland, Portugal, Canada and Germany have completely shut down or put a moratorium on medical waste incinerators. 

Promising Treatment Options

The alternative technologies for healthcare waste treatment are steam sterilization, advanced steam sterilization, microwave treatment, dry heat sterilization, alkaline hydrolysis, and biological treatment. Nowadays, steam sterilization (or autoclaving) is the most common alternative treatment method. Advanced autoclaves or advanced steam treatment technologies combine steam treatment with vacuuming, internal mixing or fragmentation, internal shredding, drying, and compaction thus leading to as much as 90% volume reduction. 

Microwave treatment is a promising technology in which treatment occurs through the introduction of moist heat and steam generated by microwave energy. Alkaline digestion is a unique type of chemical process that uses heated alkali to digest tissues, pathological waste, anatomical parts, or animal carcasses in heated stainless steel tanks. Biological processes, like composting and vermicomposting, can also be used to degrade organic matter in healthcare waste such as kitchen waste and placenta.

How Can You Make Your Summerhouse Eco-Friendly?

Many of us have had a rising concern for our environment, opting to do what we can to make our world a better place to live in. Thus, most people are gearing towards eco-friendly homes, while corporate buildings continue to improve their structures or create business establishments using sustainable design methods to protect the ecosystem.

We all know that our home environment impacts our health and quality of life. For several years now, designers have worked hard to lessen the negative impact on the environment by developing sustainable architecture. Interior designs focus more on improving light sources, ergonomic elements, and indoor air quality. All these factors aim to improve people’s health and well-being and help heal the environment.

how to ,make your summerhouse ecofriendly

Apart from your home, you may also want to focus on your summerhouse and make it even more eco-friendly. Since you spend a lot of time there, especially during the hottest seasons of the year, it is an excellent idea to make some improvements and create an eco-friendly summerhouse. And if you plan to build a summerhouse soon, consider the following tips to make it an eco-friendly one.

Use sustainable construction materials

Whether you plan to build a summerhouse or are making improvements to your existing one, it is best to use sustainable construction materials that help protect the environment.

For instance, it is recommended to use log lap cladding that is environment-friendly, natural, and durable. It offers natural insulation so that heat is maintained inside the summerhouse during the cold season. It is also tough and durable, withstanding the elements, so your structure is protected in the outdoors.

Opt for energy-efficient appliances

There are many energy-efficient appliances available today for you to choose from. You can select ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, and other devices we typically need at home. Your summer home can use these types of appliances instead of traditional ones that use up a lot of energy, so it can help you save more and help the environment to go for those that save on energy.

Additionally, it would be best to switch to LED lights that offer the same illumination without consuming too much power. They last longer and are affordable too. Finally, use a digital thermostat to control the temperature where it is most comfortable for your HVAC system.

how to reduce heating and cooling costs at home

Learn how to repurpose and recycle

Instead of getting rid of excess construction materials such as wood or bricks, use your creativity to create something functional with them by repurposing. For example, you may create a fireplace or construct an outdoor table with leftover materials. Additionally, you may find a use for them should you need to make repairs and save money in the process.

For other items you have, think of how to recycle them instead of throwing them away, especially those that are non-biodegradable. Again, be resourceful and create something you can use from these items.

upcycling of tires

It is our responsibility to take better care of our world. The future of our children depends on it. We should also teach our family members to be more conscious about how to protect the environment. You can do your part by creating an eco-friendly summerhouse.