Category Archives: Sustainable Development

Key Questions about COP21 Climate Agreement

By | | , ,
2 Comments

The headlines from the CO21 Climate Summit tell an inspiring story. Agence France-Presse reported an outbreak of “euphoria” as the international climate accord was sealed. Reuters hailed a global “turn from fossil fuels.” The Guardian headlined “a major leap for mankind.” As the euphoria of delegates at the UN climate talks in Paris fades, it is time to get down to the business of saving the planet and ask what it means for me. This time, they were. They managed to seal a pact that sets a surprisingly ambitious target for limiting global warming, reflects the vast differences between countries … Continue reading →

Natural Cooling with Evaporation and Night Sky Radiation

By | | ,
Leave a comment

Nowadays, architects, engineers and designers are ignoring the potential value of the most basic principles of natural cooling: Solar control (shade) Convective cooling Conductive cooling Evaporative cooling Radiant cooling In the first part of the article, solar control, convective cooling and conductive cooling were discussed in detail. When they cannot provide enough cooling then we may have to make use of evaporation. Evaporative Cooling The hottest areas tend to be dry and are ideally suited for evaporative cooling if water is available. When water is limited it can be used sparingly for just personal cooling. In general, direct evaporative cooling … Continue reading →

Staying Cool with Natural Cooling – Traditional Natural Cooling Techniques

By | | ,
Leave a comment

Natural cooling is particularly important as an economical method of keeping people comfortable and safe from extreme heat even in areas where there is no electricity or when the power grid fails. It also helps reduce peak loads and lowers the stress on generation and distribution systems. Natural cooling has been utilized for centuries and has only recently been ignored, most obviously since 1950, as mechanical air conditioning and electricity became artificially cheap. As a result architects, engineers and designers began to ignore the potential value of even the most basic principles of natural cooling. The traditional cooling methods are: … Continue reading →

Sustainable Urban Development in Texas: Lessons for the Middle East

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Are you seeking sustainable urban solutions for Middle Eastern cities? Look at Texas, where sustainability initiatives are transforming urban landscapes. These cities offer practical blueprints, addressing waste reduction challenges with innovative strategies that could inspire your region’s sustainability goals. In this article, you will explore the proven methods Texas cities employ, from sustainable urban planning to community-driven clean energy initiatives.  You’ll find actionable insights to tackle urban development issues, ensuring cleaner, greener cities. These models can directly address the environmental hurdles Middle Eastern urban centers face today. Moreover, if you’re in Texas and considering a property move to align with … Continue reading →

The Important Role of Renewable Energy in Rural Development

By | | ,
10 Comments

Several years ago, it was coal that brought a great deal of the progress needed in the rural areas. Much have changed over the years. With the advancement of energy technologies, going back to mining and processing coal no longer makes much sense. Politicians who promise to bring back coal-related jobs simply don’t have a grasp of reality. Advanced economies are already turning to renewable sources of energy and it makes sense for developing economies to do the same, unless they’re limited by urgency that they have nothing but cheaper fossil fuels to exploit. Of course, it’s not enough to … Continue reading →

Role of International Solidarity in Environmental Conservation

By | | ,
5 Comments

Environment is a global public good and a prerequisite for the enjoyment of human rights. Environment has no respect for international boundaries and borders, and belongs to all countries and peoples. However, the capacity of environment is limited and a common issue for the entire mankind is to conserve this limited global environment so that all people on earth (and coming generations) can enjoy a healthy life. The Right to Healthy Environment The right to a healthy and sustainable environment is getting increasing importance in the light of climate change concerns. With fast-changing geo-political situations and ever-increasing conflicts, conservation of … Continue reading →

مستقبل المدن الذكية المستدامة: حالات دراسية من نيوم ومدينة مصدر

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

ينتشر مصطلح ما نسميه اليوم “المدن الذكية” على نطاق واسع دلالة على ظاهرة المدن التكنو-حضرية، خصوصاً في العقد الثاني من القرن الحادي والعشرين. وقد وصلت العديد من المدن الكبرى إلى مستويات عالية من التحدي لمواكبة التحول العالمي المرتبط بهذا الخصوص، والذي من شأنه أدى الى تطورات جديدة ومتعددة وصولاً لأحدث معايير الحياة الذكية والمستدامة. وبالرغم من ذلك، فإن بعض هذه المدن تجاوزت تلبية التوقعات المطلوبة، بل قامت بإعادة تعريفها، فمثلاً تعد مدينة نيوم ومدينة مصدر في الشرق الأوسط من أكثر المدن الرائدة في هذا المجال الطموح، إذ أنهما تعيدان تشكيل الحياة الحضرية من خلال تصاميم ذكية تهدف إلى الحد من … Continue reading →

Runoff and Floodwater Farming – Examples from MENA and American SW

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

To better understand the options for runoff agriculture, below is a review of some of the imaginative and effective techniques developed for use of runoff and floodwaters in the MENA region and the American Southwest (SW). Experimentation and experience over more than 5,000 years led to remarkable systems that enabled people to live well even in some of the most arid environments. These systems can be built and maintained by local people using available tools. Two major goals are to hold the water back so it doesn’t run off and to concentrate the water so that even the most arid … Continue reading →

How Minimalism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

By | | , ,
5 Comments

A topic that has been gathering momentum as of late. The idea of sustainability is rapidly becoming a popular trend and the reduction in fossil fuel usage is testament to that fact. However, sustainability is not just found in the energy sector. Sustainability has become a trend in all aspects of life. So much so that it has become a lifestyle for some. Minimalism has rapidly become a popular way of life as well, providing great benefits to those living according to it. To start, it is important to define these terms and how they can relate to one another. … Continue reading →

Runoff and Floodwater Farming in the MENA and SW North America

By | | , , ,
Leave a comment

When it rains some water enters the soil, the rest runs off. As it gathers strength it becomes the floodwater that runs through valleys, streets, arroyos and wadis after a rain storm. Sparse vegetation, little soil development, soil crusts, and low infiltration/absorption contribute to fast peaking flows in arid regions[1]. Storms lead to floods that may continue for minutes, hours or days depending on the rainfall. Flood depths of 5-10 meters may occur in extreme events. Residents in arid and semi-arid lands have developed a wide range of strategies to hold and capture critically needed water. In many cases floodwater … Continue reading →

Balancing Conservation with Urban Growth: Lessons from Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere Reserve

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is a protected, inhabited area in the country’s northwestern region. It’s accessible from major roadways and less than 50 miles from Doha, making it an attractive destination for people who want to enjoy nature’s beauty without planning major excursions. This project has many lessons to teach eco-minded individuals. Understanding the various project phases can inform you of what to consider when measuring success and outlining priorities. Collaboration is Key for Success Planners officially established the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve in 2005. Since the land encompasses three jurisdictions, collaboration between multiple parties was essential during all … Continue reading →

Far-Reaching Implications of Conflict in World’s Breadbasket

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Pre-pandemic era, pre-Ukraine war months, the Ukraine referred to as the “Breadbasket of Europe” and of course Russia, thrived on agricultural activities suppling the world with wheat, other grains, vegetables, oils, seeds and meats. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Ukraine was producing 25% of staple foods for across the globe. By 2022, this figure had risen to 30%. Ukraine produced for nations across the globe. In addition to the pure grain production, there is food processing and especially sugar processing. Over a quarter of the Ukraine population was employed in agricultural and forestry activities. Today, these figures are … Continue reading →