Author Archives: Bret Windhauser

About Bret Windhauser

Bret Windhauser is a researcher in Middle Eastern Studies. As an undergraduate student, he double majored in International and Global Studies and French. He went on to receive his master's degree in Near Eastern Languages and Civilization focusing on Arabic and Turkish. He currently teaches Arabic at the University of the South in Tennessee and transcribes Ge'ez manuscripts.

Protecting Iraq’s Southern Marshlands

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In mid-January 2021, Iraqi President Barham Salih approved the country’s decision to join the Paris Climate agreement. Iraq signed on to the international climate accords in 2016 but has spent the past few years negotiating its ratification through its parliament. The Paris Climate agreement encourages signatory countries to cut their carbon emissions and invest in the sustainable energy sector. Such a move might prove difficult for Iraq, a country in which oil provides 90% of government revenue and amounts to 99% of national exports. Despite these challenges, Iraq has now committed to modernizing and decarbonizing its energy sector for its … Continue reading →

Why Cities in the Middle East Need More Trees?

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The population of city dwellers globally is increasing, as is the number of deaths associated with exposure to pollution and intense heat waves. Urban forestation projects are one of the most cost effective means to reduce particulate matter in the air and cool temperatures in the world’s largest cities. Urban forestation projects in the Middle East are an inexpensive and effective way of reducing air pollution, lowering temperatures by producing shade, improving health, and even raising property values. The return on investment (ROI) for tree planting is often more financially beneficial than other more costly investments, but ROI projections fluctuate … Continue reading →