Beyond Wage Slavery – A Return to a Better Economy, Politics And Society

By | |
Leave a comment

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, wage slavery is defined as the economic condition where someone is obliged to work so that they can earn enough money to live on and pay for necessities. In effect, all workers in the global economy who have no other option but to work and sell their labour or else face poverty and homelessness, are in fact slaves to the capitalist economy. This links with the ideas of thinkers like Karl Marx and Joseph Proudhon, who elaborated on the comparison between wage labour and slavery, most notably the critique of work and working conditions.

wage slavery in the 21st century

Moreover, any consistent critique of contemporary wage slavery and global capitalism must engage with the contemporary political and societal situation, especially industrialization, the rise of the nation state and individualism.

The path to creating a society beyond wage slavery means drawing on different insights from disciplines as diverse as sociology, politics and philosophy. Primitivist philosophers like John Zerzan exhort pre-industrial civilization, specifically the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers as a cultural ideal. A world where the modern state did not exist and could not force people to either work or starve; a world where men and women didn’t have to slave away and dedicate the most meaningful hours of their day to deadening, mechanistic work. Instead, life was lived on a more individualistic, if somewhat tribal level.

A society where physical fitness, outdoor exercise and play, self-sufficiency and a tight sense of community foster an environment closer to human flourishing. While the wholesale implementation of a hunter-gatherer lifestyle might seem impossible today, with the pressures of industrialization, urbanization and the nation state; primitivism offers a challenge to the dominant industrial paradigm.

composting-qatar

By reverting to a simpler lifestyle, growing your own food, living close to nature and the adoption of foraging, the average person can challenge the chokehold of industry, technology and capitalism from supermarkets to fast-food restaurants and return to an unhurried and more deliberate existence.

Now, the question of work enters the equation. What is the role of work in a pre-industrial society based on foraging and small-scale subsistence agriculture, and is this linked with wage slavery? Work in a pre-industrial society is anathematic to the modern conception of wage slavery.

A pre-industrial lifestyle, or a limited industrial lifestyle, can accommodate small-scale subsistence agriculture, foraging and crop harvesting, and this is very different from the factory system and industrial jobs in urban centers. Subsistence agriculture is when farmers grow crops to meet the needs of themselves and their immediate families in smallholdings rather than serving the market economy.

If wage slavery is defined by the pressure to work in exploitative conditions or else face poverty and homelessness, then the close-knit bands of foragers or farmers engaged in smallholding or subsistence agriculture, are not wage slaves in the strictest sense of the word. Instead, while they are aligned with an economy based on the production and exchange of crops and other goods, this is not exactly industrial capitalism.

agriculture-palestine

The economy of pre-industrial society largely excludes wage slavery because the adoption of smallholdings and subsistence agriculture is conducive to a gift economy. A gift economy is compatible with freedom from wage slavery as smallholdings and subsistence agriculture don’t explicitly depend on the selling of crops and livestock. Instead, crops, livestock and handmade goods can be exchanged between rival bands and small communities due to the absence of any large-scale industry or market capitalism. As such, it is very plausible that pre-industrial lifestyles offer liberation from the yoke of wage slavery.

Moving beyond wage slavery will also impact society quite profoundly. Instead of rush-hour traffic and the rat race, society will be based on straightforwardness, social connection, proximity to nature and handmade craftsmanship. Not a traffic light in sight!

All these differences between industrial and pre-industrial society, the latter heavily dependent on wage-slavery, demonstrate the benefits gained by forgoing the pressures of modernity and the market economy. While it may seem very difficult to turn back the clock and escape from wage-slavery, state interference in the economy and society, industrialization and automation; it is a necessary step considering Climate Change, a phenomenon which has been fueled by the industrial revolution.

Therefore, it is only by taking inspiration from the past that humanity can revert to a better lifestyle and live in harmony with nature once again. Of course, by transcending wage slavery and escaping the clutches of capitalism and industrialization, society will reap considerable economic, social, political and even psychological advantages.

The Changing Colours of the Arabian Gulf: A Grim Ecological Warning

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

The shifting colours of the Arabian Gulf are more than a visual spectacle — they are warning signals of profound ecological change. Ocean colour reflects the delicate balance between sunlight, plankton, sediments, and nutrients, yet rising sea surface temperatures are disrupting this equilibrium. The unusual phytoplankton blooms are transforming the Gulf into a hotspot of environmental stress, intensifying concerns for marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

The Arabian Sea hosts one of the world’s largest oxygen minimum zones, spanning nearly 3.9 million km², underscoring the vulnerability of the region to further decline. This article explores the drivers behind these changes in ocean colour and examines their far-reaching impacts on the Arabian Gulf.

phytoplankton bloom in Gulf nations

Figure1: Phytoplankton bloom in Lake St. Clair captured by Landsat 8

Why Ocean Colour Matters

Ocean colour is more than what meets the eye. It is an important indicator of numerous parameters such as marine productivity, climate signals, and ecosystem health. The colour of the water is determined by the interaction of sunlight with the particles present in seawater, such as chlorophyll in plankton and sediments. Because of their small size, different types of plankton drift around in the ocean due to wind and ocean currents.

Role of Phytoplankton and Pigments

The pigment chlorophyll-a give the green colour to plankton. Phytoplankton are the most common type of plankton which are microscopic algae that are autotrophic (self-feeding) algae. Phytoplankton are known to transfer carbon dioxide from atmosphere to oceans acting as a carbon sink and is a major contributor to decreasing the effects of global warming. A phytoplankton bloom attracts all sorts of species to feed on them such as whales, shrimps, and other invertebrates and vertebrates.

Drivers of Ocean Colour Change in the Arabian Gulf

Recent changes in the Arabian/Persian Gulf waters are driven by a wide range of factors. The rising sea surface temperatures linked to climate change are altering seasonal cycles and encouraging blooms at unusual times. The nutrient runoff from agriculture and urban wastewater adds nitrates and phosphorus, acting as fertilizers that accelerate phytoplankton growth. Together, these drivers increase the frequency and intensity of blooms, some of which are harmful.

Plankton

Plankton are responsible for 45% of global annual primary production and are usually at the bottom of the food chain (Brierley AS et. al, 2017). Primary production causes a huge change in the ocean colour, which can usually be seen from satellite view. Either due to seasonal, nutrient availability, or more sunlight, the abundance of phytoplankton can increase and cause a bloom. There are several reasons for the drivers of phytoplankton bloom, especially in the Arabian Gulf in recent days.

Climate Change

The changing colours of the Arabian Gulf are not just signals of crisis — they are calls to action. By recognizing ocean colour as a frontline indicator of climate change, we empower ourselves to respond with urgency and innovation. Communities, scientists, and policymakers can work together to monitor blooms, reduce nutrient runoff, and champion circular solutions that restore balance to our seas. Every effort — from local cleanups to global climate commitments — contributes to protecting the Gulf’s fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

The green glow seen from space reminds us that the ocean is alive, responsive, and vulnerable. But it also reminds us that human choices shape its future. By acting collectively and sustainably, we can turn warning signals into opportunities for resilience, ensuring that the Gulf’s waters remain not a symbol of decline, but of renewal and hope.

Due to recent climate change, the Gulf nations are experiencing rising sea surface temperatures that are encouraging phytoplankton bloom and productivity at unusual times and disrupting traditional seasonal cycles. Warm waters stratify the ocean, and this essentially reduces vertical ocean mixing, thus limiting the nutrient replenishment from deeper layers. This phenomenon can create conditions in which certain species, such as Noctiluca scintillans, can dominate and become invasive and form blooms.

The semi-enclosed geography of the Arabian Gulf makes it vulnerable to circulation restrictions and more shallow depth thus easily warmed from global warming. As a result, the region is experiencing frequent and longer blooms where many of them are harmful which can essentially destabilize the food web.

Nutrient runoff

Large-scale development on the coastal sides of the land involves agriculture and urban wastewater, which contain nutrients such as nitrates and phosphorus. These nutrients can increase the growth rate of phytoplankton as they act like fertilizers. This increases the frequency of algal blooms, some of which are harmful to marine and terrestrial species. During the past few decades, these shifts in ocean colour in the Gulf have greater variability more than ever.

Ecological Consequences

Dead zones

Phytoplankton blooms alter oxygen dynamics. In the Arabian Gulf, mixotrophic species such as Noctiluca scintillans consume oxygen while producing waste that fuels bacterial decomposition. This process depletes oxygen, creating hypoxic “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive. At the same time, the carbon cycle is disrupted: instead of sinking carbon to the deep ocean, blooms recycle it at the surface, weakening the ocean’s role as a climate buffer.

dead zones in the ocean

Figure 2: Dead corals and lack of fish in the ocean due to oxygen starvation

Carbon Cycle

Normally, phytoplankton blooms help regulate climate by capturing carbon dioxide, converting it into organic matter, and sending it to the deep ocean when they die or are consumed. This “biological pump” locks carbon away for centuries, slowing global warming.

However, massive blooms of mixotrophic plankton like Noctiluca scintillans disrupt this process. Because they both photosynthesize and feed on other plankton, they generate large amounts of waste and dissolved organic matter that remain near the surface. Instead of sinking, this material is rapidly decomposed by bacteria, which consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The result is less carbon stored in the deep ocean and more carbon recycled at the surface, weakening the ocean’s role as a climate buffer and intensifying warming while expanding hypoxic “dead zones.”

Livelihoods and Fisheries

Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia-suffering zones can affect fish stocks in fisheries if they reach them. Coastal population depend on fisheries for food and income. Coastal communities are vulnerable to the reduction in fish stocks, as economic gains can rapidly decrease, and there are chances of people catching diseases from fish stocks suffering from hypoxia, as dead or decomposing fish increase.

Monitoring and Research

Research says that there might be something beyond natural seasonal and yearly changes in the ocean colour, and more related to the warming of ocean temperatures due to global warming than we think. Copernicus revealed that oceans globally are experiencing unprecedented warming and temperature records breaking barriers every day (BBC, 2024). Monitoring ocean colour is not just about aesthetics — it is a frontline indicator of climate change, ecosystem health, and human livelihoods in the GCC nations.

Case Study

On Feb 15, 2025, a satellite view from the PACE platform was captured showing very high chlorophyll a concentrations in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The Gulf region is usually inhabited by dinoflagellate plankton, especially Noctiluca scintillans. The massive blooms have raised concerns about how the phytoplankton can decrease oxygen concentration in the water and cause dead zones. Many studies have highlighted how the Arabian Sea is one of the largest regions for oxygen minimum zones in the world, and worsened by the case of bigger Noctiluca scintillans blooms.

chlorophyll growth in the ocean

Figure 3: Chlorophyll a concentration in the Arabian Sea (Image courtesy –  PACE platform)

Recent satellite images from NASA have captured massive phytoplankton blooms in the Gulf of Oman as well, painting the waters in swirling shades of green. While visually striking, these blooms signal deeper ecological stress. The culprit is also Noctiluca scintillans. Unlike traditional diatoms that support healthy food webs, Noctiluca blooms deplete oxygen, disrupt carbon cycling, and destabilize marine ecosystems.

The Gulf of Oman, a strategic waterway linking the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf, is particularly vulnerable. Seasonal monsoon winds drive nutrient upwelling, fueling blooms that are now larger and more frequent than in past decades. NASA’s PACE and Landsat satellites have revealed how these blooms stretch across hundreds of kilometers, reshaping the region’s ecology.

changing colors of gulf of oman

Figure 4: Phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman

What looks like a beautiful green glow from space is, in reality, a warning sign — a reminder that ocean colour is more than aesthetics. It is a vital indicator of ecosystem health, climate signals, and the resilience of communities that depend on the sea.

Conclusion

The changing colours of the Arabian Gulf are not just signals of crisis — they are an urgent call to action. By recognizing ocean colour as a frontline indicator of climate change, we empower ourselves to respond with urgency and innovation. Communities, scientists, and policymakers can work together to monitor blooms, reduce nutrient runoff, and champion circular solutions that restore balance to our seas. Every effort — from local cleanups to global climate commitments — contributes to protecting the Arabian Gulf’s fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

The green glow seen from space reminds us that the ocean is alive, responsive, and vulnerable. But it also reminds us that human choices shape its future. By acting collectively and sustainably, we can turn warning signals into opportunities for resilience, ensuring that the Arabian Gulf’s waters remain not a symbol of decline, but of renewal and hope.

References

How to Make LinkedIn Your Top Social Media B2B Marketing Platform

By | | ,
Leave a comment

A large professional network of contacts — LinkedIn — is undeservedly deprived of the attention of many companies. We are ready to reveal the advantages of this social network for you and prove that competent promotion on LinkedIn is effective.

Here, you can focus on the texts and use free templates to increase the efficiency of your promotion company. Let us discover useful details on how to make this platform your top priority for marketing purposes and get fascinating results.

Marketing strategies on LinkedIn

Why is it reasonable to join LinkedIn?

There are different reasons to join LinkedIn but at least five of them play a key role, namely:

1. The four times higher engagement

The reason for such striking differences in the degree of user engagement is the purpose of the visit. The LinkedIn audience visits the social network to search for extended information about the company and clarify its coordinates and contact details. Therefore, you can get more clicks to the company’s website from LinkedIn.

2. Wide coverage of statuses

LinkedIn’s organic reach algorithms are different from other networks, so the company’s updated status covers about 20% of the target audience.

3. More than half of international companies already have profiles on LinkedIn

According to the world business publication Forbes, about 57% of the leading companies have already registered on this network and are actively promoting via it.

4. Conversions here are higher than on Facebook

According to the online marketing service HubSpot, LinkedIn has a 2% higher conversion rate than Facebook. The reason is the interested target audience.

5. Interception of the audience

There is a tendency to increase the depth of views and user engagement in the professional network LinkedIn. Therefore, without having a company profile there, you lose your audience.

Therefore, you can find and reach exactly the target audience and thus promote your company in a very efficient and convenient way. Moreover, you can expand your team and meet professionals with whom it is worth cooperating. No wonder this platform has become so popular.

Marketing strategies on LinkedIn and their implementation

Now that you are convinced that LinkedIn is a working platform for effective promotion, let us discuss a successful content strategy on this social network:

  • Add links to publications as statistics show that publications with links are more popular than text publications by 45%.
  • Communicate with your followers by asking them questions and pique their interest with visual and video content in your statuses. Photo and video content increases status commenting by almost 100%.
  • The optimal length of the post is 21-25 printed characters in case of focusing on the B2C audience. For a B2B audience, a status with a length of 16-25 printed characters will be more effective.
  • Choose a working time for posting as the main audience of LinkedIn adheres to the office schedule and visits the professional network during working hours. Weekends and holidays are the worst days to post.
  • Post every working day. On average, you will get about 20 posts per month. This tactic gives up to 60% coverage of the target audience. If you have a need to share useful content more than once a day, feel free to do it — it will not negatively affect the statistics.

In addition, you can conduct your promotion on LinkedIn in two ways – passively and actively.

The passive strategy simply involves creating your LinkedIn profile and maintaining it. Users can independently search for a company, find out its news, and establish contact with its employees to establish partnerships.

LinkedIn marketing guide

An active strategy involves more action and time but can bring more results. If you chose it, you can benefit from the following components:

  1. Regularly update the status of the company, share news and successes, announce organized events, and share links to the company blog.
  2. Join professional communities. You can create a name for yourself as an expert in your industry among market players who organize themselves into groups on LinkedIn. Participate in discussions, share information about yourself, and declare yourself as a market leader. However, in no case engage in black PR and not spam.
  3. Always answer questions. Do not ignore uncomfortable topics; always try to give a complete answer. Again, this will help you establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
  4. Register your employees. Mentioning the name of the company and grouping its employees into one group will strengthen the image of the company and show its professionalism in establishing business contacts.
  5. Look for new employees on LinkedIn. Post company vacancies or search for candidates yourself – LinkedIn is a great platform for finding and connecting with professionals in your area.

Bottom Line

Choose your LinkedIn promotion strategy and share only high-quality and competent content. In this professional network, you will find those you are looking for, whether they are clients or partners.

Sahara Nature-Based Solutions: Algeria’s Ancestral Water Systems for Climate Resilience and Sustainability

By | | , , ,
1 Comment

Nature‑based solutions (NBS) have emerged as a critical strategy for sustainable water resource management, especially in arid and semi‑arid regions where water scarcity is amplified by increasingly erratic rainfall, more frequent extreme weather events, and progressive ecosystem degradation. Algeria, which spans from the Mediterranean littoral to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert, is endowed with a rich heritage of traditional hydraulic techniques adapted over centuries to the region’s harsh climate [1].

Long before modern hydraulic infrastructures, these techniques leveraged a deep understanding of local hydrology and integrated human settlements within the natural cycles, enabling a remarkable resilience to climatic fluctuations. Within this heritage, the foggaras of Touat, Gourara, and Tidikelt, the ghouts of Oued Souf, and the jessour and water harvesting terraces of pre‑Saharan zones represent powerful embodiments of Algerian ingenuity, combining hydraulic efficiency, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and cultural as well as economic value [2].

The foggaras, emblematic of Saharan oasis, illustrate one of the most advanced methods of sustainably mobilizing groundwater without external energy inputs. These consist of gently sloping underground galleries transporting groundwater from aquifer recharge zones to agricultural lands, connected to the surface by vertical wells evenly spaced along their length. This gravity-driven design allows deeply buried water to emerge without mechanical pumping, avoids over-extraction when managed well, and drastically reduces evaporation losses by keeping water underground until it reaches the fields. Importantly, foggaras operate not only on geotechnical and hydrogeological principles but also on robust communal governance: “water measurers,” whose skills are transmitted across generations, regulate water allocation, monitor flow rates, and oversee maintenance. This social‑institutional arrangement has been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage and guarantees equitable water distribution even in times of stress [3].

nature-based water management

 

Figure 1: Kasria (Water Distributor) of a Foggara System

Because of these characteristics, foggaras provide a concrete example of how nature-based solutions can enhance community resilience in the face of prolonged droughts or hydrological variability induced by climate change: they facilitate natural aquifer recharge, maintain steady water flows, and sustain oasis agriculture and social life under extreme conditions.

Yet this ancestral system faces growing threats from modern pressures. The widespread drilling of motorized boreholes, often unregulated has led to steep declines in aquifer levels, undermining the functioning of many foggaras and compromising water security for oasis communities. A detailed hydrological and socio‑environmental investigation in the region of Timimoun reveals that such overexploitation is the principal cause for the drawdown of foggaras, endangering their sustainability [4].

Despite these challenges, recent case studies show that local communities are not passive victims; rather, they demonstrate adaptive capacity through restoration efforts, reorganization of water rights, and blending traditional practices with modern techniques. In the study by Salem Idda and colleagues, for example, of the roughly 2,000 foggaras historically present in the oases of Touat, Gourara and Tidikelt, 672 remain functional as of their 2021 survey, delivering a collective perennial flow of about 1.8 m³/s. Meanwhile, the area irrigated in the traditional (foggaras‑fed) sector increased from 9,800 ha in 1980 to over 15,000 ha in 2014 [3].

These trends strongly suggest that rather than being relics frozen in time, foggaras are “living irrigation systems,” evolving in response to changing socio‑economic and environmental conditions. In some instances, communities have formally banned new boreholes in catchment areas, set up associations for collective maintenance, reallocated water shares more equitably, and mobilized collective financial contributions for rehabilitation work [3,5].

Moreover, recent technical innovations are being introduced to support foggaras’ survival under contemporary climate pressures. Studies in the Touat region (e.g. Reggane) show that using solar energy to drive water-lifting systems and combining them with water‑efficient irrigation techniques, profitable high‑value crops, and proper agronomic practices can increase cropped area, improve water savings, raise foggara flow, and significantly boost farmers’ income, improvements quantified at +50% area, +100% water saved, +500% in flow and income in some trials [6].

Such innovations reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel-based pumping, align irrigation practices with limited water availability, and integrate modern environmental engineering with traditional communal water management; a hybrid NBS‑plus‑technology approach. In this way, foggaras become not only symbols of cultural heritage but active components of climate‑adaptation strategies.

Turning to another heritage system, the ghout, typical of eastern Sahara zones demonstrates a different but complementary water‑management philosophy. Instead of tapping deep aquifers, ghouts capitalize on shallow water tables by constructing basins (bowls) where date palms are planted. The excavation, combined with vegetative barriers such as young palms and shrubs that act as windbreaks and sand stabilizers, creates a favorable microclimate in which evaporation is reduced, soils are stabilized, and humidity is maintained locally. This design significantly mitigates the harshness of Sahara desert conditions, providing a natural buffer against extreme aridity and thermal stress.

ghout in algeria

Figure 2: Aerial View of a Ghout System in the Sahara

By reducing water losses and stabilizing soils, ghouts contribute to preserving oasis ecosystems and sustaining agricultural production even under conditions of rising temperatures and increased aridity conditions projected under climate change scenarios. The maintenance of such moist, vegetated micro‑environments supports biodiversity, safeguards associated flora and fauna adapted to oasis ecosystems, and sustains vital ecosystem services such as local climate regulation, water storage, and sustainable agriculture. As such, ghouts constitute a nature-based adaptation strategy tailored to extreme environments, offering a functional alternative to energy‑intensive irrigation systems. In certain cases, ghout-like systems have been recognized by international bodies (e.g. FAO) among Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), reinforcing their value as integrated socio‑ecological systems.

In pre‑Saharan zones, traditional water‑harvesting structures such as jessour (earthen or stone walls built across slopes) and terraced fields further enrich the palette of ancestral NBS. These structures capture and slow down runoff from episodic rains, retain fertile sediment, promote infiltration, reduce soil erosion, and help recharge superficial aquifers. In a climate where precipitation events are unpredictable but increasingly intense, such systems provide a low‑cost, ecologically appropriate, and socially embedded response for water conservation, soil protection, and agricultural resilience. Their adaptability, reliance on local materials, and alignment with community practices make them especially valuable under changing climatic conditions, offering rural populations tools for food security, water management, and risk reduction.

The benefits of deploying and maintaining these traditional nature-based solutions are multiple and synergistic. First, they contribute to regulating microclimates: shading, vegetation, and soil moisture help mitigate heat stress, reduce evaporation, and moderate desert temperatures. Second, they sustain biodiversity by preserving oasis ecosystems, endemic plants (e.g. date palms and companion crops), soil microorganisms, and wildlife adapted to these environments.

Third, they maintain agro‑ecosystems in which trees, crops, and soils interact in a balanced, regenerative manner, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity without excessive reliance on external inputs. Fourth, they support local economies: high-quality dates, fruit and vegetable crops, and perhaps agro‑products for niche markets, plus potential for eco-tourism and cultural heritage tourism centered on the ancient hydraulic systems. Fifth, they anchor social cohesion and cultural identity through the transmission of knowledge, customary water‑sharing institutions, community governance, and locally rooted agricultural practices.

Recent studies reinforce these points and quantify some benefits. In the region of Adrar (Sahara), for example, a 2023 investigation documented a foggara  still in perfect condition, feeding palm groves that produce dates of exceptional quality, a living testimony of resistance against intensive groundwater drilling and unsustainable agriculture expansion [7].

In the case of the oasis of El Guerrara, research covering 1990–2019 demonstrated that ancestral floodwater management techniques, including a 1.8 km‑long dam, 10 km of seguias, and underground recharge wells, succeeded in capturing flash floods of the Zegrir River to recharge aquifers homogeneously and irrigate some 80,000 palm trees [8]. These documented examples show the capacity of traditional NBS to adapt to hydrological extremes, re‑use episodic floodwater, and maintain water security under climate stress.

Another notable development is the renewed interest in reviving and reinforcing foggaras using renewable energy and modern water‑saving irrigation methods. The 2023 sustainable‑irrigation project in Timimoun, restoring the Amghir foggara, reconnected water to 8 previously unirrigated gardens, benefited 32 farmers, and trained 22 young people in maintenance and heritage preservation [9]. Such initiatives not only safeguard cultural heritage but also reinforce local adaptive capacity, strengthen livelihoods, and provide a replicable model for other oases.

Nevertheless, the sustainability of these ancestral systems cannot be taken for granted. Several conditions must be met and supported by policy. First, modern groundwater pumping must be regulated strictly to prevent overexploitation and ensure aquifer recharge keeps pace with abstraction. Without sound regulation and monitoring, foggaras, and similar systems, will continue to degrade as has been documented in several studies reporting that many traditional galleries are drying up or abandoned [10].

Second, the transmission of technical and institutional knowledge must be supported through training, documentation, and inclusion of younger generations, especially water‑measurers, maintenance workers, and community governance actors to ensure that water‑allocation rules, maintenance practices, and customary governance endure.

Third, integration into public policy is crucial. Traditional NBS should not be sidelined in favour of large-scale hydraulic projects (dams, inter-basin transfers, or desalination) but rather recognized, financed, and supported as complementary, sustainable and low‑impact options for water security. Fourth, hybrid approaches combining ancestral techniques and modern technology such as solar‑powered pumping (when needed), sensor-based piezometric monitoring, regulated drip irrigation, participatory mapping, data-driven water‑management plans can enhance efficiency, transparency, and resilience under climate change.

The economic and social potential of restoring and valorizing these systems is significant. Legal recognition of foggaras, ghouts, jessour, and associated infrastructures as part of the national heritage and as functional water‑management systems can unlock public funding, international aid, climate adaptation financing, and incentive mechanisms for their maintenance. Cultural and eco-tourism linked to unique hydraulic heritage can provide alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, diversifying local economies, and enhancing social resilience. At the same time, these systems contribute to combating desertification, stabilizing microclimates, safeguarding ecosystem services, and reinforcing community-based climate adaptation strategies.

A comprehensive analysis of Algeria’s traditional NBS reveals that these ancestral systems remain deeply relevant to the country’s hydrological, climatic, ecological, cultural, and socio-economic realities. Their efficiency, renewable-nature, biodiversity and ecosystem benefits, low energy footprint, cultural value, and alignment with sustainable development objectives make them exemplary models, reproducible, modernizable, and resilient.

In a context of escalating water stress, climate change impacts, and growing demand for sustainable development, rehabilitating and integrating foggaras, ghouts, jessour and other ancestral hydraulic infrastructures becomes not only a matter of heritage preservation but a strategic imperative. These systems should be viewed not as relics of the past, but as dynamic, living tools for climate adaptation, sustainable water management, ecosystem stewardship, and cultural and economic development. They show that human ingenuity, when aligned with natural processes, can offer integrated and long-lasting solutions to the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, and deliver multiple co-benefits for people, ecosystems, and future generations.

References

[1] Santos, E. Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Europe: What Works, What Does Not, and What’s Next? Water 2025,17,2193. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152193

[2] Boualem Remini, Bachir Achour.The foggara in Algeria: A hydraulic world heritage.January 2010, Revue Des Sciences De L’Eau 23 (2):105-117.

[3] Idda, S., Bonté, B., Kuper, M., & Mansour, H. (2021). Revealing the Foggara as a Living Irrigation System through an Institutional Analysis: Evidence from Oases in the Algerian Sahara. International Journal of the Commons, 15(1), pp. 431–448. DOI: https://doi. org/10.5334/ijc.1128

[4] Zeyneb Moulay Omar. The effect of boreholes on the traditional modes of distribution of irrigation water in the South of Algeria, case study Foggaras of Timimoun. Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (Incl. Climate Change). Master in Water Engineering track. Academic Year: 2015-2016

[5] :Pascual,R.; Piana, L.;Bhat, S.U.;Castro,P.F.;Corbera, J.; Cummings,D.;Delgado,C.;Eades,E.; Fensham,R.J.; Fernández-Martínez, M.;et al. The Cultural Ecohydrogeology of Mediterranean-Climate Springs: A Global Review with Case Studies. Environments2024,11,110. https:// doi.org/10.3390/environments 11060110

[6] https://www.aljest.net/index.php/aljest/article/view/310?utm

[7].https://www.emkp.org/foggaras-water-production-in-the-adrar-palm-grove-oases-sahara-algeria/?utm

[8] https://www.larhyss.net/ojs/index.php/larhyss/article/view/703?utm

[9] https://www.undp.org/fr/algeria/blog/sustainable-irrigation-thanks-foggaras-algerian-sahara?utm

[10] Mohamed, B., Remini, B. Water wells’ exploitation and its impact on the drying up of foggaras. Appl Water Sci 7, 349–359 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-014-0250-2

When Minimalism Backfires: The Hows and Whys

By | | ,
2 Comments

Many regards minimalism to be a backlash wave, a ‘first world’ solution to modern consumerism, considering that some parts of the world still live way below the poverty line and can’t access the goods that we reject consciously. Meanwhile, in regions like MENA (the Middle East and North Africa), resources are scarce, and the conversation takes on a whole different tone.

Moreover, according to the latest 2025 data from World Bank, around 808 million people worldwide live in “extreme poverty,” defined under the new international poverty line of $3.00 a day.

minimalist lifestyle

However, this is precisely the reason the Western world has embraced minimalism. It is mature enough to realize that the link between possession and happiness is lost once we cross the poverty line and ensure all our basic needs are met. Food, shelter, utilities, etc. In regions confronting water shortage and high energy demand, minimalism is increasingly framed not as an aesthetic but as a sustainability strategy.

Objects don’t fulfill us. Unfortunately, that has been well established by people suffering from hoarding disorder. But there’s another side to the coin. Can minimalism meant to sustain actually harm psychological or environmental well-being?

Less Isn’t More? Enter, Overminimalism

Minimalism in its healthy form can indeed calm an overstimulated nervous system. Get control in a world where so little is controlled.

But minimalism can also become something else entirely: an attempt to fill, mask, or control an emotional void. And when sustainability messages are reduced to “own nothing,” they risk becoming disconnected from cultural realities in places where resource efficiency is the true goal.

At its core, the question is not HOW MUCH a person owns but WHY they feel compelled to own so little. In other words, ‘too much of a good thing’…

The Emotional Void Behind the Aesthetic

From a psychological perspective, extreme minimalism may serve as a defensive strategy. You’re lucky if you’ve never anger-cleansed your space.

Many of us describe a sense of “peace” in empty rooms, but sometimes that peace is the silence of suppressed emotions. And in the context of environmental behavior, this can create a misleading impression that sustainability equals deprivation, rather than mindful use of resources.

People experiencing chronic loneliness, childhood emotional neglect, attachment disruptions, or trauma often develop what psychologists call deactivating strategies, i.e.,  attempts to minimize emotional stimulation to avoid discomfort. It can take both sides of the behavioural spectrum and lead to extreme minimalism or hoarding.

zero waste kitchen

When “Less” Becomes Control

Research shows that individuals with low tolerance of uncertainty often tightly regulate their physical environments to compensate for internal chaos. In sustainability terms, this can lead to rigid “rules” rather than adaptable, community-focused habits, i.e., the opposite of long-term ecological resilience.

Aesthetic ≠ Identity. Quit Performing

The overlap between rigid minimalism and perfectionistic coping is well supported in clinical literature. Perfectionism is rarely about wanting things to be perfect; it is about avoiding feelings of shame, inadequacy, and exposure. It is inherently self-punishing. Hence, the rise in online performance and worldwide use of online editor apps.

This mirrors the cultural tension between idealized ‘aesthetic minimalism’ and practical sustainability efforts that prioritize durability, repair, and resource efficiency instead of sterile perfection.

When minimalism fills an emotional void rather than resolving it, it stops being a lifestyle and becomes a symptom. And like any symptom, it calls not for stricter rules or emptier rooms, but for deeper understanding.

Why Algeria Should Become the Regional Hub for Predictive Drought and Water Modeling

By | | , , ,
Leave a comment

North Africa is entering a new climate era defined by chronic drought, accelerating warming, and unprecedented pressure on water systems that were never designed for this level of stress. Over the last decade, the region has experienced a succession of dry years, but recent analyses from the Copernicus Global Drought Observatory show that since late 2023 the drought signal in northern Africa has been both multi-annual and structurally deeper than past cycles, with pronounced precipitation deficits, rising evapotranspiration, and abnormal land-surface temperatures. These dynamics have led to measurable impacts on groundwater recharge, agricultural productivity, and reservoir inflows, creating a complex context for long-term water management [1-2].

climate change adaptation in algeria

In parallel to this vulnerability, the rapid maturation of artificial intelligence for Earth-system monitoring now offers a unique opportunity for North African countries to transform how they anticipate and manage climate stress. Machine learning models, especially hybrid methods that integrate physical hydrological equations with AI-driven pattern recognition are capable of fusing disparate climate and hydrological data sources into powerful prediction systems. Peer-reviewed studies published over the last two years show that ensemble learning, LSTM networks, and physics-guided deep learning models can deliver high-resolution soil-moisture projections, seasonal drought forecasts, and anomaly detection across semi-arid regions with increasing accuracy. Satellite inputs such as MODIS and Sentinel vegetation indices, GPM precipitation, GRACE terrestrial water storage, and land-surface temperature products enhance predictive skill even where in-situ monitoring networks are sparse, an important advantage for North African countries. At the same time, recent literature on extreme-event prediction emphasizes the importance of trustworthy AI, interpretability, and uncertainty quantification, ensuring that these systems support effective decision-making [3-5].

Within this evolving landscape, Algeria stands out as the most strategically positioned country to host a regional hub for predictive drought and water modeling. Its geography spans nearly every climatic zone of North Africa, from the Mediterranean coast to the High Plateaus and deep into the Sahara, offering an unparalleled natural laboratory to train and validate models under highly heterogeneous conditions. Algeria also benefits from full coverage of global satellite missions and the Copernicus program, whose open-access data provide high-quality drought indicators for the region. These assets reduce traditional barriers faced by developing countries, making it technically feasible to deploy advanced AI systems without prohibitive investments in new observational infrastructure. Moreover, Algerian universities, national research centres, and emerging AI programs have demonstrated growing scientific capacity, enabling the country to lead collaborative initiatives with neighbouring states and international partners.

Establishing a regional hub in Algeria would involve building an integrated data backbone that merges satellite products, national meteorological and hydrological station networks, reservoir records, land-use datasets, and soil-moisture measurements, following standards already used by global drought observatories. Hybrid AI–hydrology models could then generate drought indices, reservoir inflow forecasts, agricultural water-demand projections, and early warning signals for emerging climate anomalies [6].

These systems should eventually feed into operational decision-support platforms designed for water authorities, civil-protection agencies, farmers, and urban planners, making climate information directly actionable. Capacity-building efforts would be essential, enabling Algerian institutions to develop, maintain, and improve the predictive models while positioning the country as a service provider for neighbouring regions. Such cooperation aligns closely with the principles and priorities repeatedly outlined in UNFCCC regional climate initiatives.

The potential benefits are substantial. Predictive drought modeling can support more efficient reservoir operations, optimize irrigation practices, reduce economic losses in climate-sensitive sectors, and assist utilities in anticipating water demand under changing seasonal conditions. It can also enable earlier and more targeted adaptation actions, helping authorities plan strategic responses to hydrological stress before it becomes critical [7]. Regionally, a specialized Algerian hub could act as a shared climate-adaptation knowledge base, allowing Maghreb and Sahel countries to benefit from standardized drought-monitoring methods, harmonized early-warning systems, and common data protocols.

Any deployment of advanced AI systems must be accompanied by strong governance and methodological safeguards. Data gaps in remote areas, uneven gauge coverage, and the risk of model bias necessitate hybridization with physical models and continuous validation. Transparency in model design, open documentation, and user-centred interfaces are essential for ensuring trust and widespread adoption. Clear governance arrangements for data sharing, ethical use, and inter-agency coordination will help ensure that advanced forecasting strengthens institutional capacity across the region [8].

Given the combined pressures of climate change and the accelerating development of AI capabilities, the moment is ideal for Algeria to assume a leadership role in regional drought and water modeling. International bodies such as the UNFCCC, the Adaptation Fund, the Green Climate Fund, WMO, and the Copernicus program have strong incentives to support such an initiative: it aligns with global adaptation priorities, delivers tangible benefits, and enhances climate resilience across a strategically important region. If properly supported, Algeria could emerge as a central node in a North African climate-intelligence network—a place where satellite observation, machine learning, hydrological science, and policy converge to secure the region’s water future.

References

[1] Adeyeri, O.E. Hydrology and Climate Change in Africa: Contemporary Challenges, and Future Resilience Pathways. Water 2025, 17, 2247. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/w17152247

[2] Vecchia P. Ravinandrasana, Christian L. E. Franzke. The first emergence of unprecedented global water scarcity in the Anthropocene. Nature Communications volume 16, Article number: 8281 (2025)

[3] Duan, Y.; Bo, Y.; Yao, X.; Chen, G.; Liu, K.; Wang, S.; Yang, B.; Li, X. A Deep Learning Framework for Long-Term Soil Moisture-Based Drought Assessment Across the Major Basins in China. Remote Sens. 2025, 17, 1000. https://doi.org/10.3390/ rs17061000

[4] Liu,J.; Liu, T.; Huang, L.; Ren, Y.; He, P. Next-Generation Drought Forecasting: Hybrid AI Models for Climate Resilience. Remote Sens. 2025, 17, 3402. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/rs17203402

[5] Geng Q, Yan S, Li Q and Zhang C (2024) Enhancing data-driven soil moisture modeling with physically-guided LSTM networks. Front. For. Glob. Change 7:1353011. doi: 10.3389/ffgc.2024.1353011

[6] Bounab,R.; Boutaghane,H.; Boulmaiz, T.; Tramblay, Y. Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria. Atmosphere 2025, 16, 213. https:// doi.org/10.3390/atmos16020213

[7] Liu,J.; Li, M.; Li, R.; Shalamzari, M.J.; Ren, Y.; Silakhori, E. Comprehensive Assessment of Drought Susceptibility Using Predictive Modeling, Climate Change Projections, and Land Use Dynamics for Sustainable Management. Land 2025, 14, 337. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/land14020337

[8] Nastoska, A.; Jancheska, B.; Rizinski, M.; Trajanov, D. Evaluating Trustworthiness in AI: Risks, Metrics, and Applications Across Industries. Electronics 2025, 14, 2717. https:// doi.org/10.3390/electronics14132717

How Electrical Contactors Reduce Power Loss in Modern Energy Systems

By | | ,
Leave a comment

Energy management has become a global priority as both consumers and industries work to reduce costs and improve system efficiency. Much of the conversation focuses on renewable sources or advanced automation platforms, yet some of the most meaningful savings happen at the component level—where electricity is controlled, switched, and distributed. One such device is the electrical contactor, a workhorse of modern power systems that quietly determines how efficiently your equipment uses energy.

a technician working in industrial settings

If you’ve ever wondered why some machines consume power even when idle, or how large facilities minimize unnecessary electrical waste, the answer often begins with understanding how contactors regulate the flow of electricity. In an era of increasing energy awareness, knowing how these devices work—and how they contribute to reducing power loss—can help you design or operate smarter electrical systems.

What an Electrical Contactor Is and How It Works

An electrical contactor is essentially an electromechanical switch capable of controlling high-current loads safely and repeatedly. Unlike simple wall switches or low-power relays, contactors are engineered for resilience, frequent cycling, and heavy-duty operation. Internally, the device contains a coil that generates a magnetic field when energized, pulling a movable armature that closes the main contacts and completes the power circuit. When the coil deactivates, the armature returns to its original position, and the contacts split apart, disconnecting the load.

This relatively simple mechanism enables the contactor to provide fast and reliable switching for large motors, HVAC components, lighting circuits, heaters, and industrial machinery. Because the control circuit uses low voltage while the load circuit handles high power, an electrical contactor also acts as a safeguard, isolating human operators and control systems from dangerous currents. This combination of safety, durability, and repeatable operation is what makes contactors indispensable across modern electrical infrastructures.

Why Contactors Matter in Energy Management

Effective energy management isn’t just about tracking consumption—it’s about controlling when and how electrical loads operate. Contactors help by ensuring equipment draws power only when necessary. Without automated switching, motors, lighting, and other loads often run longer than intended. A properly configured contactor prevents this by fully disconnecting idle equipment instead of leaving it in standby, where it can still consume energy.

Contactors also enhance efficiency through automation. When paired with sensors, timers, or control systems, they switch loads based on real usage patterns, conditions, or occupancy. This reduces unnecessary runtime and keeps energy use aligned with actual demand. Their ability to handle frequent cycles without degrading performance makes the electrical contactor especially valuable in systems requiring precise, timed control.

Minimizing Power Loss Through Better Switching

Power loss often happens in overlooked ways—equipment left energized when idle, switching components that generate excess heat, or worn contacts that increase resistance over time. A properly selected contactor helps prevent many of these issues. By fully opening the circuit when a load is off, it eliminates hidden standby losses that can add up significantly over long periods.

Many modern contactors designs also aim to reduce waste through lower-energy coils or improved contact materials that limit resistive losses. While specific features vary, the core idea remains the same: an efficient switching device lowers the system’s overall energy overhead. When multiplied across many loads, especially in large facilities, the cumulative savings can be substantial.

Where Contactors Are Used in Today’s Systems

Contactors are used across many industries and building systems, often serving as the backbone of load control. In manufacturing, they regulate motors that power conveyors, pumps, and compressors—ensuring these machines run only when needed. In commercial buildings, contactors manage centralized lighting and HVAC equipment, enabling automated schedules that reduce energy waste during off-peak hours.

They also play a key role in automation and control panels, where reliable switching supports remote operation, protection, and coordinated system behavior. As facilities adopt more energy-efficient and smart-building technologies, contactors provide the stable, predictable switching needed to integrate seamlessly with digital controllers, sensors, and building management systems.

Common Mistakes and Their Impact on Energy Loss

Using the wrong type of contactor can limit energy-management performance and create avoidable inefficiencies.

  • Avoid undersized contactors: Selecting a device with insufficient current or voltage capacity can cause overheating, early wear, and increased resistance, all of which reduce efficiency and shorten lifespan.
  • Match the contactor to the duty cycle: Standard models may fail prematurely in systems with frequent start-stop operation. High-cycling loads require contactors designed for repeated switching to prevent arcing and performance issues.
  • Consider coil power consumption: Coils draw energy whenever energized, and older or inefficient designs can add unnecessary overhead—especially in systems with many active contactors.
  • Use proper arc suppression for high-power or DC loads: Inadequate suppression leads to contact erosion, losses, and reduced service life, making proper specification essential.
  • Inspect and maintain regularly: Routine checks ensure reliable operation and help prevent failures that can increase energy waste over time.

Practical Ways to Use Contactors for Better Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency starts with understanding how an electrical contactor can optimize the way your system uses power.

  • Assess your load requirements and usage patterns: Identify equipment that stays energized unnecessarily or operates longer than needed, and determine where controlled switching can reduce idle consumption.
  • Use contactors to automate or manage load control: Integrating contactors into key circuits allows you to disconnect loads completely when not in use, preventing standby power loss.
  • Select a contactor suited to your load: Match the device to your load type, current rating, voltage, and switching frequency. High-cycling or high-power systems require contactors designed for durability and proper insulation.
  • Incorporate automation when possible: Pair contactors with timers, sensors, or load-based controls so circuits activate only when needed, keeping energy use aligned with real demand.
  • Maintain and inspect regularly: Routine checks help ensure reliable switching, extend lifespan, and preserve efficiency over time.

Applications of Contactors in Modern Facilities

Application Area Energy-Efficiency Benefit
Industrial motors Reduces idle runtime; ensures safe, frequent switching
HVAC systems Automates compressors, fans, and pumps to match demand
Lighting banks Centralized control prevents unnecessary nighttime usage
Automated buildings Enables smart load management informed by sensors and schedules

These examples illustrate that the value of an electrical contactor goes beyond switching—it becomes a tool for strategic energy planning.

The Evolving Role of Contactors in Energy-Aware Systems

As facilities move toward smarter, more integrated energy strategies, reliable switching components have become increasingly important. Contactors remain essential because they offer predictable operation and flexible control, and even with advanced digital systems, the physical act of connecting and disconnecting power still relies on robust electromechanical devices. Many modern solutions, including those designed by CHINT, continue to support this need by focusing on durability and consistent performance.

In smart buildings, contactors act as the link between digital commands and real electrical loads, enabling demand response, peak-load reduction, and automated energy mapping. Their ability to withstand harsh industrial environments and frequent cycling makes them a dependable choice for maintaining efficiency in complex electrical networks, especially as manufacturers develop designs suited for evolving energy-management demands.

Conclusion

In the broader journey toward efficient and responsible energy use, the electrical contactor plays a surprisingly influential role. By regulating the flow of electricity to motors, HVAC systems, lighting banks, and other high-power loads, it prevents unnecessary consumption and significantly reduces power loss. When contactors are properly selected, maintained, and integrated into automated systems, they become powerful tools for improving reliability, minimizing waste, and ensuring that equipment operates only when needed.

Whether you are designing a new electrical installation or optimizing an existing one, understanding how contactors support energy management can lead to smarter decisions and more efficient operations. Paying attention to these essential components can deliver long-lasting benefits—both in cost savings and in building a more sustainable electrical system.

إعادة تدوير النفايات في المملكة العربية السعودية

By | | ,
1 Comment

مؤخرا بدء الإهتمام بمفهوم “إعادة تدوير النفايات” في المملكة العربية السعودية. حيث تنتج المملكة مايقارب ال 15 مليون طن من النفايات البلدية الصلبة سنويا، و بمعدل 1.4 كيلوغرام لكل شخص! ومن المتوقع أن يتضاعف هذا العدد (مع إزدياد التعداد السكاني في المملكة بنسبة 3.4 ) بحلول العام 2033م إلى 30 مليون طن سنويا!  وجدير بالذكر أن معظم مصادر النفايات هي نفايات بقايا الطعام حيث تشكل حوالي 40 إلى51% و تليها النفايات البلاستيكية 5-17% و النفايات الورقية و الورق المقوى  النفايات من بقايا الزجاج 3-5% و بقايا الخشب 2-8% و بقايا الأقمشة 2-6% و بقايا الحديد2-8% وهذا يعتمد على نوع الأنشطة وكثافتها في المناطق التي شملتها الدراسة.

saudi-arabia-recycling

يعتبر التدوير في بداية مراحله في المملكة العربية السعودية، وحاليا تتركز أعمال التدوير حوال إعادة تدوير المعادن والورق المقوى والذي يشمل 10-15% من مجمل النفايات المجمعة من القطاع غير الرسمي، حيث يقوم عمال النظافة بفرز النفايات القابلة للتدوير من حاويات القمامة الموزعة في المدن، التي تصل ذروة التدوير في بعضها إلى حوالي 30% من مجمل النفايات في بعض المدن. وتتم عمليات فرز وتدوير النفايات في  بعض مجمعات النفايات التي تغطي حوالي 40%  من مجمل العمليات الرسمية و غير الرسمية في قطاع تدوير النفايات.  وتشمل  عمليات التدوير قوارير الزجاج، علب الألمنيوم، علب الحديد و الأوراق و قوارير البلاستيك و الورق المقوى و إطارات السيارات التالفة.

التدوير في المملكة العربية السعودية

تخيل أنه بالإمكان تقليل حوالي 45% ألف كيلو جول من إجمالي الطاقة المستهلكة عند تدويرالزجاج و المعادن من المخلفات البلدية! وهذا يعني أن مقدار الطاقة الموفرة يمكن أن تستخدم لإنتاج مواذ قابلة لإعادة التدوير. وفي بحث مشابه آخرذكر أن الفوائد المجنية فقط من تدوير الزجاج والمعادن و الألمنيوم و الورق المقوى في مدينة مكة المكرمكة، وسيتم توفير  5.6 من انبعاثات غاز الميثلن و 140.1 مليون طن من غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون. علاوة على ذلك أن حوالي 13 مليون ريال سعودي من الموفورات المالية للإقتصاد الوطني في مدينة مكة المكرمة من عمليات إعادة تدوير الزجاج و المعادن و الالمنيوم والورق المقوى.

waste generation during Hajj

آفاق المستقبل

تحتاج عمليات تجميع النفايات حاليا في المملكة العربية السعودية إلى نموذج مستدام ومترابط في عمليات تجميع بقايا النفايات و فصل المواد القابلة لإعادة التدوير. وكبداية يمكن للمملكة إعادة تدوير الالمنيوم و قوارير البولي إيثلين تيرفليت لإعادة التدوير في المدن الكبرى مثل جدة والدمام و الرياض و مكة المكرمة و المدينة المنورة حيث يعتبر هذا خيار إستراتيجي للمملكة في طريقها نحو ترشيد إستهلاك المواد الأولية الثمينة مثل الوقود الأحفوري. إضافة لذلك سيتم الاستفادة القصوى من الموادة القابلة لاعادة التدوير كالورق و الزجاج والمعادن و الألمنيوم وخفض النفايات الملقاة في مكبات النفايات وبالتالي خفض الكلفة البيئية الضارة وتعظيم الفائدة للإقتصاد الوطني. 

ترجمة

إيمان عبدالله أمان مختصة في سياسات وتشريعات الطاقة، باحثة ومهتمة في مواضيع مثل أمن الطاقة وتحديات المناخ، الطاقة المتجددة ، التنمية المستدامة وطريق الى تحقيق اقتصاد خالي من الكربون وسياسات ترشيد استهلاك الطاقة وحفظ البيئة

7 Types Of Sustainable Food Packaging

By | | ,
Leave a comment

Most of the food you buy and eat comes in a package. Therefore, packaging is an essential part of the food supply chain. But, a lot of it is made from plastic. Nowadays, people have begun to prioritize making the world greener as they’ve grown more conscious of the necessity of sustainability. This green movement includes making food packaging more environment-friendly through various methods, such as compostable packaging and many other forms listed below.

different types of sustainable food packaging

While some progress is being made in terms of moving away from plastic, the said material is still widely used. There’s a long way to go. Thankfully, there are many environment-friendly packaging options on the market today. Given the increasing pressure from the public to go green, more sustainable packaging options will emerge.

That said, here’s a list of the types of sustainable food packaging manufacturers can use today:

1. Glass

Glass is ubiquitous and is utilized for a wide range of purposes. It’s also recyclable and reusable. Therefore, glass can be a good alternative to plastic for food packaging.

For example, when you buy a glass jar, you may keep it for a long time without worrying about it rusting or contaminating your food. All you need to do is ensure it’s cleaned regularly. Glass water bottles are also an excellent substitute for the usual plastic ones.

However, the biggest issue with glass jars is that glass lids aren’t leak-proof. Therefore, you want to look for glass containers with bamboo lids. Nonetheless, unless the glass cracks, it’ll probably survive for a long time. Once you’re done using it, you may easily recycle it. Therefore, glass is good for the environment.

2. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

In addition to being often used in adhesives, PVA is also widely utilized in emulsion polymerization, film, and packaging production.

PVA is ideal for film production because it has excellent tensile strength. PVA resins also exhibit great adhesive and bonding properties. The magnitude of hydrolysis influences the film’s water sensitivity. With more hydrolysis, water resistance rises.

If you’re looking for a sustainable packaging material for your products, you can look for reliable PVA suppliers near you and choose the most suitable one for your business.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an extremely long-lasting material. It’s also rust-free and heat-resistant, which makes it ideal for food storage.

There are several stainless steel packaging types to choose from. For example, you may buy stainless steel lunch boxes, which usually include silicone seals or lids to prevent leaks. Stainless steel is also used to produce lids for glass jars, which are used at home for storing items, such as sugar and flour.

Consider purchasing stainless steel storage containers from reputable manufacturers. Although this material is generally robust, purchasing a container from a random brand or manufacturer may not be a good idea.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo is another biodegradable packaging material that’s strong and resistant to high temperatures. This material may be seen in food packaging lids, breadboxes, and serving bowls.

On the one hand, the downside of using packaging made from bamboo is its lack of durability. The toughness of bamboo and other plant fibers isn’t comparable to that of glass or steel.

5. Rice Husk

This is one of the least-known sustainable packaging alternatives. When most people think of rice, they don’t think of eco-friendly packaging. Yet, rice husk is an excellent material in this regard. It’s a byproduct of rice farming, which makes it quite inexpensive. Rice husk is known to be bio-absorbent, which means it can absorb contaminants from its immediate surroundings.

6. Gelatin Film

Because of its affordability, gelatin is quickly becoming one of the most preferred sustainable packaging materials. It’s a sturdy film-forming substance, making it excellent for food packaging. Furthermore, gelatin is said to contain antimicrobial cellulose, which aids in the prevention of pathogen growth. This reduces the spread of food-borne infections. These properties make gelatin a safer option than plastic.

recycled paper

7. Paper Or Cardboard

This is one of the most used materials for packaging food. Paper boxes are both biodegradable and inexpensive. Food won’t be affected since paper boxes don’t contain harmful substances. They’re also lightweight, making them easy to transport. These features make paper boxes a packaging material of choice for most food suppliers.

You may have observed that most fast-food packaging is composed of paper boxes. They utilize this material because they’re inexpensive and recyclable. They’re also commonly used in shipping and logistics for this reason. If you want to know which shipping method is the best for you, check out this article.

However, one disadvantage to using paper or cardboard boxes are that they’re easier to damage than other materials.

Conclusion

Players in the food supply chain are under pressure to utilize green packaging. Given the mounting evidence against the usage of plastic, this is a positive development. Fortunately, there are several green packaging solutions. All the alternatives mentioned above have their pros and cons. However, for the benefit of the environment, all food manufacturers and suppliers globally should consider embracing these green packaging options.

Such types of eco-friendly food packaging materials will increase in number and become less expensive as technology develops. Perhaps, in the future, people will abandon plastic completely.

Energy Efficiency in the Arab World: Key Findings

By | | , ,
2 Comments

Energy efficiency is the most cost effective means of reducing the energy intensity of the economy and promoting a low-carbon future in the Arab world. Energy efficiency further helps Arab states meet their SDGs on combating climate change and its impacts (SDG13), as it cuts down on GHG emissions resulting from excessive and inefficient consumption of energy.

energy consumption in bahrain

Per capita energy conservation in Bahrain is among the highest worldwide

Energy efficiency improvements can save governments, companies, and citizens billions of dollars in the Arab region from reduced energy bills, while at the same time quickly reducing carbon footprints – a win-win solution. Many countries in the region are now moving ahead with new laws, policies, and regulations to improve energy consumption but much more needs to be done to accelerate results and achieve SDG 7 on sustainable energy.

Arab Future Energy Index

The Arab Future Energy Index provides a detailed overview on the progress of 20 Arab countries in their transition toward an efficient energy market post recent plunges in oil prices and economic turmoil in the region. The 2017 AFEX report uses over 30 indicators to rank Arab countries on progress made to achieve energy efficiency targets based on regulatory and institutional structures, financial innovations, policy frameworks and public and private investments. AFEX rankings show important trends and emerging pathways to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future in the region.

AFEX Energy Efficiency Results 2017

Arab countries’ commitment to increase energy efficiency through their various adopted or planned energy efficiency strategies and National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs) demonstrate their commitment to the UN’s SDG on energy (SDG7) that calls for global affordable, sustainable, and reliable access to clean and modern energy sources.

The 2017 AFEX report monitors Arab countries’ progress in fostering energy efficiency initiatives and strategies in line with established UN SDGs. As of 2017, fifteen out of twenty Arab states studied in the AFEX have developed a national energy efficiency plan that articulates both short term and long term strategies to set state level policy goals for reducing energy consumption as well as to establish and implement effective EE initiatives and programs.

Several Arab countries have spelled out their energy efficiency policies in national plans, such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, and Tunisia. Many other Arab countries, however, have developed National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs), based on the Arab Energy Efficiency Guideline issued by the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity (AMCE).

RCREEE was mandated by the AMCE to monitor the qualitative progress and quantitative impact of NEEAPs and publish its findings in regular annual reports. Several Arab countries have evaluated their first NEEAP and are currently developing their second NEEAP, building on lessons learned from previous plans. Lebanon, taking a significant step forward, has evaluated its first NEEAP (2011– 2015) and in 2016 adopted its second NEEAP (2016–2020).

Energy Efficiency in Arab Region – Key Findings

In general, electricity and fuel prices in the Arab region remain well below the global average, as most Arab countries have spent significant portions of their GDPs on providing subsidies for electricity and fuel, resulting in a financial burden for these countries, namely after the 2014 drop in oil prices. These low prices of energy have greatly affected the level of energy consumption in the region leading to extremely high energy intensities and electricity consumption per capita.

Furthermore, the high level of energy subsidies implemented in the region, greatly hinders any incentive at the consumer side to reduce their energy consumption and invest in energy efficient technologies. Nonetheless, the recent drops in oil prices has, in part, encouraged Arab countries to undertake various reform actions and make progress in reducing their energy subsidies.

The region witnessed an unprecedented wave of energy subsidy reforms as multiple Arab countries namely, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and the UAE have enacted policies to reduce electricity subsidies and increase fuel prices. Although these reforms were more significant in some countries than others, electricity and fuel prices remain well below the global average in most Arab countries.

The region continues to witness progress in implementing policies to phase out inefficient lighting, which is exigent as lighting is responsible for nearly 34% of electricity consumption in the Arab region. Many countries’ energy efficiency plans have provided financial incentives for end users to switch to more efficient lighting, for example CFL or LED, or enacted bans on the sale of incandescent light bulbs.

Although various Arab countries have adopted legislation and energy efficiency measures relating to appliances’ energy standards and labeling namely for air conditioners and refrigerators, these standards and labels still lack adequate enforcement and diversification to include a wider range of appliances.

Arab country’s still need to further develop and implement energy efficiency regulation, initiatives, and programs to reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector as it is responsible for around 30% of final energy consumption in the region. Although various countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE have ongoing or planned programs to improve public transportation, the national energy strategies of most Arab countries do not include energy reduction targets or reforms for the transportation sector. For example, tax reductions on hybrid cars, the enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations, and the promotion of public transport are notably absent.

Implementing national energy efficiency strategies hinges on stable sources of financing and legislation, and many Arab countries could improve on energy efficiency funding and legislation. Most Arab countries lack a dedicated energy efficiency agency within governmental bodies to regulate and set energy policy.

In many Arab countries energy efficiency agencies are dispersed amongst different ministries and institutions, making it challenging to develop and enforce effective policies. Moreover, some Arab countries lack energy efficiency regulatory bodies all together. The increasing availability of funding for energy efficiency initiatives has seen a positive move in recent years to expand the EE market and develop EE projects in various sectors such as the Green Environment Financing Facility (GEFF) in Egypt, the Jordanian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), the Dubai Green Fund, and the National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action (NEEREA) in Lebanon.

Conclusion

By developing and enforcing more effective energy efficiency policies, providing stable sources of finance for initiatives that improve energy efficiency, and taking decisive measures to remove energy subsidies, Arab countries can significantly improve their energy efficiency, and reduce their energy intensities. Such measures will save Arab countries large portions of their GDP and will cut down their energy bills, as well as help the region fight climate change and maintain its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and their Nationally Determined Contributions.

الارادة والتعليم سر الانجازات الاقتصادية

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

إقتصادياً؛ ينظر الكثير إلى مياه البحر من زاوية التكاليف الباهضة لمشاريع تحليتها، هذه النظرة تجعل من مياه البحر عقدة بدلاً من كونها حلا لبعض الحاجات الإقتصادية والمشاريع التنموية. قبل أيام أطلقت أستراليا مشروعاً زراعياً يعد الأول من نوعه على مستوى العالم، إذ يستغني عن التربة والمياه الجوفية والوقود الأحفوري، ويكتفى بأشعة الشمس ومياه البحر لإنتاج 17 ألف طن من الطماطم سنوياً. وفي ظل الأزمة التي تواجه العالم في الحصول على المياه العذبة وإنتاج الطاقة فإن المشروع يشكل الوجه الجديد للزراعة المستقبلية حسب تعبير مجلة New Scientist التي ذكرت أن المشروع استغرق ست سنوات فقط، وهي مدة قياسية بالمقارنة بمشاريعنا، بل حتى بالنسبة لحجم الإنجاز ذاته.

education in the Arab world

التفاصيل على قدر كبيرمن الأهمية لأنها تدفعنا لإدراك إمكانية تطبيق مثل هذا المشروع في المنطقة، بل وابتكار مشاريع أخرى، فطبيعة الصحراء الأسترالية هي نفسها طبيعة صحراء الجزيرة العربية، لذا فإن من المهم معرفة الأساليب العلمية التي لجأ إليها فريق العمل للتغلب على هذه الظروف القاسية، بدلا من الإعتماد على القدرة المالية في الحصول على أدوات مرتفعة التكاليف من أجل تحقيق إنجاز ما.

في التفاصيل، مدّ فريق العمل أنابيب لنقل مياه البحر على طول 2 كلم محطة في الصحراء لتحلية المياه بالطاقة الشمسية تقوم بإنتاج مياه عذبة بكميات تكفي لري 180 ألف نبتة طماطم زرعت في بيوت محمية. وعالج فريق العمل مشكلة التربة بإيجاد بديل لها هو قشور ثمرة جوز الهند.

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة

المدهش هو أن هناك مبادرات لتطبيق نموذج المشروع في دول عدة من بينها قطر والإمارات وسلطنة عمان. وهذا يدل على رغبة هذه الدول المجلس في وضع حل لمشكلة شح المياه العذبة والعمل على استغلال الطاقة المتجددة في إنتاج محاصيل زراعية.

مشاريع المياه تعتبر من المشاريع المكلفة، فدول المجلس كانت قد خصصت أكثر من 100 مليار دولار أمريكي للإستثمار في هذا القطاع بين عامي 2011 و2016، وأعلنت عن خطط لاستثمار 300 مليار دولار أمريكي أخرى بحلول عام 2022، وهذا من شأنه إرهاق الموازنات الحكومية خاصة مع انخفاض أسعار الوقود، بينما هناك إمكانية لإيجاد بدائل تساهم في تخفيف العبء.

ينبغي القول أيضاً أن المياه المالحة قد تشكل ثروة كبيرة، حتى دون اللجوء إلى تحليتها، فهناك نباتات مفيدة قادرة على التكيف مع ملوحة مياه البحر، ويمكنها المساهمة في التنمية الإقتصادية، ومن بينها الساليكورنيا (الشمرة البحرية) والسبارتينا (العقربان).

الخلاصة

إن هذا الإنجاز الذي حققته أستراليا يؤكد لنا حقيقتين هما: إن الحاجة ليست أم الإختراع (كما يقال) فقد بقينا عقود في حاجة للمياه العذبة دون نتيجة، بل يأتي الإختراع عبر إرادة التغيير والسعي الحثيث والإخلاص في وضع هذه الحاجة على السكة العملية لتوفيرها.

والحقيقة الأخرى هي أننا يجب أن نولي التعليم والبحث العلمي أهمية كبيرة، فنحن نمتلك الكثير من الإمكانات الطبيعية والبشرية التي يمكنها أن تخلق واقعاً أفضل إذا ما وضعنا التعليم في قمة أولوياتنا والبحث العلمي في صلب اهتمامنا، وهذا ما أثبتته تجارب الدول المتقدمة، وهو ما أكد عليه “لي كوان” مؤسس سنغافورة، في كلمته المشهورة: أنا لم أقم بمعجزة إنما أعطيت المعلم مكانته التي يستحقها وهو من أنتج جيلاً قاد نهضة الوطن.

Environmental Impact of Olive Oil Processing

By | | , , ,
9 Comments

More commonly known for its popular culinary and medicinal benefits, olive cultivation, olive oil production and oil packaging are a part of the local heritage and rural economy throughout the North African and Mediterranean regions. In 2012, an estimated 2,903,676 tons of olive oil was produced worldwide, the largest olive oil producers being Spain, Italy, and Greece followed by Turkey and Tunisia and to a lesser extent Portugal, Morocco and Algeria. Within the European Union’s olive sector alone, there are roughly 2.5 million producers, who make up roughly one-third of all EU farmers.

olive-oil-wastes

The olive oil industry offers valuable opportunities to farmers in terms of seasonal employment as well as significant employment to the off-farm milling and processing industry.  While this industry has significant economic benefits in regards to profit and jobs; the downside is it leads to severe environmental harm and degradation.

The Flipside

There are two processes that are used for the extraction of olive oil, the three-phase and the two-phase. Both systems generate large amounts of byproducts.  The two byproducts produced by the three-phase system are a solid residue known as olive press cake (OPC) and large amounts of aqueous liquid known as olive mill wastewater (OMW).  The three-phase process usually yields 20% olive oil, 30% OPC waste, and 50% OMW.  This equates to 80% more waste being produced than actual product.

More contemporary is the two-phase system, in this system “the volume of OMW produced is reduced because less water is used and much of that water and toxic substances are held within the solid olive cake, thus producing a semi-solid residue (SOR).” While the two-phase system produces less OMW, the SOR it produces has a “high organic matter concentration giving an elevated polluting load and it cannot be easily handled by traditional technology which deals with the conventional three-phase olive cake.”

Regardless of system used, the effluents produced from olive oil production exhibit highly phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties, mainly due to phenols.  Phenols are a poisonous caustic crystalline compound.  These effluents unless disposed of properly can result in serious environmental damage.  Troublingly, there is no general policy for disposal of this waste in the olive oil producing nations around the world.  This results in inconsistent monitoring and non-uniform application of guidelines across these regions.

Environmental Concerns

Around 30 million m3 of olive mill wastewater is produced annually in the Mediterranean area.  This wastewater cannot be sent to ordinary wastewater treatment systems, thus, safe disposal of this waste is of serious environmental concern. Moreover, due to its complex compounds, olive processing waste (OPW) is not easily biodegradable and needs to be detoxified before it can properly be used in agricultural and other industrial processes.

This poses a serious problem when the sophisticated treatment and detoxification solutions needed are too expensive for developing countries in MENA such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where it is common for OMW to be dumped into rivers and lakes or used for farming irrigation.  This results in the contamination of ground water and eutrophication of lakes, rivers and canals. Eutrophication results in reductions in aquatic plants, fish and other animal populations as it promotes excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of oxygen, causing aquatic populations to plummet.

Another common tactic for disposal of olive mill wastewater is to collect and retain it in large evaporation basins or ponds.  It is then dried to a semi-solid fraction. In less developed countries where olive processing wastes is disposed of, this waste, as well as olive processing cake and SOR waste is commonly unloaded and spread across the surrounding lands where it sits building up throughout the olive oil production season.  Over time these toxic compounds accumulate in the soil, saturating it, and are often transported by rain water to other nearby areas, causing serious hazardous runoff. Because these effluents are generally untreated it leads to land degradation, soil contamination as well as contamination of groundwater and of the water table itself.

Even a small quantity of olive wastewater in contact with groundwater has the potential to cause significant pollution to drinking water sources. The problem is more serious where chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine in contact with phenol reacts to form chlorophenol which is even more dangerous to human health than phenol alone.

Current Remedies

The problems associated with olive processing wastes have been extensively studied for the past 50 years. Unfortunately, research has continued to fall short on discovering a technologically feasible, economically viable, and socially acceptable solution to OPW.

The most common solutions to date have been strategies of detoxification, production system modification, and recycling and recovery of valuable components. Because the latter results in reductions in the pollution and transformation of OPW into valuable products, it has gained popularity over the past decade. Weed control is a common example of reusing OPW; due to its plant inhibiting characteristics OPW once properly treated can be used as an alternative to chemical weed control.

Research has also been done on using the semisolid waste generated from olive oil production to absorb oil from hazardous oil spills.  Finally, in terms of health, studies are suggesting that due to OPW containing high amounts of phenolic compounds, which have high in antioxidant rates, OPW may be an affordable source of natural antioxidants. Still, none of these techniques on an individual basis solve the problem of disposal of OMW to a complete and exhaustive extent.

At the present state of olive mill wastewater treatment technology, industry has shown little interest in supporting any traditional process (physical, chemical, thermal or biological) on a wide scale.This is because of the high investment and operational costs, the short duration of the production period (3-5 months) and the small size of the olive mills.

Conclusion

Overall, the problems associated with olive processing wastes are further exemplified by lack of common policy among the olive oil producing regions, funding and infrastructure for proper treatment and disposal, and a general lack of education on the environmental and health effects caused by olive processing wastes.

While some progress has been made with regards to methods of treatment and detoxification of OPW there is still significant scope for further research.  Given the severity of environmental impact of olive processing wastes, it is imperative on policy-makers and industry leaders to undertake more concrete initiatives to develop a sustainable framework to tackle the problem of olive oil waste disposal.

References

Art, H. W. (1995). The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science. New York, New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Borja, R., Raposo, F., & Rincón, B. (2006). Treatment technologies of liquid and solid wastes from two-phase olive oil mills. 57, 32-46. http://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/2426/1/Borja.pdf

Boz, O., Ogut, D., Kir, K., & Dogan, N. (2009). Olive Processing Waste as a Method of Weed Control for Okra, Fava Bean, and Onion. Weed Technology, 23, 569-573.

Caba, J., Ligero, F., Linares, A., Martınez, J., & De la Rubia, T. (2003). Detoxification of semisolid olive-mill wastes and pine-chip mixtures using Phanerochaete flavido-alba Chemosphere, 51, 887–891. http://hera.ugr.es/doi/14978611.pdf

El Hajjouji, H., Guiresse, M., Hafidi, M., Merlina, G., Pinelli, E., & Revel, J. (2007). Assessment of the genotoxicity of olive mill waste water (OMWW) with the Vicia faba micronucleus test Morocco.

Niaounakis, M., & Halvadakis, C. P. (2006). Olive Processing Waste Management, 2nd Edition (2nd ed.): Pergamon.

Spandre, R., & Dellomonaco, G. (1996). POLYPHENOLS POLLUTION BY OLIVE MILL WASTE WATERS, TUSCANY, ITALY. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, 4, 1-13. http://www.hydroweb.com/jeh/jeh1996/spandre.pdf

The olive oil sector in the European Union (2002).   Retrieved 12/01/2013, from http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/oliveoil/2003_en.pdf