A Room-by-Room Guide To An Eco-Friendly Home

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

To be eco-friendly means to be respectful, or not harmful, to the environment. In today’s world being eco-friendly is a hot topic of conversation. Many people are curious about or interested in helping the environment, but they may not be sure where to start. Yes, trying to create a sustainable home and to make your home more eco-friendly can be a little overwhelming at first, but it can make for a fun and educational DIY project for the entire family.

Below is our room-by-room guide to an eco-friendly home:

eco-friendly-home

Kitchen

An obvious place to start is in the kitchen, where there are a ton of opportunities to be environmentally conscious. From smart grocery shopping, to recycling, to water conservation, there is a long list of things that one can do to take better care of the environment in the kitchen.

You can start being eco-friendly from the get-go. When grocery shopping, here are some important things to think about:

Grocery bags

It’s much better for the environment to bring your own reusable grocery bags as well as smaller reusable bags for items such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Some places in the U.S. and around the world have already banned single-use plastic bags to cut down on waste.

Packaging

An easy way to reduce waste is by shopping for foods that have little or no packaging. Fruits and vegetables are clearly great options for this. Of course, in some cases you’ll just need to find the most eco-friendly option.

Food Waste

A simple thing that you can do to help is to buy less food. Buying less food will ensure that it doesn’t spoil and go to waste. Although overbuying at the grocery store is very common nowadays, buying what you need, or even buying less than what you need can

  1. save you a lot of money,
  2. cut down on food waste, and
  3. keep your kitchen more organized.

The most important thing when shopping for groceries is to be conscious of what you’re buying and to try to reuse as much as possible.

Speaking of reusing, recycling is another great, and easy, way to help the environment. Of course, recycling should be done throughout the entire house, but a large amount of recycling can always be done in the kitchen.

Keeping your plastic, paper, and glass separate is easy and will reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. It is also an excellent idea to keep your organic waste, such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, grains, coffee, egg shells, etc. together so that you can utilize it for composting in your garden.

composting-food-waste

Finally, water conservation is another thing to focus on, especially in the kitchen. You can save a bunch of water by opting to wash dishes by hand, instead of using a dishwasher. When washing pots and pans you can let them soak instead of keeping the water running for long periods of time. If you want to go the extra mile you can also reuse cooking water to water the garden.

Bedroom

There are more opportunities than you might think to be environmentally friendly when designing a green bedroom. It all comes down to the products you use and how those products are made. For example, with bedding, it is important to do your due diligence and to find mattresses, sheets, and comforters that are made out of sustainable materials.

When researching eco-friendly products, it is necessary to keep in mind that you should be looking for both environmentally friendly raw materials and production processes. Some of the most eco-friendly fabrics are hemp, linen, and organic cotton. The most ethical production processes conserve water an reuse and recycle waste.

A habit that’s even better than purchasing new environmentally ethical products is to buy vintage or used products that you can continue using or upcycle into something stylish. Visit your local thrift shop or vintage clothing store to limit buying new clothes. Then, when you finished with an item of clothing you can give it away to someone you know or donate it.

Bathroom

Just like in the kitchen and the laundry room, water conservation is one clear way to be more sustainable in the bathroom. Taking showers instead of baths will save you water and money. Obviously, taking shorter showers will help you conserve even more. You can also install water saving toilets, low-flow shower heads, and low-flow faucets to really do your part.

hot-water-conservation

When shopping for bath towels, remember, organic cotton and hemp are two very sustainable options. After showering, you can use a bath towel multiple times before sending it to the laundry room.

Finally, when it comes to health and beauty products, you can reduce a lot of waste by cutting out one-time use items like wipes, Q-tips, paper towels, etc. You can replace these items with reusable products like washcloths and towels. An easy rule of thumb is that toilet paper should be the only disposable in the bathroom.

Also Read: 5 Trends in Sustainable Home Building

Laundry Room

In the laundry room, we can start off with the washer and dryer. If drying your clothes on a clothesline is an option for you, it really is the best route. You’ll save money on electricity and you’ll be helping the environment as well. For washing, there are many eco-friendly washers these days that will use less water and electricity per load than washers of the past. If you are in the market for a new washer, you could donate or recycle your old one, and look for a more sustainable replacement.

Detergent is another area of opportunity in the laundry room. Like with many other consumer products, you’ll want to do a little research before choosing a detergent that is less harmful to the environment. In general, eco-friendly alternatives won’t use certain chemicals like chlorine or phosphates, which will reduce the environmental impact.

Backyard

A common place to start in the backyard is to start an edible garden. Starting an edible garden can be great fun for you and the entire family. An edible garden will help you save money while having your very own healthy food resource right at your house. This will reduce the amount of grocery shopping that you need to do, as well as the amount of packaging that you are responsible for throwing away. As mentioned earlier, composting will help you fertilize your garden, while reducing the amount of waste that goes to the landfill as well.

backyard-garden

If you live in a small apartment and don’t have a yard, don’t worry, you can still start your very own indoor edible garden. Container gardening is great for growing herbs and certain vegetables.

To go along with your edible garden you can add to your green oasis by planting trees that are common in your area. Trees will help the environment by providing oxygen and help you by providing beauty and shade for years to come.

Do Your Part

While practicing a completely zero waste lifestyle might be next to impossible for most people, we can all try to help and do our part by starting small and going from there. You can start room-by-room, or try to do the whole house at once. Regardless of how you start, you’ll be saving money, helping the planet, and being more healthy all at the same time.

Dubai’s Green Cover: A Vanguard of Hope for Global Conservation

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

My recent visit to Dubai was an eye-opening experience that challenged my preconceived notions of what a desert city can achieve. As a botanist and environmental law expert, I am accustomed to observing the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, in Dubai, I witnessed something truly remarkable: a flourishing biodiversity in a landscape defined by extreme heat and arid conditions.

biodiversity in Dubai

It’s a powerful contrast. While many cities with naturally fertile land are losing their green cover, Dubai, a city built on sand, is actively transforming its environment. The omnipresent chirping of house sparrows, a species in decline in many of the world’s metro areas, was a constant reminder of this success. I saw a vibrant array of birds, including mynas, crows, quails, parrots, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and pigeons, alongside numerous butterflies, bubble bees, and other insects, all sustained by the meticulous and dedicated efforts of the government.

The methodology behind this transformation is a masterclass in modern environmental management. By meticulously applying soil to the sand and implementing a sophisticated drip irrigation system, the government has created a plant-supporting ecosystem. This massive, coordinated effort of watering plants up to four times a day demonstrates a profound commitment to nature that transcends typical conservation efforts.

The presence of trees like Neem (Azadirachta indica), the Gulmohar (Delonix regia), the mango tree (Mangifera indica )  and even a cotton bush, thriving in an unnatural habitat, is a testament to this remarkable achievement.

This approach offers a powerful model for nations facing similar challenges of desertification and biodiversity loss. Dubai proves that with a clear vision, strong policy, and substantial investment, the seemingly impossible can be achieved. It’s a city that has become a global hub not just for business, but for environmental stewardship.

The “Dubai Model” is a testament to the idea that true wealth lies in preserving our natural world. The vast sums spent on these green initiatives show that the government places a genuine value on environmental sustainability. This isn’t just about creating beautiful gardens and lakes; it’s about making a profound statement about the future of our planet.

As the great philosopher Muhammad Iqbal once said,

“Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle,

Khuda bande se khud puche bata teri raza kya hai,”

which translates to, “Elevate your selfhood so high that before every decree of destiny, God Himself will ask, ‘Tell me, what is your desire?'”

This perfectly captures the spirit of Dubai’s achievement.

Khalidiyah Park in UAE

According to me, conserving and protecting nature is like worshipping God so that is, what is being carried on in Dubai  and that is why Dubai is like  gold dust in the world.

My salutations to the government and to the policy makers behind,  that are aiming to take care of the plants and nature with  such diligence that even a desert is blooming with flowers. What else do you require?  A deadly combination of  human intelligence and hard work is projected through this spectacle.

Emiratis can do so much in a barren land, think what they would have done if the land was fertile and the climate was good. Hats off to such an administration and the thought process and the Emirati lifestyle.

Dubai is a modern-day miracle, a place where human ingenuity and hard work have turned a barren land into a habitable paradise for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a powerful example for every country struggling with environmental degradation, a testament to the fact that we can, and must, actively create the world we want to live in.

How River Cruises Are Shaping a Sustainable Travel Future

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

In recent years, travelers have been rethinking how they explore the world. The emphasis is shifting away from fast-paced itineraries and mass tourism toward more mindful, eco-conscious experiences. One travel trend that aligns with this change is the rise of river cruises. Unlike massive ocean liners that dominate coastlines and seas, river cruises offer a gentler, more sustainable approach to seeing the world’s landscapes and cultures.

The concept of river cruising blends comfort and accessibility with environmental responsibility. Smaller vessels traveling along inland waterways naturally leave a smaller carbon footprint compared to large ocean liners. They consume less fuel, generate fewer emissions, and can navigate closer to communities without overwhelming them. For many eco-conscious travelers, this makes river cruising an appealing alternative.

a river cruise on the Daube

A key feature of river cruises is their proximity to local life. Ships dock directly in towns and cities, giving passengers immediate access to communities rather than relying on long transfers from remote ports. This not only reduces transportation-related emissions but also ensures that economic benefits reach local businesses, from family-run restaurants to artisan shops. The direct link between cruise tourism and community livelihood makes river travel a more responsible form of exploration.

Sustainability efforts also extend to the onboard experience. Many river cruise operators have invested in modernizing fleets with energy efficient engines, waste treatment systems, and water purification technologies. Ships are being designed with eco-friendly materials and operational strategies that minimize environmental impact. Some even incorporate solar panels or hybrid power systems to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These innovations show that the cruise industry can evolve in harmony with environmental goals.

The intimate scale of river cruises plays an important role too. With fewer passengers compared to ocean liners, the impact on destinations is lighter and more manageable. Small groups are less likely to overwhelm historic towns, fragile ecosystems, or cultural sites. Instead of overcrowding, river cruises promote a slower, more respectful form of tourism where travelers engage thoughtfully with each destination.

In addition to environmental advantages, river cruising embodies the spirit of slow travel. Instead of racing from one city to another, passengers move at a gentle pace, watching landscapes shift gradually from vineyards to mountains to ancient villages. This slower rhythm not only reduces stress for travelers but also aligns with sustainable principles by prioritizing quality over quantity. Fewer destinations visited more meaningfully can often lead to a deeper connection with place and people.

Dining on river cruises also reflects this commitment to sustainability. Many itineraries highlight regional ingredients, sourcing food locally whenever possible. This practice reduces transport-related emissions while supporting farmers and producers in the regions visited. Passengers often get to experience authentic cuisine that reflects the cultural identity of each stop, further strengthening the link between travel and local sustainability.

From a lawyer’s perspective, the evolution of the cruise industry toward sustainable models also raises questions of accountability. Environmental regulations are tightening worldwide, and cruise operators are increasingly expected to comply with international standards for emissions, waste disposal, and passenger safety. River cruise companies that invest in cleaner technologies and responsible practices not only meet these obligations but also build trust with environmentally aware travelers. In this sense, sustainability is not just an ethical decision but also a legal and reputational necessity.

Of course, challenges remain. Even smaller vessels contribute to pollution if not properly regulated, and the growing popularity of river cruises could put pressure on delicate waterways. Responsible growth will depend on continued innovation, strict adherence to environmental laws, and cooperation between governments, local communities, and cruise operators. Transparency about sustainability measures will also be key to ensuring travelers can make informed choices.

The rise of river cruising signals an important shift in the travel industry. It demonstrates that exploration and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. By choosing this form of travel, passengers are not only treating themselves to an enriching cultural experience but also participating in a movement that values balance with nature and respect for local communities.

As global conversations about climate change and sustainable tourism intensify, river cruises stand out as a model for how the travel sector can evolve responsibly. They are proof that luxury, adventure, and eco-consciousness do not have to be mutually exclusive. Instead, they can flow together harmoniously, just like the rivers that make this type of travel possible.

4 Ways Students Can Save The Environment

By | | ,
2 Comments

One of your jobs as a student is to be informed and updated with what’s happening in the world. One of the biggest issues the world has in the 21st century is pollution. Oceans are full of plastic trash. Because of global warming forests in Siberia and the Amazon are burning to ash. These are just a few signs that prove that the status of the environment is not a good one.

education-for-sustainable-development

The young generation has to protect what others could not. Fighting for a cleaner planet and a better world has never been so urgent like nowadays. If you’ve ever wondered how to help the environment, let’s see how a normal student can make a difference!

1. At home

Where you live as a student: the dorm, you still live with your parents or you’ve rented a flat with your friends you have to know that the change starts with you and your way of living. The solution is not a difficult one: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce what you’re consuming, reuse what you’re throwing away and recycle what you have to throw away.

Another thing you can do at home is to buy a filter for your tap water. Most of the cities around the world do not have drinkable tap water anymore because of pollution. A simple solution is to buy a water filter that improves the quality of the water you have at home already. This way you don’t use plastic containers for your bottles of water, keeping the ocean cleaner this way and the trash away from those amazing Australian beaches. So you save water for people who actually need to buy it from the store.

2. On the way to school

Needing a means of transportation is not something you can run away from. Of course, we encourage you to walk or cycle to where you have to get, but if that distance is a larger one you can get a bus and share this way the mean of transportation with other people.

Something cool that’s been trending for the past years is ecofriendly electric scooters. Getting a small scooter that you can store in the back of your class or near your desk is a practical way to get from point A to point B. Charging it at home, it usually gives you power for 20 km at least. Plus, they’re mixing the saving of the planet with lots of fun, from my experience.

Not all electric scooter models are ideal for kids. Some are too heavy or too fast, so getting something that suits the age of your kid is important. Eridehero has an excellent guide on that.

3. At school

Once you get to where your eco-friendly transportation take you, you still have to behave accordingly to your goal of saving the planet. When you prepare for the next day at school you can cook your lunch at home and take it with you in a reusable container that you’ll wash after you finish eating. This way you save the planet from having to decompose another plastic wrap of a school sandwich. Don’t buy a bottle of water from school. Take one from home and take with you some of that home filtered water from your brand-new water filter.

Try using pencils instead of pens. They’re made out of wood and they’re recyclable. You can also buy notebooks made out of recycled paper. They’re not as shiny as the other ones but they keep your conscious and your planet cleaner. Don’t throw your notes away after you finish that year. There are people who consider to buy essay online and so you can reuse the paper and the knowledge.

Power down your laptop when you’re taking a break. Every watt you consume at home or at school is produced most likely in a power facility that in a way or another pollutes the environment. Try helping out with that too.

4. Having fun

Something most people don’t consider is that you can be friendly with the environment while having fun too. If you’re in a helping mood try volunteering to associations that clean the oceans or the forests. Avoid plastic straws as much as you can as those little plastic nightmares are impossible to recycle!

Final Thoughts

It’s up to us! If we fight for our planet, we’ll keep it! Everything starts in your own mind and in your own home. Reduce as much as you can, reuse everything that can be reusable and recycle with care. Go to school as eco-friendly as you can. Take a bus, walk, cycle or get one of those really fun to ride electric scooters or skateboards if that’s what you’re into. At school do everything you’re doing at home. Think twice about throwing away a piece of paper because it always has two sides.

Starting to believe in something is the first step to making it real. So let’s start believing in ourselves and in our planet!

Things to Know About Habitat Loss in MENA

By | | , ,
2 Comments

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

habitat loss in MENA

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

Species under Threat

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

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

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

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

Key issues

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

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

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

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

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

How Education Can Help With Solving Global Warming?

By | | , ,
5 Comments

Climate scientists are sure that humankind contributed to Global Warming. Increase in temperatures create a potential for rising sea level and reducing land surface on which people can live, undermining water and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. Struggle for resources is likely to provoke armed conflicts and mass migration. Since this problem is aggravating very rapidly, actions should be taken to prevent or at least slow down further climate change and adapt to its effects.

education and global warming

Local responses proved to be ineffective. Therefore, states should develop a complex of behavioral, institutional and technological approaches, mix different strategies, combine policies, involve all actors from individual citizens to international institutions in a well-organized campaign against Global Warming. Governmental plans are fundamental, but the everyday behavior of all society members is also of great importance. That is why changes should be introduced at all levels.

People are often unaware about the issue, believe that it is not so important, that the state should solve all global problems or that risks will manifest themselves after hundreds of years when new generations will replace current ones.

Also, taking into account the controversial nature of media content, citizens do not understand which facts are true and false, how they should behave to preserve nature. Bloggers, researchers, and journalists promote different ideas. Some of them claim that climate change is just a myth, while others are sure that threats are quite real and the land surface may be covered with water in a dozen years.

People need some reliable information center which would provide them with the latest news and effective instructions. Experts from Pro-Papers are sure that the educational system quite can perform these functions.

Educating responsible citizens

Schools and universities are places where people not only study different majors but also learn to live in the modern world. According to alchemy tuition, the knowledge of ways to stop climate change is no less important than writing, reading and counting skills. Young people should find out how to become worthy sons and daughters of the Earth and not just good engineers, accountants or lawyers.

After mastering basics in a primary school, students develop such high-level skills as categorization, induction, and deduction. Educators not only provide information but also teach children to think logically, distinguish cause and effect connections, and solve problems.

Researchers claim that educated individuals better assess risks and make more correct decisions. Therefore, schools and universities should raise people not just living for today but thinking about the future, undertaking responsibility for all their choices and actions, in particular, those related to Global Warming.

Raising preparedness

Academic life teaches young people to plan their actions. Statistics show that educated citizens are more patient and goal-oriented, dispose of finances and time wisely, understand that certain actions have to be done, even if results will be assessed only by future generations. Their forward-looking worldview should increase the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation approaches.

environmental-education-arabic

Educational institutions should ensure that graduates are ready for disasters and have all necessary knowledge to save their lives, can distinguish threats before they gain dangerous scale, instill the habit to prevent problems rather than suffer from consequences.

Access to resources

In addition to direct impact, an academic background may protect graduates from the effects of climate change indirectly. As a rule, people with a degree have higher social status and income level, which provides access to such resources as disaster insurance, quality houses in low-risk zones, and renewable energy sources used at home.

One more resource of great importance is information. Since young people get accustomed to processing large data volumes during their student period, it is much easier for them to find the necessary facts and instructions, make well-informed decisions. This refers not only to warnings and weather forecasts but also accessing a general environmental situation, drawing conclusions on complex issues.

Less educated people usually do not care about reducing emissions, changing their habits, consuming climate-friendly food, and using fuel-efficient cars. Teachers should emphasize the importance of all these things since the earliest grades, explain how nature-preserving behavior can change the world for better. Then our planet will have a strong social capital. People will have the motivation to be cautious and not ignore news about Global Warming like artificial hype.

there is no planet b

Apart from in-class discussions, academic communities may inform students about climate change in social networks and at youth events. Multiple information channels ensure that important things will be heard and considered, more people will accept the ideas of sustainable consumption and lifestyle.

Parting Shot

Despite the above benefits, education is still not considered as a fundamental way to address the Global Warming problem, which means there is much work to be done. Joint efforts of the government and representatives of the scientific world are sure to bring good results.

Energy Sector in Jordan: Perspectives

By | | , ,
2 Comments

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an emerging and stable economy in the Middle East. Jordan has almost no indigenous energy resources as domestic natural gas covers merely 3% of the Kingdom’s energy needs. The country is dependent on oil imports from neighbouring countries to meet its energy requirements. Energy import costs create a financial burden on the national economy and Jordan had to spend almost 10% of its GDP on the purchase of energy in 2019.

In Jordan, electricity is mainly generated by burning imported natural gas and oil. The price of electricity for Jordanians is dependent on price of oil in the world market, and this has been responsible for the continuous increase in electricity cost due to volatile oil prices in recent years. Due to fast economic growth, rapid industrial development and increasing population, energy demand is Jordan is increasing at a steady rate of 3 percent per annum.

Therefore, the provision of reliable and cheap energy supply will play a vital role in Jordan’s economic growth. Electricity demand is growing rapidly, and the Jordanian government has been seeking ways to attract foreign investment to fund additional capacity. In 2025, the expected demand for electricity in Jordan is 5800 MW.

In 2007, the Government unveiled an Energy Master Plan for the development of the energy sector requiring an investment of more than $3 billion during 2007 – 2020. Some ambitious objectives were fixed: heating half of the required hot water on solar energy by the year 2020; increasing energy efficiency and savings by 20% by the year 2020, while 7% of the energy mix should originate from renewable sources by 2015. The Government has been successful in increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix to 2526 MW in 2022, representing 29% of the total electricity mix.

Concerted efforts are underway to remove barriers to harnessing of renewable energy, particularly wind, solar and biomass. There has been significant progress in the implementation of sustainable energy systems in the last couple of decades to the active support from the government and increasing environmental awareness among the local population.

With high population growth rate, increase in industrial and commercial activities, high cost of imported fuels and higher GHGs emissions, supply of cheap and clean energy resources has become a challenge for the Government. Consequently, the need for implementing energy efficiency measures and exploring renewable energy technologies has emerged as a national priority.  In the recent past, Jordan has witnessed a surge in initiatives to generate power from renewable resources with financial and technical backing from the government, international agencies and foreign donors.

The best prospects for electricity generation in Jordan are as Independent Power Producers (IPPs).  This creates tremendous opportunities for foreign investors interested in investing in electricity generation ventures. Keeping in view the renewed interest in renewable energy, there is a huge potential for international technology companies to enter the Jordan market.  There is very good demand for wind energy equipment, solar power units and biomass energy systems which can be capitalized by technology providers and investment groups.

تغير المناخ والخطاب الإسلامي و عهد جديد من الاستدامة

By | | , , ,
4 Comments

تشير الاتجاهات البيئية العالمية إلى أننا نواجه مخاطر نقاط التحول والتغيرات الدائمة في البيئة وفي قدرتها على دعم وتعزيز حياة الإنسان في كل أبعادها.  هذه الحالة من عدم التوازن والتلوث، و التي یشار إليها في الإسلام بإسم "فساد"  تعزى إلى أفعال الإنسان. هذا و يشكل تحويل المجتمع واقتصاد العالم نحو الاستدامة أكبر تحد للعالم في القرن ال21.

من الملهم تسخير المعارف والثقافة المحلية للإبلاغ عن الاستدامة. فالإسلام بوصفه عالمى الانتشار ومنهاج للحياة، يمكنه أن يقدم نظرة مستقبلية جديدة لعلاقة الإنسان بالبيئة داخل اقتصاد السوق المعولم. البيئة والتنمية المستدامة هما عبارة عن أرضية محايدة للحوار بين الثقافات في الشرق والغرب،  وذلك على اعتبار أن علم البيئة يقوم على "الاعتماد المتبادل" و "التعلم الاجتماعي".

نموذج التنمية الإسلامي

لا تحدد النظرة السائدة الإسلامية مقومات "حياة طيبة" فحسب، بل أيضا يمكنها أن ترشد وتبلغ و تصلح نموذج التنمية الحالي. ويستند النموذج الإسلامي للتنمية على العيش على الأرض برفق  (الزهد) للحد من بصماتنا البيئية. ويمكن أن تضيف النظرة الإسلامية الإيمان والروحانية ، كبعد رابع ، إلى نموذج الاستدامة (البيئة والمجتمع والاقتصاد).  يعطي الخطاب الإسلامي شعورا بالأمل والتفاؤل بإمكانية إعادة ضبط بوصلة الإنسان: هناك أمل، إذا تمكن الإنسان من إعادة التفكير وإعادة ضبط نماذج التنمية السائدة، وأساليب الحياة والعقليات كما جاء في القرآن الكريم:

 « ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ » 

القرآن 30:41

و تتماشى ماهية الإسلام  بانسجام مع "الحالة الطبيعية" (الفطرة) واحترام التوازن (الميزان) واحترام النسبة (مقدار) في نظم الكون.  و يمكن لدمج هذه المفاهيم جميعها في نظام القيم الإسلامي أن يوفر البعد الأخلاقي للمسلمين في قضية تغير المناخ. و یترجم هذا إلى مصطلحات فنية لقياس تركيز الغازات في المناخ بأجزاء لكل مليون (جزء بالمليون). يدور النقاش بشأن المناخ حول الزيادة في تركيز أو نسبة غازات الاحتباس الحراري و التي يمكن قياسها بجزء بالمليون. نظرا لنموذج التنمية وأنماط استهلاك الإنسان، فإنا نشهد زيادة في تركيزات ثاني أكسيد الكربون بأكثر من 420 جزءًا بالمليون بالمقارنة مع مستويات ما قبل الثورة الصناعية و التي كانت تقدر ب 280 جزءًا بالمليون.

و بِالنّتِيجَة، التصدي لتغير المناخ، من منظور إسلامي ، هوعبارة عن افتراض دور الإنسان کوصي ومفوض (خليفة) ودوروسطية الأمة (أمة وسطا) في الأمر بالمعروف و النهي عن المنكر وضمان الانسجام والتوازن والنسبة الصحيحة (الفطرة). اختلال هذا الميزان  يعزى إلى اختيارات الإنسان التي أدت إلى الإفراط في الاستهلاك، والاستغلال واستخدام للموارد. البعد الأخلاقي للإسلام هو في ربط النظرية بالممارسة من خلال تطور الوعي الجديد والتطور الروحي. وتجسید الإسلام بدوره يؤدي إلى نشاط بيئي ينقذ سلامة الكوكب من خلال حفظ الحياة على الأرض، واحترام حقوق الأنواع الأخرى، وحماية تنوع جميع مجتمعات الحياة.

المناظرات بشأن تغير المناخ في عام 2015

خلال الإعداد  للمناظرات العالمية بشأن تغير المناخ  في عام 2015، وافقت الأطراف في الاتفاقية على تحديد 2 درجة مئوية كحد أقصى لارتفاع مقبول لدرجة الحرارة عن مستوى ما قبل الثورة الصناعية بحلول نهاية هذا القرن. وارتكز هذا القرارعلى حكم سياسي استنادا إلى معلومات علمية. هناك مخاطر كبيرة مرتبطة بأي مستوى من الاحترار و تدعو العديد من الأطراف إلى تثبيت هذه النسبة في أقل بكثير من2  درجة مئوية  بل تهدف إلى أن تكون أقرب إلى 1.5 درجة مئوية  قدر الإمكان.

العلم واضح في هذه المسألة ؛ لكون ارتفاع درجات الحرارة الناتج عن غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون استمر لعدة قرون، فإن أي حد أعلى بشأن ظاهرة الاحتباس يتطلب خفض صافي انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون في نهاية المطاف إلى الصفر. و بالنتيجة، فإن تجنب التغير المناخي  الخطير لايتطلب صقلا للنظم القائمة فحسب، بل تحولا اقتصاديا جذريا يقود إلى إزالة عميقة، وبعد ذلك بالكامل، للكربون من إمدادات الطاقة. و سيجلب هذا الانتقال عدة مزايا أخرى ويفتح آفاقا واسعة. وبالتالي سيتيح تلازما كاملا بين الضرورات الأخلاقية والاقتصادية.

و يهدف اجتماع باريس في عام 2015 إلى التعجيل بشكل كبير في هذا التحول والتأكد من استدامته على مر الزمن لضمان عدم تجاوز ارتفاع درجة الحرارة ب 2 درجة مئوية خلال هذا القرن. و ستيمخض عن ذلك الاجتماع، وضع صك قانوني جديد في إطار اتفاقية المناخ، والذي يعد بمثابة معاهدة دولية ذات عضوية عالمية، ليدخل حيز التنفيذ في عام 2020.

أهمية الإعلان الإسلامي بشأن تغير المناخ

للحفاظ على التحول الاقتصادي مع مرور الوقت، هناك حاجة إلى الدافع المعنوي القوي والعميق للتغيير. لذا فالدين يمكن أن يصبح جزءا مهما من الحل إذا استثمرنا هذا المصدر من مصادر التوجيه الإلهي من خلال الدراسة والتأمل وإذا كان هذا يدفعنا للتعامل بشكل مختلف. الإعلان الإسلامي بشأن تغير المناخ، و الذي أطلق في اسطنبول يوم ال19 أغسطس 2015، يعد بمثابة مثال بليغ يجسد دورالإيمان في الإبلاغ وإصلاح الحوار حول الاستدامة. وهذا من شأنه أن يجعل من الالتزام تجاه المناخ القائم على العقيدة ضرورة، بالنظر إلى أن 84٪ من سكان العالم منتسبون دينيا، وفقا لمركز بيو للأبحاث.

لقد كان الإسلام قوة دفع للحضارة عبر التاريخ. و يمكن للإعلان أن يساعد على توجيه القوة الروحية والأخلاقية للإسلام نحو التطلع إلى مستقبل مرن بمناخ ذي انبعاثات منخفضة.

وخلاصة القول، يقدر المعتنقون للديانة الإسلامية  ب 1.6 مليار نسمة. أكثرهم، وربما أغلبهم، يستوطنون البلدان التي هي الأكثر تأثرا بتغير المناخ. لهذا يمكن أن تسهم القيادة الإسلامية  في الخطاب العالمي كما تجلى ذلك بوضوح في الإعلان الإسلامي لتغير المناخ. لدى المسلمين تكليف ومسؤولية لتوجيه القوة الروحية والأخلاقية للإسلام نحو التطلع إلى بناء الحضارة البشرية المستدامة ومستقبل مرن  بمناخ منخفض الانبعاثات.

 

ترجمة

هند سلامة، حاصلة على شهادة الدكتوراة تخصص الكيمياءـ البيئة من كلية العلوم عين الشق جامعة الحسن الثاني ـ المغرب، عملت كمديرة مشاريع في عدة مؤسسات و أعمل حاليا كمستشارة مستقلة في مجال البيئة و التنمية المستدامة و مترجمة  ، هذا عدا عن مساهماتي في البرنامج التطوعي للأمم المتحدة  UNVو متطوعة أيضا مع EcoMENA

8 Best Waste Reduction Programs for Students

By | | , ,
1 Comment

It wouldn’t be a big of a surprise to tell that the waste reduction nowadays is more of a necessity rather than a voluntary facility. With a continuous rise of awareness over the need to reduce the amount of waste, students are expected to participate in the programs designed at their educational institutions. There is an urgent need to engage students to become an essential part of sustainability campaigns, aimed to make our plant a safer place for everyone.

So, let’s review the following waste reduction programs for students, which have proven of being the best in the field.

environmental-education

1. Life of a Product

One of the most groundbreaking ideas is the so-called “Life of a Product” game. The essence of this activity relies upon the choice of a certain product, which is further analyzed from the perspective of its production. Students might choose any product they prefer, ranging from a banana to their personal laptop.

Basically, the review of the manufacturing, used resources, transportation means, and renewable resources used sheds light on how complicated is the modern production. As a result of this waste reduction programs, students are expected to acquire basic knowledge on what resources are used in everyday consumption. What a brilliant idea, for certain!

2. Presentations

Being a purely theoretical program for reducing waste, this facility aims to evoke understanding among students on how to omit food excesses. Hosting a speaker, for instance, is deemed as being one of the most eye-opening facilities to launch a large reducing waste program.

By inviting guest speakers from environmental or waste-related organizations, students might investigate how the recycling activities are conducted. By doing so, the environmental presentations are potent instruments for increasing awareness over the waste reduction needs.

3. Cafeteria Project

Obviously, most students perceive a cafeteria as the most beloved shelter in their educational institutions. In the context of reducing waste, one of the most useful waste-reducing programs is the so-called “Cafeteria Project.” By decorating the cafeteria with booklets that contain useful tips on how to reduce the overall amount of waste, the project might become the fundamental driver for change.

Students would be most likely to recycle bottles and cans, at the same time, making wise choices while buying lunch, as emphasized by the EPA. So, not only booklets and posters are important for informing the student audiences but also essential for changing the habits pertaining to recycling.

4. Waste Reduction Plan

This project, probably, requires the most attention, efforts, and time in order to be efficiently launched. The design of the waste reduction plan is a troublesome activity, which requires a full apprehension of the topic. So, only students who are aware of the existing recycling, reducing, and eco-related activities should be engaged in the design of this plan.

Usually, academic institutions that apply this project are more prone to purchase unique recycling and waste management equipment, even including the automatic trash compactors. Be sure that the design and the respective launch of the waste reduction plan will change each and every aspect of everyday schooling. If you’re not prepared for it, go ahead and embrace yourself.

5. Fundraising is Real!

Although we hope that environmental projects are becoming more popular among the younger audiences, some of them still require financial aid. If your academic affiliation requires some sort of assistance for the launch of the waste reduction initiative, don’t be shy to inform wide audiences.

Use Kickstarter or other fundraising platforms to shed light on the project, at the same time, emphasizing its irreplaceability. If you’re competent enough, you might even initiate your own reducing waste startup there. Although these cases are rare, your brave ideas might find the realization in real-life circumstances. So don’t miss trying fundraising to setup the waste recycling facilities at your educational institution.

6. Waste Audit

Regardless of whether one would associate it with a real waste reduction project or not, conducting a waste audit is useful for getting acquainted with your specific recycling context. Usually, a waste audit is a long and dull process, which identifies what might be recycled, what should be stored, and what pieces might be eliminated from the chain.

Usually involving numerous individuals, including instructors, managers, students, and administrators, a waste audit is applicable for the actual reduction of waste. Since all contexts and schools are different in terms of waste composition, an audit is something that should be pursued to facilitate waste reduction.

7. On-Campus Thrift Store

If you’re courageous enough to launch your own waste-reducing initiative, consider creating a space with a thrift store within your school! Once you realize that the reducing waste rates are not that high as you’ve expected, be sure to comply with a new rule. Can’t reduce? Reuse!

Be sure that students know about the need to minimize the cloth waste, which increases exponentially with each year. Not only it would be a great idea for a waste reduction but also decisive for fostering socialization and closer ties between students. Go and organize one if you long considered this particular waste-reducing program.

8. Sign Partnerships

The last recommendation from our side is to re-invent the common rule of making partnerships. If you’re still backpedaling on reducing waste considerable in your educational institution, don’t be hesitant of establishing ties with local organizations and unions. They will guide you throughout your project, regardless of its nuances and specifications.

Sometimes, contacting the professionals in waste reduction could be eye-opening. So, don’t dare you becoming too arrogant because of your ecological activities. Need Help? Go and get it.

Final Remarks

It doesn’t really matter what of the recommended waste reduction programs for you to choose afterward. Just be sure to get ready to a proper launch, accompanied by the wide range of engagement from students. Only by doing so, you won’t fail in waste reduction program at your school or any academic institution. Best of luck to you and your ecological student project!

Wildfire Protection for California Homes

By | |
Leave a comment

You live in a landscape where summer winds can turn a single spark into a moving wall of flame, so every season brings the same question: is your house ready? From roof vents to garden mulch, small choices decide whether embers find fuel. You’ll see why experts push the idea of creating a zone zero around the structure—a bare, defensible ring that keeps heat and ignition sources at bay.

wildfire protection for homes

Home Wildfire Preparation

Wildfire safety begins long before smoke appears on the horizon; understanding threats, gathering supplies, and building habits today stack the odds heavily in your favor tomorrow.

Know Your Local Risk

Study past fire patterns, prevailing winds, and evacuation choke points so decisions later feel familiar, confident, and fast instead of panicked guesses under orange skies.

Gather Core Tools

Keep leather gloves, N95 respirators, metal rakes, and a long garden hose in one spot so emergency tasks unfold smoothly without a frantic household scavenger hunt.

Create A Family Schedule

Assign seasonal chores—roof cleaning, gutter checks, and vent inspections—then mark calendar reminders; spreading effort across months prevents overwhelming, last-minute marathons during red-flag weather.

Creating Defensible Zones

Think of your property as concentric safety rings; each ring removes fuel, breaks flame pathways, and gives firefighters elbowroom to defend the structure efficiently.

  • Zone 0, five feet: Replace bark mulch with gravel, move barbecue tanks outward, and sweep decks clean to deny floating embers a landing pad.
  • Zone 1, thirty feet: Mow grass short, limb trees ten feet above ground, and relocate woodpiles so radiant heat never reaches siding or windows.
  • Zone 2, hundred feet: Thin shrubs horizontally, ladder branches vertically, and dispose of deadfall; staggered vegetation keeps flames small and slower.
  • Check ordinances: Some counties mandate stricter clearances; confirming rules now avoids surprise citations and ensures insurance compliance.
  • Document progress: Snap before-and-after photos for insurance and attach a quick checklist to your annual readiness folder.

Working outward from the house each spring turns a daunting hundred-foot buffer into manageable weekend projects, steadily transforming your yard into a wildfire speed bump.

Roof and Chimney Upgrades

A fire-resistant roof is your home’s helmet; embers land there first, so upgrading materials and maintenance routines dramatically boosts survival odds in wind-driven events.

Select Class A Coverings

Composite shingles, standing-seam metal, or concrete tile rated Class A shrug off embers that quickly ignite untreated wood shakes familiar on older cabins statewide.

Seal Vulnerable Gaps

Install bird-stops under tile laps and metal flashing along edges; closing quarter-inch cracks prevents wind-blown embers from crawling into combustible sheathing beneath.

Maintain Chimney Safety

Top the flue with spark arrestor mesh between three-eighths and one-half inch, then sweep soot annually; when fire season peaks, keep the damper firmly closed.

Fire-Resistant Exterior Materials

Changing what the walls, windows, and decks are made of converts the entire structure into armor, limiting ignition sources to only the most extreme exposures.

Walls That Won’t Ignite

Cement-fiber lap boards, stucco, and engineered brick veneers resist direct flames far longer than vinyl siding, buying firefighters crucial minutes during structure defense.

Windows That Survive Heat

Dual-pane units with at least one tempered layer withstand temperature shock and block intrusive embers; add metal screens for extra spark filtration without blocking views.

Decks Designed To Last

Replace combustible redwood planks with ignition-resistant composite or metal grating; enclose undersides with noncombustible panels so embers cannot roll underneath unnoticed.

Managing Combustible Attachments

Attachments often act as wicks; treating them as separate fuel packages lets you interrupt fire spread before it reaches the main dwelling’s harder defenses.

  • Furniture prudence: Swap wicker chairs for cast-aluminum frames and store removable cushions inside once red-flag warnings post.
  • Fence transitions: Where a wooden fence meets siding, insert six feet of metal panels, stopping flames before they jump onto the structure.
  • Sheds and playsets: Position outbuildings beyond Zone 1 and surround them with gravel skirts to limit radiant heat reflection.
  • Under-deck policy: Keep nothing beneath decking except bare dirt or concrete; cluttered storage becomes perfect tinder during ember showers.
  • Insurance documentation: Update photos whenever attachments change; adjust home inventories so replacement values stay accurate.

Periodic walk-arounds with an ember mindset reveal surprising igniters—folding chairs, welcome mats, even dog beds—that are simple to relocate before fire weather arrives.

Ember Defense Strategies

Research shows ninety percent of homes burn from wind-driven embers, not walls of flame; blocking those glowing seeds is therefore your most cost-effective defense tactic.

Fortify Vents

Install one-sixteenth-inch corrosion-resistant metal mesh or California-approved ember-resistant vents; verify airflow still meets code by consulting local building officials beforehand.

Add Gutter Guards

Metal covers stop debris accumulation, reducing both ignition likelihood and ladder risk when cleaning; combine with drip-edge flashing to shield roof sheathing edges.

Deploy Portable Sprinklers Early

Set tripod sprinklers to wet roof and surrounding five feet when red-flag warnings issue; pre-connected hoses ensure activation takes seconds, not stressful minutes.

Fire-Smart Landscaping Basics

Firescaping blends aesthetics with science, using plant choice, spacing, and hardscape to make flame pathways disjointed while still crafting a beautiful, water-wise garden.

Choose Low-Ignition Plants

Succulents, salvias, and deciduous trees hold moisture and produce less resin, meaning stray sparks struggle to ignite leaves even during peak August dryness.

Integrate Hardscape Features

Paver patios, gravel swales, and stone retaining walls double as firebreaks, adding texture while forcing flames to crawl slowly across noncombustible surfaces.

Prioritize Regular Maintenance

Prune dead wood, clear leaf litter, and irrigate deeply but infrequently; healthy, hydrated plants resist ignition better than stressed shrubs gasping through drought.

Spacing Plants For Safety

Proper vertical and horizontal gaps keep surface flames from climbing into tree canopies, transforming would-be torches into isolated, ground-level burns easily extinguished.

  • Vertical laddering: Multiply shrub height by three for minimum branch clearance; a five-foot bush needs fifteen feet to the lowest overhanging limb.
  • Horizontal separation: On flat land maintain ten feet between mature crowns, increasing distance on slopes where fire races uphill faster.
  • Grass trimming: Keep annual grasses under four inches; short fuels flame out quickly and generate less radiant heat toward wooden structures.
  • Mulch choices: Composted mulch away from structures; within five feet switch to decorative rock or decomposed granite for true noncombustible cover.
  • Continuous review: Vegetation grows; schedule bi-annual surveys to ensure original spacing guidelines still apply after seasonal bursts of growth.

Spacing plans posted in the garage remind everyone of intended distances, making pruning decisions straightforward rather than subjective debates each busy spring.

wildfire destruction in California

Developing Evacuation Action Plan

A practiced exit strategy saves lives; when roads fill with smoke and sirens echo, muscle memory should guide steering wheels, not frenzied smartphone scrolling.

  • Two routes minimum: Drive both during daylight and darkness, noting gate codes, one-lane bottlenecks, and alternate turnouts for passing emergency apparatus.
  • Go-bags staged: Pack 72-hour supplies, copies of documents, and pet gear; store by the front door, rotating water and medications every six months.
  • Vehicle readiness: Keep tanks half full, back into driveways facing out, and carry phone chargers so navigation remains available even after grid shutdowns.
  • Community drills: Coordinate neighborhood practice days; collective departures expose hidden obstacles like narrow culverts or vegetation overgrowth along escape roads.
  • Communication plan: Designate an out-of-area contact to receive quick status texts, freeing overloaded local lines for first-responder coordination.

Reviewing this plan at family dinners normalizes evacuation talk, turning a frightening possibility into an organized checklist everyone understands and can execute confidently.

Readiness Self Assessment

Periodic self-audits spotlight progress and reveal blind spots; a structured checklist transforms vague intentions into measurable tasks completed before members ever test defenses.

Use Online Tools

Free assessments like the Wildfire Prepared Home quiz walk you through roof, vent, and defensible-space criteria, producing a prioritized action list within minutes.

Photograph Everything

Quarterly photo sets of roofs, gutters, and landscaping create a visual timeline, helpful for insurance claims and motivating when comparing upgrades year over year.

Celebrate Milestones

Mark completion of each retrofit—new vents, compliant gutters, or cleared Zone 0—with a small family reward; positive reinforcement keeps momentum alive between big projects.

For in-depth guidance, explore NFPA’s resources on preparing homes for wildfire and keep refining these steps until your California home stands ready for whatever the next fire season brings.

Final Safeguard

Wildfire safety rests on choices you control. You evaluate weak points, remove hazards, upgrade materials, and practice clear escape steps. Each task limits ignition paths and buys precious time when flames approach. Stay observant, revisit your plan regularly, and you will meet California’s growing fire seasons with disciplined readiness ahead.

Karachi Rains: A Mother’s Not-So-Subtle Reality Check on Pakistan’s Climate Mess

By | | ,
1 Comment

So, picture this: last week, Karachi’s sky got moodier than a teenager denied WiFi. It started with a sweet little drizzle, all innocent, and then—bam—full-on monsoon meltdown. I basically turned into Usain Bolt, sprinting out to grab my kids from a school that, naturally, is miles away. By the time I made it there, the city was a mess: traffic frozen, bikes half-submerged, cars doing their best imitation of stranded whales, and a whole army of parents and kids shivering and soggy on the sidewalks, totally over it.

flooding in karachi

Getting home? That was just round one. The power was out (classic Karachi) and, of course, the generator was useless—bone dry and zero chance of finding fuel, unless you’ve got a boat handy. We spent that night sweating in the pitch dark, listening to the rain turn our street into a river, realizing, wow, even ONE storm can flip our lives upside down now.

And it’s not just me moaning. Monsoon madness, surprise cloudbursts—this stuff is slapping people all across Pakistan with a loud “climate change is here, deal with it.” Karachi just took a historic beating, rain-wise. The numbers are wild: 163.5 mm near the airport (hasn’t happened since disco was cool in ’79), 178 mm in northeast Karachi, Gulshan-e-Hadeed drowning in 145 mm, Kemari clocking 137 mm, and Jinnah Terminal at 135 mm. And the drainage? Oh, it’s a joke—built for a measly 40 mm. No wonder the city turned into a waterpark nobody wanted.

People died. Seven, maybe twelve—depends who you ask—mostly from electrocution, buildings caving in, drowning, or traffic disasters. The city had to shut down: schools, offices, businesses—everything. And if you think Karachi had it bad, try Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mid-August, freak rainstorms, biblical floods. Over 320 dead in KP alone, Buner district got the worst of it, and there are still hundreds missing. Some say the death toll is even higher, but honestly, who’s counting when the whole place is underwater?

devastating floods in pakistan

Here’s the kicker: Pakistan barely adds anything to global greenhouse gas emissions—less than a measly 1%—but we’re catching the worst of it. Why? Well, global warming’s cranking up the atmosphere, so it sucks up more moisture and dumps it all at once. Experts are saying rain’s about 10–15% heavier now thanks to all that extra heat. Plus, glaciers up north are melting faster, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it’s so hot you could fry an egg on a rock (seriously, over 48°C). Add in all the concrete from unplanned city sprawl (bye-bye, green spaces), and rain’s got nowhere to go except your living room. Deforestation? Oh, we’re pros at that too. No trees, no buffer, just mudslides and chaos.

It’s not just headlines and stats either—this stuff hits real people in real ways:

  • Mosquitoes and dirty water everywhere – dengue, malaria, and all sorts of disgusting diseases.
  • Schools shut down, kids missing classes, parents losing their minds in traffic.
  • Crops? Flooded. Farmers? Broke.
  • Families forced to pack up and leave, especially up north.
  • Fixing wrecked roads and buildings drains money we don’t have.
  • Everyone’s mental health? Hanging by a thread.

Yeah, climate change is global, but surviving it starts at home. Here’s what’s actually useful (no magic wands, sorry):

  1. Cities need a total makeover. Karachi’s drainage is a relic—let’s get real about new pipes, rainwater collection, and stop building over every canal and stream.
  2. Disaster prep isn’t just a buzzword. Early warnings, shelters, and teaching people what the heck to do in a flood saves lives.
  3. More trees, more mangroves, more green belts. Less concrete jungles, please.
  4. Rainwater harvesting isn’t rocket science—schools, homes, anyone with a roof can do it.
  5. City planners: stop ignoring climate stuff. No more “let’s build a mall on this riverbed” nonsense.
  6. And yeah, we need cash and tech from the big polluting countries. Climate financing isn’t charity—it’s payback.

 

Flood Risk Assessment Report

That night, flailing through floodwater with my kids, I got it—this is bigger than my soggy shoes. It’s Pakistan in a nutshell: summers that feel like hell, storms that don’t quit, crumbling infrastructure, and this gnawing anxiety about what’s next.

These rains and floods are not mere natural events—they are urgent alarms. We must act decisively, combining infrastructural reform, public awareness, and global cooperation to transform despair into resilience.

These rains? They aren’t just weather anymore. They’re a wake-up call—and trust me, you can’t sleep through this one.

Are Solar Panels Financially Feasible For You?

By | | ,
4 Comments

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

Is it even feasible, to begin with?

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

Are Solar Panels A Good Investment?

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

Is my electricity bill always high?

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

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

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

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

Is it expensive to have solar panels installed?

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

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

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

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

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

Solar Energy Installation Shopping Tips To Take To Heart

Make the time to get multiple quotes 

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

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

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

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

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

Compare the equipment solar providers present you

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

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

Do I have to go solar now?

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

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

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

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