The International Road Safety Report: Road Tolls by Country

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We compare the number of road fatalities per 100,000 population between the USA and other English Speaking Countries – the UK, NZ, Canada, Australia and Ireland

International Road Safety Report

  • USA road fatalities are 11.78 people per 100,000 population – highest of English-speaking countries
  • New Zealand is second highest, with a rate of 6.01 deaths per 100,000 people
  • Canada is third behind the USA and NZ with 4.59 road fatalities per 100,000 population
  • Australia is fourth highest in terms of road fatalities with a rate of 4.26
  • Ireland’s road fatality rate per 100,000 is 2.96
  • UK has lowest fatalities per 100,000 population, of 2.26 among English-speaking OECD countries

Road fatalities in English-speaking OECD countries

One of the most troubling aspects of modern industrialized society in the USA is the trade-off between ease of transportation and its dangers. Unfortunately, people lose their lives to road and traffic accidents all over the world, and the United States is no exception. Efforts have been made to reduce the road toll (or road deaths/road fatalities) through more stringent safety standards, tougher penalties for ignoring safety laws (e.g., making seat belt use mandatory, harsher punishments for driving under the influence of alcohol), and education campaigns by federal, state, and local road safety authorities.

Road safety is a significant challenge for nations in the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). As highly industrialized, wealthier nations, these countries have higher rates of car or vehicle ownership than non-OECD countries.

Among the anglophone (English-speaking) countries, there are many disparities in terms of road fatality statistics. The United States, one of the most developed countries, unfortunately ranks highest among English-speaking countries when it comes to road fatalities, while the United Kingdom consistently maintains the lowest rates. Australia falls somewhere in the middle, while New Zealand, by way of comparison, has a far less safe record.

Here, we’ll delve into the statistics about road fatalities and compare them among leading English-speaking nations.

road safety in English-speaking OECD countries

United States road fatality statistics – the benchmark

Road fatalities are a significant concern in the United States, as it consistently ranks among the most dangerous. According to the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Authority, 38,824 road fatalities were recorded during 2020, the highest year on record since 2007.

US fatality rates per capita and registered vehicle

The fatality rate per 100,000 population is an important indicator of road safety. In 2020, the United States had a fatality rate of 11.78 deaths per 100,000 population. Comparatively, New Zealand had the second highest fatality rate among the countries analyzed, with 6.01 deaths/100,000 population, while the UK had the lowest rate at 2.26 deaths per 100,000 population, while the OECD median fatality rate was 4.09.

Examining the changes in fatality rates over time can reveal trends in road safety. From 1990 to 2020, the fatality rate in the United States decreased from 17.9 to 11.78 deaths per 100,000 population. This downward trend indicates improvements in road safety measures. However, it is important to note that there was a slight increase in the fatality rate from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2014, when the rate dropped to 10.3, after which the fatality rate trended upward to 2020.

road safety report usa

In 2020, the United States had a fatality rate of 1.30 deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles. Compared to other countries, the United States had a relatively higher fatality rate in this category. The closest English-speaking country was New Zealand, at 0.69 deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles. The OECD median is 0.52.

Breakdown by Age Group, Road User Group, and Gender

In 2020, the United States had a proportion of road deaths by age group as follows: 3% in the 0-14 age group, 17% in the 15-24 age group, 63% in the 25-64 age group, and 17% in the 65+ age group. Compared to other English-speaking OECD countries, the United States (17%) had a similar proportion of road deaths in the 15-24 age group to Canada (17%) and Australia (17%), but higher than Ireland (10%) and the United Kingdom (16%). Older drivers 65 and older involved in fatal crashes made up 17% of the total; similar to the 15-24 age bracket.

road deaths in USA

Looking at the road user group statistics, the United States had 35% of road deaths categorized as passenger car occupants, 17% as pedestrians, 14% as motorcyclists, 2% as cyclists, and 31% as other. Comparing these figures to other OECD English-speaking countries, the United States had a significantly lower proportion of road deaths among cyclists compared to Ireland (7%), Australia (4%), and the United Kingdom (10%), but a higher proportion of road deaths in the “other” category.

road safety usa

Key findings from the NHTSA showed that Urban fatalities increased by 8.5%, and rural fatalities increased by 2.3%. 42 out of the 50 states including the District of Columbia saw increases in the number of road deaths. Nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) fatalities increased by 12%; daytime (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.) traffic fatalities increased by 1.4%.

When considering gender, the United States had 72% of road deaths among males and 28% among females. This distribution was similar to Canada and Australia but different from the United Kingdom, where males accounted for 77% of road deaths.

The United States exhibited certain similarities and differences in road fatality statistics compared to other OECD English-speaking countries, highlighting the importance of analyzing these figures to identify areas for targeted road safety measures.

road deaths in USA

New Zealand road fatality statistics

With 6.01 deaths recorded for every 100,000 people in the population, New Zealand is one of the least safe nations when it comes to the risk of being killed on the road. This puts them in the seventh worst position among the OECD countries with the highest rate of fatalities. Their incidence of fatalities was 0.69 for every 10,000 automobiles registered in their state. New Zealand’s trend line for fatalities per 100K population has been downward, halving each decade: 21.4 in 1990, 12 in 2000, and 8.6 in 2010.

In terms of the types of people who were killed while using the road, around 66% were either passengers or drivers, 10% were pedestrians, 18% were motorcyclists, and 4% were cyclists. The mortality rate in New Zealand was 0.66 cases for every 100 million vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT).

United Kingdom road fatality statistics

The UK is the fourth safest OECD country in terms of road fatalities per 100,000 population with a rate of 2.26, just behind the top three of Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. As mentioned above, the UK ranks first when compared to other English-speaking countries. Their fatality rate per 10,000 registered vehicles was slightly higher at 0.38, behind Japan and Spain (0.37) and Switzerland (0.35). However, they have managed to halve this number over the past two decades – their fatality rate was 1.2 in 2000 and 0.5 in 2010.

43% of road fatalities were suffered by passenger or car occupants, 23% by pedestrians, 20% by motorcyclists, 10% by cyclists, and 5% by “other.” 77% were male and 23% were female. 2% were aged 0-14, 16% 15-24, 58% 25-64, and 24% over the age of 65.

The fatality rate in the United Kingdom per 100 million VKT was 0.34.

Ireland road fatality statistics

Ireland is towards the top of the league tables in terms of road fatality safety for English-speaking OECD countries. Their fatality rate per 100,000 population is 2.96. Ireland’s fatality rate has trended downward since 2000, where their road fatality rate per 100,000 was 11, more than halving in a decade at 4.7 in 2010. It would seem they achieved another halving of the fatality rate in the ensuing decade. In another measure, Ireland’s fatality rate per 10,000 registered vehicles is 0.52.

The fatality rate per 100 million VKT was 0.41, the OECD median.

In terms of age-group, in 2020 Ireland had 5% of deaths in the 0-14 age group, 10% in 15-24, 63% in 25-64 and 22% in 65+.

Canada road fatality statistics

Canada is towards the middle of the pack when it comes to road safety, with a rate of 4.59 road fatalities per 100,000 population. Canada’s road fatality statistics have trended downward in the previous decades, recording a rate of 9.5 in 2000 and 6.6 in 2010. Their fatality rate per 10,000 registered vehicles was 0.68.

58% of Canadian road fatalities were among car drivers or passengers, followed by 16% of pedestrians, 14% of motorcyclists, and 3% of cyclists. Canada’s fatality rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) was 0.47. 3% of deaths were recorded among 0-14s, 17% among 15-24s, 59% among 25-64s, and 22% over the age of 65.

A quick look at Australia

In terms of Australia’s road fatality rate per 100,000 population, Australia’s rate was 4.26, ranking 20th out of the 36 OECD nations. This declined from a rate of 6.1 in 2010, trending downward over the next decade. Australia sits ahead of several other English-speaking countries, which are Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

The fatality rate per 10,000 registered vehicles was 0.55, ranking 18th among 30 nations with available data. This dropped consistently over the preceding ten-year period, from 0.8.

As for the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers travelled (VKT) in 2020, Australia’s rate was 0.44 –9th out of 15 nations with available data. In Australia during 2020, vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedestrian, or cyclists) accounted for 35% of total road deaths, which is lower than the OECD average of 44%.

Australia’s distribution of deaths by age group shows 4% between 0-14s, 19% between 15-24s, 59% between 25-64s, and 19% for over 65s. The gender breakdown was 73% male and 27% female. In terms of deaths by road user group in Australia, 48% were passenger car occupant, 12% were pedestrians, 17% motorcyclists, 4% cyclists and 19% were classified as “other”.

Can we get to Zero road toll?

It would seem that many English-speaking OECD countries have their own challenges to bringing their road tolls or road fatality statistics down. Most trends in the OECD, more broadly, have shown a decrease in road fatalities in the last decade or two. Even in the least safe countries such as the United States and New Zealand, great strides have been taken to reduce the road fatality rate. New Zealand’s rate per 100,000 has roughly halved each decade.

Though cars may be safer and education campaigns may be more prevalent, it may take a quantum leap in technology – accessible for all countries – to whittle the road toll down to even lower levels, or that long-strived for zero number.

Unleashing Solar Power in Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia is the largest consumer of petroleum in the Middle East, with domestic consumption reaching 4 million barrels per day in 2012 out of daily production of 10 million barrels. Saudi Arabia’s primary energy consumption per capita is four times higher than the world average.

Strong industrial growth, subsidized oil prices, increasing energy demand for electricity and transportation is leading to a growing clamor for oil in the country. The total energy consumption in the Kingdom is rapidly rising at an average rate of about 6 percent per annum.

Solar-Saudi-Arabia

Solar Energy Prospects in KSA

To meet the rising local energy demand, Saudi Arabia plans to increase generating capacity to 120 GW by 2020. Residential sector holds the biggest share of total energy consumption, accounting for as much as 80 percent of the electricity usage. Despite being the leading oil producer as well as consumer, Saudi Arabia is showing deep interest in the development of large projects for tapping its rich renewable energy potential, especially solar power.

The country plans to invest more than $100 billion in clean energy projects to meet its objective of getting one-third of electricity requirements from alternative energy resources.

There is a growing interest in utilization of solar energy in Saudi Arabia as the country is blessed with abundant solar flux throughout the year. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest solar irradiation in the world, estimated at approximately 2,200 thermal kWh of solar radiation per square meter.

saudi-solar-power

The country is strategically located near the Sun Belt, not to mention wide availability of empty stretches of desert that may accommodate solar power generating infrastructure. Moreover, vast deposits of sand can be used in the manufacture of silicon PV cells which makes Saudi Arabia an attractive location for both CSP and PV power generation.

Promising Developments

The first initiative from the government was the establishment of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) which is the official agency in-charge of promoting clean energy in the Kingdom. The kingdom is planning to add an additional 41 GW of solar power by 2032, with 16 GW to be generated by photovoltaics and 25 GW by solar thermal power plants. One of the major achievements was the establishment of 3.5MW PV project at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center.

Shams-solar-plant

Concentrated solar power is another interesting option for Saudi Arabia due to its strong dependence on desalination plants to meet its water requirement. Waste heat of a CSP power plant can be used to power seawater desalination projects. Recently Saudi Electric Company has selected CSP to produce electricity with 550MW Duba 1 project, an integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant located 50km north of Duba near Tuba. The plant is designed to integrate a parabolic trough unit of around 20 to 30MW.

Keeping in view its regional dominance, Saudi Arabia can play a vital role in the popularization of solar energy in the MENA region. Solar energy program may not only augment oil-wealth of the Kingdom, but also transform Saudi Arabia into a net solar power exporter in the near future.

How To Say ‘No’ to Disposables: Useful Tips

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The waste quantities in all parts of the world are increasing many folds. In the past three decades, the waste quantities have almost been doubled. The per capita waste generation is alarmingly high especially in GCC countries. The municipal and governmental authorities have to spend huge resources in collection, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of these wastes. With limited recycling facilities and absence of reusing culture, more quantities of the waste is now to be managed.

disposable-trash

Major part of our municipal waste is still heading towards our landfill sites where it is being dumped, compacted and covered. The landfills are in quarries areas which are becoming soon filled up with the waste. In Bahrain almost 1.7 cum of space is required to accommodate 1 tons of waste.

Use of disposable cutlery has been increasing exponentially in developing countries. Despite a growing push to recycle and reuse, we must try to correct not the symptoms but the disease, and to do that, we should all avoid and reduce. The use of ‘disposables’ has increased exponentially in decades and the items and quantities are increasing with each passing day.

disposable-cutlery-waste

Use of disposable cutlery has been increasing exponentially in developing countries

Here are few suggestions to avoid the use of disposables in our daily lives:

  • Avoid Paper Cups and Plates as paper manufacturing consume trees and are bleached white with chlorine, a process that releases dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals on the planet, and emit methane, a greenhouse gas when trashed and thrown in a landfill.
  • Avoid Polystyrene and Styrofoam which are hazardous, carcinogens, cause air pollution and can cause nervous system impairments among workers. Styrene can leach from containers into our food. Polystyrene cannot be recycled and never biodegrades; it only breaks down into smaller pieces, polluting the environment and harming the animals that mistake it for food.
  • Avoid bottled water and use reusable containers for water storage and drinking.
  • Avoid Plastic and Paper Shopping Bags. Keep your own cloth bag ready for all occasions.
  • Avoid Plastic Utensils, paper napkins, plastic cutlery, forks, spoons and knives. Use chinaware or glassware instead.
  • Avoid Use rechargeable batteries instead of single use batteries.
  • Avoid using disposable diapers and use cloth diapers.
  • Using ink pen rather than ball points and getting a refillables.
  • Using handkerchief rather than tissue and paper towels.
  • Avoid using disposable stirrers and individually packaged sugar, milk and creamer. Use a spoon for stirring and place the sugar and milk in reusable containers or jugs.
  • Avoid using individual sachets of chilly, mayonnaise or ketchup sauce. Store the sauce in reusable bottles and dispensers instead.
  • Avoid Gift Wrapping and put the gift in a reusable bag instead..

Each time you throw something in the trash, please consider that you have paid its cost and are contributing towards more waste at the landfill.

Please avoid disposables. Be wise and environmentally-friendly.

Green SMEs in Middle East: Key Challenges

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With ‘green’ being the buzzword across all industries, greening of the business sector and development of green skills has assumed greater importance all over the world, and Middle East is no exception. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in eco-design, green architecture, renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability are spearheading the transition to green economy across a wide range of industries. Green SME sector in the Middle East has been growing steadily, albeit at a slower pace than anticipated.

green enterprises

 

Regulations

One of the major obstacles in the progress of green SMEs in the Middle East the has been poorly-designed regulation. According to Ruba A. Al-Zu’bi, a renowned sustainable development consultant in MENA, “SMEs should be the drivers of transformation towards green economy in the Middle East. Lack of clear policy direction and enablers are hindering growth and competitiveness of green SMEs”.

Product market regulations which stifle competition pose a big hurdle to SMEs operating in renewables, energy, environment and sustainability sectors.  For example, state-owned companies in GCC have almost complete monopoly in network industries which have large environmental impacts (electricity/energy sector) or control strategic environmental services (water and waste management sector).

Restructuring

Restructuring of the SME sector in the Middle East is essential to allow small businesses to grow and prosper, thus catalyzing region’s transition to a green economy. SMEs account for vast majority of production units and employment across the Middle East, for example SMEs are responsible for around 60% of UAE’s GDP.

Needless to say, participation of SMEs is essential in the transition to a low-carbon economy, thus paving the way for greening the business sector and development of green skills across all industrial segments.

green-business

Green SMEs require strong government support for growth, which is unfortunately lacking in several GCC countries. As Ruba Al-Zu’bi puts it, “Despite the humongous opportunity for green growth in the Middle East, magnified by climate change, water scarcity, oil dependency and environmental footprint, green SMEs are plagued by severe challenges and competition.”

Pressing Challenges

The Middle East region is facing multiple challenges in the growth of green SME sector. As Ruba Al-Zu’bi puts it, “The most pressing challenges are (1) increasing disconnect between education and market needs and (2) the disorientation of research and development from industry priorities and trends. Government agencies, business associations and NGOs need to play a bigger role in advocating more streamlined priorities for green growth across all industrial sectors.”

Green SMEs in the region are facing significant barriers to entry despite their key role in developing locally appropriate technologies and eco-friendly business models.

Promising Initiatives

Abu Dhabi has taken a great step towards consolidation of green SME sector by creating the Masdar Free Zone. As a business cluster, Masdar Free Zone endeavors to provide SMEs and startups with an environment that inspires innovation, offers business development opportunities and provides a living lab and test bed for new technologies.

masdar_city

However office rents has been a hurdle to overcome for green SMEs with limited financial capabilities.  High office rents in Masdar Free Zone have been a major deterrent for small businesses desirous of setting shop in the business cluster.

In 2007, Qatar also launched a promising initiative to promote green growth in the form of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) with core areas of focus being energy, environment, health sciences and information and communication technologies. During the initial phase, QSTP has been heavily focused on establishing infrastructure and attracting large companies. During the second phase, QSTP intends to target SMEs and provide them support on legal matters, finance, mentoring and business planning.

Future Perspectives

Policy interventions for supporting green SMEs in the Middle East are urgently required to overcome major barriers, including knowledge-sharing, raising environmental awareness, enhancing financial support, supporting skill development and skill formation, improving market access and implementing green taxation.

In recent decades, entrepreneurship in the Middle East has been increasing at a rapid pace which should be channeled towards addressing water, energy, environment and waste management challenges, thereby converting environmental constraints into business opportunities.

Why Chemical Data Drives ESG Reporting in MENA

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Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting (or ESG) has become a major priority for organizations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Investors, regulators, customers, and business partners increasingly expect companies to provide measurable evidence of their environmental and sustainability performance.

Sometimes companies are so reliant on chemical data that it ends up being the basis of their disclosures. The reason is that it’s nearly impossible to publish credible ESG metrics or show how they have progressed toward sustainability targets if they lack accurate knowledge of the various substances they use, store, transport, and dispose of during different operations.

chemical data for esg reporting

The Link Between Chemical Data and ESG Performance

Environmental data, including many of the common indicators in ESG reports, is backed up with chemical information. A look at safety data sheets (SDSs), a chemical inventory, and compliance data offers companies a better idea of the impact of the materials they use.

By using tools like KHA Environmental, many companies are dealing with this issue by bringing together SDS and chemical stock data. This approach not only aligns unit conversion, but it also ensures standardized reporting from plant to plant, and enables the generation of audit-proof disclosures. Sustainability departments will be happier with the same results when it comes to reviewing several locations’ performance.

Measuring Hazardous Waste and Emissions

Some ESG reporting systems require waste generation and air release from the facility to be quantified. These assessments are mainly based on chemical data. In addition, their scope includes hazardous classification, disposal guidelines, and handling information.

The data enables the sustainability group to analyze hazardous waste intensity and trends over time. Transparency generally gives insight that often means waste minimization and process upgrades.

Supporting Worker Health and Safety Metrics

In the context of employee exposure to workplace hazards, the social element of ESG reporting would include information about chemicals. A complete chemical inventory together with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that accompany dangerous materials gives clear and comprehensive accounts of potential hazards, proper handling methods, and protection requirements.

Employers or organizations are able to utilize this information to evaluate workplace dangers and take necessary safety precautions, resulting in increased occupational health and safety reporting.

Improving Water Quality and Compliance Reporting

Water scarcity and overuse continue to be major issues related to environmental and community sustainability throughout the MENA region. As such, there is an increasing expectation that companies should be transparent about their water consumption and pollution prevention methods.

Chemical tracking systems can be really helpful for finding out which substances in a company’s operations may pose a threat to the quality of the company’s wastewater or to environmental discharge. When they understand the chemical properties, businesses can carry out wastewater treatment much better and quite a bit lower the risks of contamination. Such actions ultimately help achieve higher accuracy in disclosing the ESG performance on water-related factors.

Creating Consistency Across Multiple Facilities

Many businesses have their operations spread among different facilities, warehouses, factories, or work premises. Such distribution of operations usually promotes growth of the company but can at the same time introduce problems if chemical data are collected differently at various places.

The fact that chemical terms differ, different kinds of statements are used, and different types of units are measured is a significant hurdle in preparing ESG reports. Setting up a centralized chemical management platform is the solution to this problem since it helps with the unified application of the same standards, principles, and practices on all sites. As you can see, not only is the data quality improved, but also the generation of the report is becoming simpler and faster.

Strengthening Governance Through Better Data Management

Strong ESG performance is closely tied to effective governance practices. Chemical information should not be regarded as solely an environmental or safety topic but should be integrated into the overall organizational governance strategy.

Having an explicit person accountable for chemical records, reviewing safety data sheets regularly, checking inventory from time to time, and developing clear reporting protocols are some of the ways that lead to higher data integrity. Apart from reducing mistakes, these practices enhance the reliability of sustainability reports. Stronger governance systems are usually an asset that enables organizations to disclose their environmental, social, and corporate governance activities to stakeholders.

Building Credible ESG Reporting in the MENA Region

As ESG expectations evolve across the MENA region, businesses are coming to understand the importance of accurate operational data. Chemical data is fundamental as it is used to support environmental, health, safety, and compliance metrics across industries.

Through the integration of SDS records, inventory items, emissions tracking, waste management issues, and compliance activities, companies can prepare more accurate ESG reports. Superior data increases transparency, apart from helping decision-making and achieving better sustainability results.

Taking into account that in such a commercial landscape, accountability matters more than other things, management and reporting of chemical information has evolved from just being a regulatory obligation to becoming the cornerstone of genuine ESG reporting and sustainable environmental management.

Portable Battery Packs: The Definitive Guide

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With more people working outside of homes, preparing for power outages, or just working from home, portable power stations have become a more affordable solution to backup power. Unlike fuel-powered generators, these quiet and exhaust-free battery devices are able to safely provide power to many common household items inside as long as the user conforms to the manufacturer’s specifications.

To select a good model to suit your needs without opting for the biggest and/ or most expensive model, it helps to grasp several essential specification and options related to the best portable battery packs.

a portable power station at a camping site

What is a Portable Power Station?

A portable power station is a large rechargeable battery pack, often integrated along with an inverter and various types of AC (110/120V) outputs as well as DC (USB/5V) ports. At its core, it stores electrical energy that can be applied to power or work with devices in due time.

Portable generators are not like a traditional generator.

  • Don’t burn gasoline or diesel.
  • Produce little operating noise
  • Require minimal maintenance
  • They can typically be recharged from wall sockets, solar panels, or vehicle chargers.

So these also perform, of course, according to the battery capacity, size, and power specification of the inverter and charging facility.

General Applications for Portable Power Station

Portable power stations come in handy for a wide range of situations.

Camping and Outdoor Activities

These are used by many campers to run:

  • LED lights
  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Cameras
  • Portable refrigerators
  • Fans
  • GPS devices

They also work in silence, making them great for campsites where noise matters.

Emergency Backup

Portable power stations can keep the following pieces of equipment running during a blackout or off-grid living:

  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Mobile phones
  • Medical devices (within power limits)
  • Small refrigerators
  • Lights
  • Laptops

Bigger models can additionally accommodate office tools or further appliances for short periods of time.

RV and Van Life

Portable power stations are used for several purposes among travelers, such as:

  • Cooking appliances
  • Device charging
  • Entertainment systems
  • Portable coolers
  • Small kitchen equipment

Many of these systems will also work with portable solar panels for longer times off-grid.

Key Features to Consider

Selecting the right portable power station starts with understanding its specs.

Battery Capacity (Wh)

Capacity in watt-hours (Wh) tells how much energy the battery can store.

Typical ranges include:

  • 200–300Wh: Phones, cameras, tablets, lights
  • 500 – 700Wh: For laptops, CPAP machines, small fridges
  • 1,000–2,000Wh: Home backup, RV-ing/Travel use (multiple appliances)
  • 2,000Wh+: Extended outages and applications with high current demands

While the higher capacity usually results in longer runtime, it may also come with bigger and heavier batteries.

Output Power (Watts)

You may want the inverter rated above this so you can run multiple appliances from the power station.

Check both:

  • Continuous output
  • Surge (peak) output

Motorized devices, such as refrigerators and pumps. Additionally, you may need more power when starting the appliances.

Battery Chemistry

Most new portable power stations use LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries.

LiFePO₄ batteries generally provide the following advantages over traditional lithium-ion chemistries:

  • Longer service life
  • Greater thermal stability
  • More charge cycles
  • Improved durability

This battery type has started to become common on modern premium power stations.

Charging Options

The majority of portable power stations use several load-bearing methods including:

  • AC wall charging
  • Solar charging
  • Vehicle charging
  • Generator charging (on compatible models)

Certain models are even compatible with fast charging for far reduced charge times.

Available Ports

Depending on the outputs available, you use it where.

Common options include:

  • AC outlets
  • USB-A
  • USB-C Power Delivery
  • 12V DC ports
  • Car socket

Pay attention to the number and types of ports when comparing models, so you can find one to fit your existing and future devices.

How to Choose the Right Size

Choosing the right size is based on how you plan to use it.

Primary Use                                                      Suggested Capacity

Phone charging and lighting                                     200–300Wh

Weekend camping                                                    300–700Wh

Remote work                                                             500–1,000Wh

RV travel                                                                   1,000–2,000Wh

Home emergency backup                                         2,000Wh or more

Before picking a unit, it’s often useful to approximate the total watt output of all appliances you wish to run.

Advantages of Portable Power Stations

There are some practical advantages of portable power stations:

  • Quiet operation
  • No fuel storage required
  • Low maintenance
  • Indoor-safe operation when used correctly
  • Multiple charging methods
  • Compatibility with solar energy

All these factors have made them increasingly popular for recreational and emergency use.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Portable power stations are quite versatile, but they have their limits.

Battery capacity is not infinite, and it has to be charged. The inverter may not be able to handle some heavy appliances, but with the best-quality inverter, it can handle much of the power equipment. But larger-capacity models are heavy and therefore much less portable. It is helpful to frame these trade-offs to manage expectations.

Maintenance Tips

It reinforces how proper maintenance can help you achieve maximum battery life.

  • Put it in a cool, dry place.
  • If your storage time is longer, you should charge it regularly to maintain it.
  • Do not expose it to too much warmth or moisture.
  • Follow the charging practices recommended by the manufacturer
  • Check for firmware updates if the model offers app connectivity.

Final Thoughts

The deal with the best portable power stations is that they will depend on your specific energy needs, portability preference, and how you plan to use it. This information provides insight into specifications that can help you decide what kind of power station to choose, whether it’s so you have backup power in case of a blackout; use for off-grid camping or sheltering; both during emergencies or natural disasters, or simply on camping trips, including safety (fire resistance and chemical prevention) and output.

Common Water Pollutants and Their Effects on the Environment

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English poet W.H. Auden once said, “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water,” and how true that is. Water is what keeps us alive and sustains us. Why, then, do we have such a problem keeping water clean, and what does water pollution do, not only to us but to the environment? Let’s delve into the subject of water pollution so we can better understand it and its effects on the whole world.

Water Pollution Facts

Water pollution is caused when a toxic substance gets into the water supply, whether that be a river, ocean, or the underground aquifer, and contaminates it to the point that the supply becomes dangerous. Water is also particularly vulnerable to pollution because it is a “universal solvent.” Water can dissolve chemicals, bio-matter, and even solids which can enter lakes and rivers or even the underground aquifer and pollute the water supply.

water-pollution

Major water pollutants include the following:

  • Raw sewage: The World Health Organization estimates that 2 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation, and even when they do, it is extremely common for raw sewage to be spilled directly into the sea or another water source.
  • Nutrients: These are nitrogen-rich products such as fertilizers that get washed into the sea or are absorbed and get into the aquifer.
  • Wastewater: This contaminant comes in many forms including chemicals released by factories, washing machine water filled with detergents, and rain runoff from highways.
  • Plastics: A major pollutant that does not dissolve in water. Everything from drinking bottles to clothing is made from plastic, and it is not biodegradable. One plastic bottle can last for 450 years in the ocean.

Environmental Costs

Speaking of plastics, aquatic animals are harmed by plastics every day. They get entangled in plastic and lose limbs or are strangled. Most sea life ingests plastic all of the time. On the coast of South Africa, a sea turtle was saved after scientists pulled an entire plastic bag out of its throat.

In Norway in 2017, a goose-beaked whale had to be put down after eating 30 plastic shopping bags. The two animals that appear to be most sensitive to the harms of plastics appear to be sea turtles and sperm whales, but the stories of animals killed or harmed by plastic go on and on.

The environment is also severely affected by nutrient pollution. Nitrogen causes algae in the water to multiply at astounding rates, and the algae, in turn, absorbs all of the oxygen in the water, causing mass kill-offs of marine life.

Implications on Humans and Entire Communities

In Washington, D.C., in the U.S., the Environmental Working Group conducted research and discovered that carcinogens in American drinking water may be the cause of over 100,000 cases of cancer. While there are medications available to treat cancers, proper care of many forms remains extremely expensive and treatment often prolongs life but does not cure.

In Flint, MI, an entire community faced serious issues due to water pollution from the Flint River. Despite many complaints, the city insisted the water was safe, but it was severely contaminated with lead and other chemicals. Through 2018 and 2019, government officials finally acted on previously overlooked problems and helped residents with health-related issues caused by this disaster. They also replaced the corroded pipes which were the source of the dangerous contaminants.

The U.S. is not the only nation with pollution issues. It’s much worse in developing countries. Of the 3,119 populated areas in India, only 209 of them have any type of sewage treatment facility. It is estimated that more than 3 million children expire every year due to poor sanitation and toxic drinking water. The contaminated water causes such conditions as cholera, diarrhea, and intestinal worms.

water-pollution-developing-countries

Furthermore, in Africa, dirty water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing malaria and encephalitis. Over $7 million a year is spent on healthcare to treat waterborne illnesses. Entire developing countries are suffering, with many unfit to work or go to school due to illness. Companies like Waterdrop are taking actions to provide reliable water projects to sub-Saharan African communities.

Both developing and industrialized countries, in addition to the world’s fish and wildlife, are having problems due to water pollution, and it is likely to get much worse before it gets better. Countries need to step up and find solutions to effectively deal with this ongoing problem, or the future of the entire world will be in jeopardy.

Restocking the Seas around Bahrain through Fish Farming

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The marine waters around Bahrain have been showing a decline in fish stock for several decades. But in the first decade of this millennium, restocking has become a routine practice endorsed by the former Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife (now the Supreme Council for the Environment). In recent years, the fishing industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain is starting to really look up with the restocking of the waters from farmed fish.

FishFarm

Requirements of a Fish Farm

Fish farming means growing fish in fixed enclosures (tanks, ponds or cages) exposed to the natural climatic conditions of the environs. As part of aquacultural activities (another term for fish farming), one needs to replenish fish stock preferably before the fish species dwindle to almost extinction.

The basic requirements for a healthy fish farm address a number of chemistry-related characteristics. There must be good water circulation which is achieved through tidal action resulting in water velocity in the range of 10-60 cm/sec.  The oxygen level needs to be maintained at the optimum level of  >5ppm while salinity level should approach 49,000ppm. Water temperatures vary with the season and with tidal levels. The range, therefore is between 12 oC  at lowest tide in winter up to 37oC in the peak of summer. Fish prefer alkaline water levels. This can vary with fish species.

For example, Shim (Bream) prefer the pH level to range within 8.2 -8.5. Wind and wave action should be minimal. This is best achieved by locating fish farms downwind of the dominant wind direction which means off the east coast of the island. GPIC is located on the right side of the island with a relatively sheltered site for the fish farm.

Fishes, such as bream, are released into the fish farm on reaching the juvenile stage (i.e when the body weight is around 70gm). The ideal fish weight, 210gm is achieved over the next 220+ days. Population density is very critical in fish farming with an ideal number of 7 fishes/m3. The fishes are fed a supplemental diet of dry food pellets.

The feeding rate is in the range of 3-7% of the fish’s body weight.  So careful monitoring of the fish is really important. This amount of food supplements is spread out over four feedings in one 24-hour period. Feeding amounts can also be influenced by climatic conditions, thermal properties of the water and the current flow rate.

artificial-fish-farming

The fishes are monitored and their growth rate and general performance are all recorded. The average fish body weight is assessed every 15 days. It has been observed that the maximum growth rate is achieved when the water temperatures are at 23oC.

As well as monitoring the fish themselves, the environs must also be kept in check. Submerged physical features need to be kept free of any buildup of rough, sharp materials that could harm or injure the young fish. Too many barnacles growing on a structure could cause the subsurface structures to break off.  The enclosure could be damaged resulting in an opening through which the farmed fish might escape prematurely out into the open ocean.

Farmed fish can easily catch diseases. This typically happens when or if the density of the stock gets too high.  Fish can get a variety of diseases so much care is taken to protect the whole project.

Fishes are harvested using such as a dragnet, sieving or a Gill net.  A dragnet is a seine method of fishing where the net hangs vertically in the water with weights holding the bottom down and floats keeping the top floating.  Gill nets are also vertical nets that trap fish via their gills being caught in the net.

Promising Initiative by GPIC

The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) fish farming activities began in 1996 with a capacity of 10,000 fish. An area of 625 sq. meter forms part of the natural marine environment surrounding the industrial location, has been turned into a fish farming area. The three main species raised in the farm are Black Sea Bream (Shim), Mullet (Meid) and Rabbit Fish (Saffee).  By 2001, the capacity had increased to 30,000 fish. By 2012, capacity had reached 80,000 fish, and by 2015 100,000 fish.

The restocking of the surrounding waters has long been carried out by GPIC as part of their CSR initiatives. Each year, the company releases batches of sea bream into the local waters to replenish the fish stocks of the surrounding marine areas.  In August, 2008, 80,000 hamour and 20,000 subaiti bream, weighing between 80-100gm, were released into the sea. Today the capacity of fishes released to restock the surround marine waters stands at 100,000 fishes. (GPIC Sustainability Report, 2014, Building a Greener Future, 156pp).

Also Read: Dugongs in Local Bahrain Waters

Green Finance in the Middle East: An Overview

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Green finance is among the most important enablers that would boost innovation and increase the adoption of green solutions and practices across different industrial sectors. Green finance, which has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, provides public well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks and improving ecological integrity.

green-finance

Middle East is making good progress towards green growth and low-carbon economy. “The latest regional trends highlight the need for green financing mechanisms to support transition to green economy”, said Ruba Al-Zu’bi, a well-known sustainability expert. “While green may be the obvious feasible and sustainable approach, access to finance makes it more appealing for small and medium enterprises and to individuals to promptly take the right decision”, she added.

Jordan is one of the earliest proponents of green finance in the Middle East. “Green finance in Jordan is being offered through public channels, such as the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), commercial banks, micro-finance institutions as well as International Financial Institutions”, said Ruba.  “Most of green finance mechanisms are supported by technical assistance, awareness-raising and targeted marketing activities, all of which are crucial to success of green projects”, she said.

green-finance

In the GCC, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) is gearing up to launch a $500 million green bond, the first in the region. This green bond will provide a boost to renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, and is expected to catalyze sustainable development projects in the GCC.

To sum up, green finance will act as a major enabler for local, regional and international financing needs of green projects. The regional interest in green technologies and project is expected to provide impetus to climate change mitigation and adaptation projects across the Middle East region. The key to success, according to Ruba Al-Zu’bi, will be market readiness, effective governance frameworks, capacity-building and technology transfer.

أزمه المياه في مصر

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تعاني مصر في السنوات الاخيرة من شح شديد في المياه و يعد توزيع المياه غير المتكافئ و اساءه استخدام موارد المياه وتقنيات الري غير الفعاله بعض العوامل الرئيسيه التي تلعب دورا مدمرا للأمن المائي فيالبلاد.

يعد نهر النيل شريان الحياة في مصر حيث  يغطي متطلبا ت الزراعة و الصناعه و هو المصدر الرئيسيلمياه الشرب للسكان. ان ارتفاع معدلات النمو السكاني و التنمية الاقتصادية السريعة  في دول حوض النيل  بالإضافة الى التلوث و التدهور  البيئي آخذُ باستنزاف الموارد المائية في مصر.

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 و تواجه مصر   عجزا مائيا يقدر  بسبع بليون متر مكعب سنويا .وفي حقيقة الامر فإن الامم المتحدة قد حذرت من نفاذ المياه في مصر بحلول عام 2025.

دعونا نلقي نظره فاحصه على العوامل الرئيسيه التي تؤثر على الامن المائي في مصر.

الانفجار السكاني

ان العدد السكاني في مصر اّخذ بالتكاثر بمعدل ينذر بالخطر , ولقد زاد بنسبه 41 بالمئه منذ بداية التسعينيات. تشير التقارير الاخيرة من قبل الحكومة الى ان حوالي 4,700   حديثي الولادة تضاف الى عدد السكان كل أسبوع و تشير التوقعات المستقبليه  الى ان عدد السكان سيرتفع من 80 مليون الى 98.7 مليون بحلول عام 2025.

ان الزيادة السكانية السريعة من شأنها ان تضاعف الضغط على الامداد المائي من خلال زيادة الاحتياجات المائية  للاستهلاك المحلي و زيادة استخدام مياه الري  لتلبيه الطلب على الغذاء.

الري غير الفعال

تحصل مصر على نسبه اقل من 80 ملم من الهطول المطري سنويا,وتعد ما نسبته 6 بالمئه من اراضيها فقط صالحا للزراعة وما تبقى فهو صحراء.وهذا بدوره  يؤدي الى الافراط في الري واستخدام تقنيات الري المسرف كالري السطحي ( الري بالغمر) و هي طريقه قديمه للري حيث يتم اغراق القطعة الزراعيه بالمياه.

industrial-pollution-nile

Industrial pollution is wrecking havoc in Nile

في الوقت الحالي,فان شبكة الري تستمد بالكامل من سد اسوان العالي و هذا بدوره ينظم اكثر من 18,000 ميل من القنوات الرئيسية و القنوات الفرعيه التي تروي الاراضي الزراعيه المجاوره للنهر. يعد هذا النظام غير فعال , حيث يقدر معدل الفاقد من مياه النيل بفعل التبخر 3 مليارات متر مكعب سنويا . ان من شأن  انخفاض الامداد المائي  ان يقود الى انخفاض الاراضي الصالحة للزراعة و حيث ان قطاع الزراعه يشكل اكبر رب عمل للشباب فان شح المياه يمكن ان يقود الى زيادة معدلات البطالة.

التلوث

 اصبحت المخلفات الزراعية والنفايات الصناعية السائلة  و مياه الصرف الصحي ُتلقى بغير اهتمام في نهر النيل مما يجعلها تدريجيا غير صالحة للاستهلاك البشري. اضف الى ذلك فإن مياه الصرف الصحي القادمة من الاحياء الفقيرة ومناطق عديدة في القاهره اضحت تفرغ في نهر النيل وذلك لنقص  المحطات المعالجة لتلك المياه.

 تلك المخلفات الزراعية عاده ما تحتوي على ملوثات من مبيدات الحشرات و الاعشاب مما يؤثر سلبا على مياه النهر. كذلك النفايات الصناعية السائله غالبا ما تكون شديدة السميه وتحتوي على معادن ثقيلة و التي يمكن ان تتحد مع المواد الصلبه العالقة في مياه الصرف الصحي لتشكل الوحل. كل هذه العوامل مجتمعه معا من شأنها ان تلوث نهر النيل و تنذر بشؤم للأجيال القادمة.

الاضطرابات الاقليميه

تسيطر مصر على غالبيه الموارد المائية المستخرجه من نهر النيل بمقتضى معاهدة الحقبه الاستعمارية التي تضمن حصة  ما نسبته 90 بالمئه من نهر النيل و تمنع الدول المجاوره لها من الحصول ولو على قطره واحده من النيل من دون الحصول على إذنها .وعلى الرغم من ذلك فان هذا لا يمنع  البلدان الواقعه على نهر النيل  مثل بوروندي و اثيوبيا من استغلال الاضطرابات السياسيه التي تعصف بمصر وكسب المزيد من السيطرة على حقوق  النيل. ورغم ان نهر النيل يزود مصر بما نسبته 95 بالمئه من المياه العذبة   فإن فقدان بعض الامدادات المائية يمكن ان يشكل متاعب إضافيه لمصر.

الختام

إن قضيه المياه في مصر تتصاعد بنسبه مثيره للقلق. بحلول عام 2020 ,سوف تستهلك مصر بما يقدَر 20 بالمئه اكثر  من المياه مما كانت عليه. مع فقدان قبضتها على النيل  فان شح المياه في مصر  من شأنه ان يهدد استقرار البلاد و الهيمنة الاقليميه. و هذا يحتم على الحكومة المصريه و جميع السكان التحرك بسرعة وبشكل حاسم للتخفيف من شح المياه  وتطبيق اساليب و تقنيات اكثر فاعليه للمحافظة على المياه و منع تلوثها  ووضع وتطوير خطط من شأنها السيطرة على تلوث المياه وجعل تقنيات الري اكثر فاعليه و كفاءة و ذلك لتجنب وقوع كارثة.

ترجمة

سلام عبدالكريم عبابنه

مهندسه مدنية في شركة المسار المتحده للمقاولات – مهتمه في مجال البيئه و الطاقة المتجدده

Islamic Perspectives on Overpopulation, Overconsumption and Climate Change

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Overpopulation – and incipient overconsumption – are the twin products of the capitalist system. Consumerism is characterized by the desire for material goods. It is the dominant ideology of our times and holds responsibility for the Climate Crisis. This is as consumerism is intimately linked with anthropocentrism, environmental destruction and global inequality Moreover, Islam can provide a thoroughgoing critique of the prevailing socio-economic system.  As such, it is necessary to develop a strong Islamic platform in order to work towards economic justice and sustainability.

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Overpopulation can be better understood through analysis of overconsumption and resource depletion. The scale of the problem can be evidenced by high birth rates in the developing world as well as the global increase in life expectancy. Indeed, capitalism and development have fueled medical advances and raised the average standard of living. Nonetheless, the notion of continuous development and human progress raises serious ethical concerns.

Hence, the necessity of challenging, “the premise of perpetual growth in consumption, which puts it on a collision course with the natural world”. [1] Consequently, Islamic thought and practice can help shift the status quo. This is especially pertinent in the developed world. Therefore, much of blame goes to, “those in rich countries currently responsible of overconsumption”. [2] Also, this relates to Islamic practice. More specifically, “the focus will be on the individual’s spirituality…rather than working solely on the outer material world”. [3] Thus, Islam can mitigate the worst effects of resource depletion by emphasizing moderation and self-reflection.

In the long-term, restructuring individual behavior can influence the outcome of the Climate Crisis. This is as Islamic teachings can encourage good citizenship and motivate people to be less materialistic. On the whole, such individual transformation can curb overconsumption and reduce the effects of Climate Change.

food-overconsumption

In addition, overpopulation and overconsumption link with Islamic concerns around environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability relates to, whether environmental resources will be protected and maintained for future generations. As a result, “any transition towards a sustainable world can only be effective if societal changes complement technological advancements”. [4] Islam is well equipped to lead the way. Islamic teachings can act as a revolutionary tool for social transformation and cut the cycle of overpopulation and overconsumption.

As the Qur’an stresses individual accountability, Islam has, “no conceptual difficulty in addressing questions of regulating population in the light of available resources”. [5] On the whole, such social concern is also reflected in the Islamic response to Climate Change. Sustainability must be embedded within the wider Islamic framework in order to raise consciousness of Climate Change. Hence, Muslim scholars (ulama) are obligated to, “issue fatwas on the environment”. [6] Taking decisive action is also an educational requirement.

Therefore, “governments could introduce curriculums in schools highlighting themes found in the Quran such as the importance of nature, treating animals compassionately and the prohibition on wastefulness”.  [6] If this advice is heeded, then young people will be better prepared to deal with the long-term consequences of Climate Change. On the whole, new Islamic initiatives are necessary to inspire eco-consciousness and encourage systemic change.

Moreover, overpopulation and overconsumption link with Islamic concerns about inequality and poverty. To a certain extent, this discourse also relates to Climate Change. Although, “average living standards have risen… the gap between the very rich and the very poor has broadened”. [7] Hence, citizens of low income countries are ill equipped to face the challenges to come. This is as, “poverty and environmental issues are interrelated”. [7] Furthermore, environmental problems are more severe among the poor and marginalized in the Global South.

Environmental degradation is fueled by overconsumption in the Global North and adds to structural problems in the developing world. Meanwhile, a growing population in the Global South- and the prevalence of large families- puts strain on natural resources and negatively impacts quality of life.  Subsequently, the Climate Crisis “increases the impact of floods and other environmental catastrophes” [7]. Islamic teachings offer a powerful alternative. Consequently, “Islamic microfinance holds tremendous potential to tap into … Islamic donor streams – zakat, sadaqat, and waqf – and channel them toward strategic, impact-oriented goals” [8].

To conclude, Islamic teachings offer a practical approach to overpopulation and overconsumption. By providing a visionary perspective on socio-economic problems, Islam is useful for engaging with the Climate Crisis.

Bibliography

[1] Lent, J., 2018. What Will It Really Take To Avoid Collapse? | MAHB. [online] MAHB. Available at: <https://mahb.stanford.edu/blog/avoid-collapse/> [Accessed 10 August 2020].

[2] Russell, R., 2017. Let’s Talk About Overpopulation… | DW | 10.02.2017. [online] DW.COM. Available at: <https://www.dw.com/en/lets-talk-about-overpopulation/a-37481009> [Accessed 10 August 2020].

[3] Samsudi, S., 2017. Islam And Sustainable Consumption. [online] The Star Online. Available at: <https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/ikim-views/2017/05/09/islam-and-sustainable-consumption-if-we-recognise-that-the-ecological-crisis-is-a-reflection-of-a-sp> [Accessed 10 August 2020].

[4] Koop, Fermin. 2020. “Overconsumption Is The Bane Of Sustainability, New Study Concludes”. ZME Science. https://www.zmescience.com/science/overconsumption-is-the-bane-of-sustainability-new-study-concludes/.

[5] Baig, Naeem. 2014. “Climate Change: A Muslim Perspective | Islamic Circle Of North America (ICNA)”. Icna.Org. https://www.icna.org/climate-change-a-muslim-perspective/.

[6] Casey, Michael, and Karl Ritter. 2012. “Some Wish Islam Would Inform Climate Talks”. News.Yahoo.Com. https://news.yahoo.com/wish-islam-inform-climate-debate-064710450.html.

[7] Bharadwaj, Niranjan. 2016. “The Relationship Between Poverty And The Environment”. Voices Of Youth. https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/relationship-between-poverty-and-environment.

[8] Kustin, Bridget. 2015. “Does Islamic Finance Reduce Poverty?”. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/10/does-islamic-finance-reduce-poverty/.

عِقْد العمل: المدن وأنسنة أهداف التنمية المستدامة

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بقي أمامنا 10 سنوات على إنجاز ما التزمنا به ضمن الأجندة العالمية للتنمية المستدامة 2030. إلا أن وتيرة التقدم في تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة أبطأ من المطلوب. في كانون الثاني/يناير 2020، وفي محاولة لتسريع التقدم وتكثيف الجهود، أطلق الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة أنطونيو غوتيريش “عِقْد العمل والإنجاز من أجل التنمية المستدامة”. ويستند العِقْد إلى ثلاثة مستويات من العمل: العمل العالمي، والعمل المحلي، والعمل الشعبي.

وعقب أسابيع من الإعلان، ضرب وباء “كوفيد-19” الكرة الأرضية وفاقم التحديات أمام جهود تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة حول العالم. وفي حين أن رفاه الإنسان يقع في صميم التنمية المستدامة، إلا أن التوقعات تشير إلى ارتفاع معدل الفقر المدقع العالمي إلى 8.4 – 8.8 % في العام 2020، وهو ما يقارب معدلاته في العام 2017. وهذا يعني أن ما يقدر بنحو 40 إلى 60 مليون شخص قد يُدفعون إلى براثن الفقر المدقع، مما يتسبب في أول زيادة في الفقر العالمي منذ أكثر من 20 عاماً. وهذا وحده كفيل بتهديد معظم أهداف التنمية المستدامة في جميع أنحاء العالم إن لم يكن كلها.

cities-sustainable-development-goals

Achieving low-carbon, sustainable growth in Arab cities is a complex task.

وبينما يشير الخبراء والمنظمات إلى هذه الزيادة الملحوظة في الفقر، تبرز الظواهر الوخيمة التالية كأولويات نحتاج جميعاً إلى فهمها ومعالجتها كونها في قلب الأهداف التنموية: تعتبر النساء والفتيات من أكبر المتأثرين بالصدمة الاقتصادية، كما يتأثر 90% من الأطفال حول العالم بإغلاق المدارس وبما يرتبط بذلك من توقف تزويد المكملات الغذائية واللقاحات. ومن الملاحظ أيضا ازدياد مستويات عدم العدالة والفروقات الاجتماعية بأنواعها، وتصاعد معدلات الجوع، مع التلويح بعدم القدرة على الالتزام بمستويات خفض الانبعاثات اللازمة للتصدي للتغير المناخي.

لقد حان الوقت لتحديد من تركنا خلفنا من فئات هشة ولحشد وتمكين الجهود المحلية للأخذ بزمام المبادرة نحو تحقيق انتعاش عالمي مستدام.

لماذا المدن؟

المدن هي محركات حيوية للنمو الاقتصادي والرفاه الاجتماعي. فالمدن التي تخطط وتدير وتديم خدمات البنية التحتية والتنمية البشرية بشكل كفؤ توفر فرصا هائلة للحد من الفقر وتحقيق الرفاه الاجتماعي. وفي إطار التنمية المستدامة، يمكن للمدن أن تقود عملية التحول اللازمة لتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة، والأهم من ذلك أن تحفز العمل المحلي من أجل مجتمعات منعة وصحية وعادلة

SDGs-Cities-Arab-World

إطار أهداف التنمية المستدامة – لماذا؟

تؤدي المخاطر والتحديات المتنامية والمرتبطة بالبنى التحتية والتنمية البشرية والتماسك والسلامة المجتمعية، علاوة على تغير المناخ والهجرات البشرية؛ إلى تعقيدات إضافية في مهام الحكومات المحلية. وقد يشكل الإطار العام لأهداف التنمية المستدامة اللغة المشتركة والإطار الشامل لفهم تلك التحديات والتعقيدات والتصدي لها. ففي حين أن المبادئ والأهداف الشاملة للتنمية المستدامة موحدة في جميع أنحاء العالم، إلا أنها تتيح المجال للكثير من المواءمة والابتكار من قبل المدن للاستجابة لاحتياجاتها المحلية الفريدة والمعقدة. وتعد الروابط والتداخلات المتعددة بين مختلف أهداف التنمية المستدامة أحد أهم محفزات الابتكار لتطوير الحلول التي تعالج أكثر من أولوية وتحقق أكثر من هدف. ومن جانب آخر، فإن المحددات المالية التي تواجهها معظم المدن تعتبر أيضا محفزات للابتكار ولتطوير ونشر التكنولوجيا التي من شأنها أن تساهم في الانتعاش الاقتصادي والعدالة الاجتماعية.

الاستعراضات المحلية الطوعية (Voluntary Local Reviews)

الاستعراض المحلي الطوعي هو أداة تستخدمها الحكومات المحلية للإبلاغ عن التقدم المحرز في تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة. في العام 2018، أطلقت مدينة نيويورك أول مراجعة محلية طوعية كوسيلة لمأسسة عملية إعداد التقارير حول التقدم المحرز في تحقيق التنمية المستدامة. ومن الممكن تعريف الاستعراض المحلي الطوعي على أنه منتج ملموس لإشراك المواطنين، والشركاء، والمدن النظيرة، والمجتمع العالمي في تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة.

ومع الوقت، تبين أن القيمة المضافة من الرحلة لا تقل أهمية عن الوجهة أو المخرج النهائي. فقد ساهمت عملية المراجعة وإعداد التقرير الطوعي في تحفيز التعاون بين مختلف المؤسسات المعنية في المدينة من خلال جمع البيانات وتحليلها، وتحديد وتقييم التقدم المحرز من مختلف الأوجه، علاوة على تعزيز الوعي وبناء القدرات بين الموظفين المعنيين. واستمر هذا الزخم والتعاون إلى ما بعد الانتهاء من إعداد التقرير، مما يبرز مخرجا هاما آخر من عملية المراجعة المحلية. كما أثبتت الاستعراضات المحلية أهميتها كمنصات لنشر المعرفة وتعزيز مبادئ الشفافية والمساءلة كقيم جوهرية للتنمية المستدامة الحقيقية.

المدن تقود التغيير

على خلاف الاستعراض الوطني الطوعي (Voluntary National Review) ، فإن الاستعراض المحلي الطوعي لا يتمتع بأي صفة رسمية في الأمم المتحدة. لذا، لا توجد إجراءات أو معايير معتمدة لإعداده، مما يترك الباب مفتوحا أمام كل مدينة لتصميم وإعداد المراجعة التي توائم احتياجاتها وأولوياتها.

تقود بعض المدن مثل نيويورك وهلسنكي المسيرة في متابعة تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة. وينضم تباعا العديد من المدن من جميع أنحاء العالم من خلال شبكات ومنصات مختلفة.  ويشمل ذلك عددا من المدن الصغيرة ذات الموارد المحدودة التي تقوم بخطوات صغيرة ولكنها ملموسة على نفس المسار.

في حين توفر الاستعراضات الطوعية معلومات موثقة حول التقدم المحرز، فهي توفر أيضا السياق الصحيح للحوار المشترك والاتفاق بين مختلف الجهات المعنية على الأولويات والأهداف ومؤشرات الأداء الرئيسية. ومن بين بعض الالتزامات التي أعلنتها مدينة نيويورك في استعراضها الطوعي: الوصول إلى الحياد الكربوني بحلول عام 2050 من خلال السعي إلى تنفيذ إجراءات صارمة لتخفيف انبعاثات غازات الاحتباس الحراري من المباني، والاعتماد على مصادر نظيفة للكهرباء بنسبة 100٪، بالتوازي مع خلق فرص عمل خضراء وتحميل الملوثين الكلف المتعلقة بالتغير المناخي؛ بالإضافة إلى إيجاد طرق لإعادة الاستخدام النافع لكافة المخلفات الحيوية للمدينة بحلول عام 2030، حيث ستساهم هذه الاستثمارات  في تحقيق أهداف الطاقة المتجددة وتقليل نسبة النفايات الذاهبة إلى المكبات إلى الصفر؛ كما تضمنت المراجعة العديد من الالتزامات الأخرى المتعلقة بالبيئة والصحة والشمولية المالية. وحدد الاستعراض المحلي الطوعي لمدينة نيويورك 10 مؤشرات أداء رئيسية لتتبع التقدم المحرز على أهداف التنمية المستدامة.

من ناحية أخرى، تعترف مدينة هلسنكي بأهمية الاستدامة في جعلها مركزًا عالميًا للابتكار.  وتضع هلسنكي التعليم الجيد والعمل اللائق والنمو الاقتصادي على رأس الأهداف التي تسعى إلى تحقيقها ضمن رؤية المدينة.

وبنظرة أكثر قربا، تيرز في منطقتنا العربية، وتحديدا في الأردن، مجموعة من المبادرات التي تقودها المدن والسلطات المحلية. فقد انضمت العاصمة الأردنية عمّان إلى العديد من الشبكات والمنصات لتعزيز تبنيها لاستراتيجيات الطاقة النظيفة، والانبعاثات الكربونية المنخفضة، والمدن المنعة. كما تعمل جهات أخرى هامة، مثل بنك تنمية المدن والقرى، على تبني برامج خاصة لدعم الاستدامة وتمكين البلديات المحلية من تنفيذ مشاريع استراتيجية في هذا المجال.

amman-sustainability

وعلى نطاق أصغر، تُظهر مدينة سحاب قيادة وريادة حقيقية في التحول نحو التنمية المستدامة. وتعاني سحاب من نسبة  فقر تصل إلى  54%، وتبلغ مساحتها الإجمالية 12 كم2 يقطن فيها حوالي  75  ألف مواطن أردني بالإضافة إلى 40,000 لاجئ سوري. تواجه سحاب العديد من التحديات البيئية، وتضم المدينة اثنتين من أكبر المناطق الصناعية في المملكة. وعلى الرغم من محدودية الموارد المتاحة لمدن مثل سحاب، إلا أنها تبرز كنموذج يحتذى في تصميم والبدء بتنفيذ استراتيجية خاصة بالطاقة النظيفة (كفاءة الطاقة والطاقة المتجددة).  كما انضمت سحاب، مدفوعة بشغف فريقها والتزامه، إلى ميثاق رؤساء المدن والمحليات العالمي للمناخ والطاقة (Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy) والذي يهدف إلى دعم وإشراك المدن والبلدات في تحقيق أهداف الطاقة والمناخ.

المدن – كبيرة كانت أم صغيرة – هي الحمض النووي المتكامل لأهداف التنمية المستدامة. ومن خلال وضع المدن وتفاعلاتها في الصف الأمامي، فإننا نضفي الطابع الإنساني على أهداف التنمية المستدامة ونقربها من القضايا المحلية والجهات الفاعلة. ولا يمكن أن يكون الوقت أكثر ملاءمة للاستفادة من إطار أهداف التنمية المستدامة لإنشاء وتعزيز الشراكات والتعاون بين الأفراد والمؤسسات للعمل معا على وضع وتنفيذ خطط مشتركة لانتعاش اقتصادي مستدام.