A Message on World Environment Day

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The World Environment Day implores us to appreciate the beauty of nature and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. The World Environment Day invites you to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.

world-environment-day

People and Nature

The World Environment urge us to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.

Billions of rural people around the world spend every working day ‘connected to nature’ and appreciate full well their dependence on natural water supplies and how nature provides their livelihoods in the form of fertile soil. They are among the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, whether by pollution, climate change or over-exploitation.

land degradation in MENA

Nature’s gifts are often hard to value in monetary terms. Like clean air, they are often taken for granted, at least until they become scarce. However, economists are developing ways to measure the multi-trillion-dollar worth of many so-called ‘ecosystem services’, from insects pollinating fruit trees to the leisure, health and spiritual benefits of a hike up a valley.

Over the last few decades we have gained, thanks to scientific advances and increased awareness of environmental matters, a much better understanding of the countless ways in which natural systems support our own prosperity and well-being. Whilst nature’s gifts are often hard to value in monetary terms, what they have to offer mankind is invaluable.

connecting-with-nature

World Environment Day organisers are challenging us to find fun and exciting way to experience and cherish this valuable relationship. Whether you pay a visit to one of your country’s national parks or biosphere reserve or take a stroll through one of your city’s green spaces,

In the age of concrete and smartphones (and the many other distractions of modern life), connection with nature can be fleeting. But with your help, World Environment Day can make it clearer than ever that we need harmony between humanity and nature so that both are able to thrive.

World Environment Day is a day for everyone, everywhere….

How to Conserve Water at Home: An Easy Guide

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There is no doubt that we are spoilt in the developed world: We use far too much water, and we really should be doing something about it. The problem is that we live in houses that are already predisposed to wasting water. Granted, these days, if you buy a new home, it should be environmentally sound with the latest domestic water conservation strategies in place. However, what if you live in an older house or in a more modern one that has been poorly maintained?

home water filtration

This article sheds light on where you are using the most water and how you can do your bit to help conserve water at your home.

How is Most Water at Home Used?

The average amount of water used by an American is about 152 gallons a day. In Britain, they do a bit better at 88 gallons. However, to put this into context, the average Asian uses no more than 25 gallons a day and the average African only 12. It seems like Westerners need to do a lot better.

Looking at the numbers above, I think it is fair to say that most of us are blissfully unaware of how much water we use in daily activities. So, let’s have a look at where most of our water goes. As a quick side note, I’m going to continue quoting only figures for the US. Otherwise, this article will be all numbers and percentages.

  • At nearly a quarter (24%) of all daily use, the humble toilet comes in first place. That’s 37 gallons per person each day just for going to the loo.
  • In second place is the shower using 31 gallons (20%) a day.
  • In third place is water from the tap, which uses 29 gallons (19%).
  • And in fourth place are washing machines with 26 daily gallons (17%).
  • At last come leaks with an astonishing 18 gallons (12%) a day.

(Source)

The remaining 8% is labeled as ‘other’. One of the items probably in the ‘other’ column is water softeners. While it is true that water softeners ‘waste’ water when regenerating, they also save it in many other ways. So if you live in an area with hard water, getting a water softener may benefit your water conservation.

This, however, depends on the right programming so that waste is reduced to a minimum. It is also important that you are not using an outdated model as these tend to use a lot more water than necessary.

Water Wastage at Home

One of the figures that jump out in the list above is the amount of water wasted because of leaks. Citing figures from the EPA, the Washington Post says that Americans waste 1 trillion gallons of water this way – every single year. To put that figure into context (I have a feeling I’ll be saying that a lot in this article), 1 trillion gallons are the equivalent of the water use of 11 million homes.

Although some of this waste can be attributed to invisible pipe leaks, a great deal of it is leaky taps, showers and toilets. To quote the Washington Post ‘one faucet (tap) leaking one drip per minute adds up to 34 gallons per year’.

Another area of concern is the amount of water that a toilet may be wasting. Flushing a toilet uses a considerable amount of water already, but if you add in the amount of water wasted because of worn out flapper valves, a common cause of leaking toilets, the amount could run into the hundreds or even thousands of gallons each year.

Water Conservation at Home

I think it’s fair to say that we could all do more to help the environment by using less water. What many people might not realize is that this is actually not that hard. It doesn’t mean showering only once a week or wearing the same dirty outfit day after day. It’s just making a small effort to fix little things. So, let’s look at some ways we can all do our bit!

1. In the Bathroom

Since the bathroom is where we use almost half of our water, this is where we can do the most good.

  • Firstly, all modern toilets comes with a dual flush system. If yours doesn’t, replacing it would be a good start.
  • Another extremely effective way to save water is to put some pebbles in a couple of plastic bottles, fill them up with water, and then place them in the toilet tank away from any moving parts. That will save you thousands of gallons a year. Just make sure there is still enough water in the tank for a proper flush, about three gallons or so.
  • For showers, one of the best and easiest ways to save water is to install a low-flow showerhead. Not running the shower constantly helps too. Once you have got yourself wet, turn off the shower. There is no need for the shower to be running while you’re lathering yourself up. When you’re ready to rinse, turn the shower on again.
  • Another great way to save water when showering is to add a timer. If you know you only have a certain time to get wet, soaped up, and rinse yourself off, you will spend far less time daydreaming and much more time washing.

2. Doing the Laundry

Saving water when washing clothes is a little more complicated.

  • One obvious way to save water is to make sure you are washing full loads.
  • Another is to make sure you are using a high-efficiency washing machine. If you haven’t got one, you should consider replacing your old washer as you could be using six times less water for each load. If you use your washing machine once a day, that could mean a saving of 329 gallons a week.

3. Fixing Leaks

Finally, let’s look at leaks.

  • The first and most obvious thing to do is fix any leaking taps and showerheads. Don’t forget to check your taps outside as well.
  • Next, check if your toilet is leaking. Sometimes it is not that clear, so one of the best methods is to add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Check a bit later and if there is colored water in the bowl, you know there’s a leak.

  • After you have done all of the above, one final thing you can do is to check for invisible leaks. This is best done when you are going to leave the house for a few hours or more. If the house is empty during the day, this is a perfect time to check. First, make sure that there is nothing in the house that may use water. Next, check the water meter and make a note of the number. Finally, when you come back, recheck the meter. If it has moved, there is a leak you don’t know about.

There are certainly some shocking figures in this article, but if we were to decide that they were too big to fix, we would never improve the situation. To quote a well-known expression, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Try and take your first step to save water today.

Tips for Hot Water Conservation in Households

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The use of hot water in homes, offices, commercial centers, educational buildings and institutions increases manifolds during winter months. The demand of hot water for showers, laundry and washing makes up more than a third of an average household’s water and energy use in winter. The conservation of energy is essential as the cost of both electricity and water is increasing steadily and the consumers will have to pay more for energy and water bills.

ecofriendly tankless heater

The main areas of hot water usage in residential areas are bathroom and kitchen. Bathing consumes up to 62 liters of hot water on an average, depending on the type of dwelling, type of fixtures/showerhead and duration of bath. It also depends on the number of users and their age. Young people tend to use and waste more water as compared to adults. Women consume water than men.

The other usage of hot water is for laundry which consumes a significant quantity of hot water. A standard warm cycle on a top loading washing machine may use up to 50 liters of hot water. People think that washing with hot water is more efficient and lead to cleaner and tidy clothes and textiles.

However, this understanding is subjective due to good quality of washing powders that are available which can offset the use of hot water and maintain fabric quality and durability. A better understanding of what types of clothes are to be washed is to be made to avoid huge quantity of hot water usage.

how to conserve hot water

The amount of hot water used in the kitchen depends on how we wash our cooking utensils. For dishes washed by hand in a sink full of water will typically use around 10 liters of hot water. It is advisable to fill the sink with mixed hot and cold/ warm water and do cleaning and clearing before rinsing to avoid use of more hot water. This activity can saves a lot of hot water which otherwise goes waste.

The main hot water wastage is when we open the tap and wait for hot water to come while the cold water goes to the drain. Usually, all households are careless and do not think it is the water wastage as they wait for hot water to come. The other aspect is leakage in water heater, tank, equipment and piping. A tap dripping at one drop per second wastes 800 liters of water per month.

How to Reduce Hot Water Wastage

Here are a few tips to reduce hot water wastage which you may implement in your home:

  • Turning the hot water faucet off while shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Using low-flow faucets, taps and showerheads to reduce water flow and thereby wastage.
  • Ensure geyser, washing machine and dishwashers are of right capacity based on the number of users.
  • Install the hot water equipment close to the point of use to minimize long piping and heat loss like installing separate geyser in kitchen and bathroom.
  • Pre–rinse the dirty dishes using cold water, or scrape them clean before putting them in the dishwater.
  • Use washing machine and dishwasher only when the load is full.
  • Do not waste water when you open the hot water tap, collect this water in a bucket and use it for some other purposes like cleaning and watering plants

الاهتمام بالبيئة وتعزيز احترام الذات

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إن الاهتمام بالبيئة له دور كبير لشعور الانسان بالقيمة والفائدة، فإن الاعتناء بالنباتات مثلاً ومشاهدتها تنمو تعطيك شعوراً بأنك قد أحدثت فرقاُ في حياة كائن حي.

العلاقة بين العناية بالبيئة والصحة النفسية

عندما يبدأ الانسان بتقدير ذاته والعناية بصحته البدنية، هنا يبداً التعافي النفسي للإنسان ومن هنا عندما يهتم الانسان بالبيئة فإن وعيه يزداد ايجابياً مما يعزز صحته النفسية. هذه الجرعة من الثقة بالنفس وتقدير الذات تحدث فرقاً كبيراُ في حياة الأشخاص المتعافين من مشاكل نفسية وجسدية، فإذا كان شخص ما يتعافى من الإدمان ويتلقى العلاج، وبدأ يومه بري النباتات مثلاُ وقام بنشاطات إعادة تدوير وإعادة استخدام، فسيشعر بالرضى عن نفسه وسيشعر كذلك بأنه مفيد لذا فإنه سيكمل ما يعمل بجميع أمور حياته، مما يعزز نفسيته ويحسنها.

environmental care

ربما سمعتم عن حملات تنظيف الشواطئ وغرس الأشجار للأشخاص في مراكز التعافي النفسي يهدف هذا التمرين إلى تحفيز أعصاب هؤلاء النزلاء ليبدأوا بالتفكير بأنفسهم كأشخاص نافعين.

بناء الهوية من خلال الهدف

عندما يكون الانسان مدمن مخدرات على سبيل المثال، فإن شعور عدم الفائدة يبقى ملازماً له وفي أغلب الأحيان يشعر هذا الشخص بأنه فرد غير ضروري في المجتمع، وهنا يأتي دور رعايته بالبيئة بإعطائه شعوراً بأنه شخص مفيد، وله هدف في الحياة، يصبح لديه وعياً أكير في جميع جوانب حياته، فعلى سبيل المثال، يشعر الشخص الذي يحاول الإقلاع عن ادمان الكحول بالفراغ وعدم القدرة على القيام بمختلف المسؤوليات. وبالرغم من ذلك، إذا كُلف هذا الشخص أن يقوم بري النباتات والعناية بها، فسيصبح أكثر مسؤولية، خاصة عندما يرى النباتات تنمو وتزهر تحت رعايته، سيشعر كذلك بالسعادة وسوف يستعيد قيمته الذاتية.

وكذلك أيضاً عندما يقوم الناس بتنظيف البيئة المحيطة بهم، أو يشاركوا بإعادة تدوير النفايات، فإن أي عمل يبدعونه بهذه المواد يرفع ثقتهم بنفسهم، وهذا التعزيز المستمر للثقة والاحترام يساعدهم، بل ويمكنهم من مواجهة مشاكل صحتهم النفسية، وتدريجياً يدركون مكانتهم بالمجتمع ويبدأون بالشعور بالمسؤولية والنضج.

اليقظة العملية

إن الرعاية بالأخرين تتطلب مجهودا وصبراً عاليين. بالإضافة لذلك، فإن تحمل المسؤولية يعني الالتزام. فإذا كان الشخص يهتم بالبيئة فسيكون قادراً على التحلي بالصبر والحضور والالتزام بالتأكيد. جميع هذه الصفات ستجعله أكثر وعياً ومسؤولية وقادراً على التعافي من أي نوع من الامراض. إذا شارك هذا الشخص في أعمال بيئية مختلفة مثل التسميد والزراعة وإعادة التدوير، فسيتباطأ جهازه العصبي مما يجعله هادئاً وسعيداً. ويشجع على الوعي باللحظة الحاضرة ويعزز عملية التفكير، وكذلك فإن العمل البيئي يقوي فكرة أن الجهد – مع مرور الوقت – يؤدي إلى التحول. بعض من هذه الاعمال الروتينية الواعية بالبيئة تعمل على خلق العيش الواعي مما يقلل التوتر والضغط ويساعد على زيادة الشعور بالإنجاز.

من الدمار إلى الترميم

إن تعاطي المخدرات غالباً ما يؤدي إلى غرس أفكار هدامة ويأس شديد لدى المتعاطي، وإذا أفرط شخص ما بتناول أي مادة، فإن آثارها تكون ملحوظة في علاقاته وتفاعله الاجتماعي وكذلك تقدمه المهني وجميع جوانب حياته. وهنا يبرز دور العمل الإصلاحي الذي يعتبر نظيراً نفسياً وروحياً للشفاء. حيث إنه إذ حاول الشخص استعادة أو اصلاح أي ضرر في الأرض فإنه سيزداد ثقة بنفسه ويتحسن نفسياً. إن القيام بإنعاش الحدائق والمساحات الخضراء والحفاظ عليها يعطي هذا الشخص جرعة كبيرة لشفاء من التعاطي.

الفوائد العاطفية للمسؤولية البيئية

إن العمل البيئي كغرس الأشجار وري النباتات ومشاهدتها تنمو له الأثر الملموس في حياة الأشخاص، حيث إن مثل هذه الاعمال تُظهر للفرد أن العمل الجاد والدؤوب يعطي نتائج مثمرة. يشعر هؤلاء الافراد بالتشجيع ويكتسبون شعوراً ايجابياً تجاه أنفسهم، مما يساعدهم على تجاوز الشعور بالعزلة، وكذلك فإن أعمال الاستدامة تُظهر أن التعافي من المشاكل النفسية لا يُضعف الانسان، بل على العكس فإنه يقويه ويجعله أكثر قدرة على المساهمة الإيجابية بالمجتمع، وعندما يراه الناس متحملا للمسؤولية وجاداً بأفعاله فإن ذلك يعيد بناء الثقة في شخصيته والتزامه.

nature-based learning

كيفية دمج الرعاية البيئية مع تعافـي الصحة النفسية

فيما يلي سنذكر بعض الطرق العملية لاستغلال الرعاية البيئية واستخدامها بالتغلب على مشاكل الصحة النفسية:

1. برامج العلاج البيئي

يمكن لمراكز التعافي النفسي دمج الأنشطة البيئية، كالبستنة والتنزه بالغابات، والتشجير وكذلك المزارع البيئية، والتسميد وحتى أعمال إعادة التدوير وصناعة الحرف اليدوية، يمكن لجميع هذه الأنشطة أن تكون وسائل رائعة ومفيدة لإعطاء كل نزيل شعوراً بالفائدة، وكذلك فإن الأنشطة التي تقام بمساعدة الحيوانات والرعاية بها تساعد المتعافين بتنظيم مشاعرهم.

2. ورش عمل “المعيشة المستدامة”

إن تعليم المهام البيئية للمتعافين مثل البستنة والتسميد وتعلم العيش بلا نفايات، حيث إن هذا التعليم مفيداً لمن يعانون من مشاكل بصحتهم النفسية، ويُحسّن من اليأس وتعزز من ثقتهم بأنفسهم وتحسن كذلك مهاراتهم الحياتية بشكل كبير.

3. المبادرات المجتمعية

إن التعاون مع المنظمات “الخضراء” المحلية لإشراك السكان بتجارب جماعية كتنظيف الشواطئ مثلاً أو التشجير والعديد من الفعاليات البيئية، يعزز التواصل والعمل الجماعي والمدني.

شفاء أنفسنا من خلال شفاء الكوكب

كلنا نرغب بالشعور بأننا ذوي فائدة، ولهذه الغريزة العديد من الصفات الحميدة التي تصاحبها، بالنسبة للمتعافين من مشاكل الصحة النفسية، فإنها تعتبر فرصة ممتازة لفعل الخير وإحداث تغيير جذري للأفراد والمجتمعات. لقد شاركنا العديد من القصص حيث كيف كان العمل البيئي مساعداً على بناء تقدير الذات والتعافي بشكل أسرع وكذلك رفع الشعور بالرضى عن النفس.

ترجمة: ماجدة هلسه

أردنية متعددة الإهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب السبعة وعشرون عاماً في مجال المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدولية، وتعمل ماجدة حالياً مع التعاون الدولي الالماني كموظفة مالية. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مدى هذه السنين.

تأثير البيئة الطبيعية على صحتك العقلية

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يقضي الكثير منا أيام العمل في الداخل تحت ضوء الفلورسنت مع اتصالٍ ضعيف أو معدوم بالعالم الطبيعي. لطيف كما يبدو للحصول على بعض الهواء النقي أو المشي بعد العمل، ولكن التفكير في الأمر قد يكون مرهقاً، خاصة عندما الأريكة تدعوك إلى المنزل بعد يوم طويل. لكن قضاء معظم الوقت في الداخل ليس جيداً لصحتك، وقد كشفت مجموعة متزايدة من الأبحاث المزايا العديدة التي يتمتع بها التواجد في الطبيعة على صحتك الجسدية والعقلية.

impact of environment on mental health

تأثير بيئتك على صحتك العقلية

في عالمنا الغربي الحديث، يقضي الكثير من الناس معظم وقتهم في الداخل. علاوة على ذلك، نحن نعيش في وقت يقضي فيه الكثير منا نصف حياته في العالم الرقمي، بالتمرير والتمرير السريع، والدردشة مع الأشخاص عبر الإنترنت.

في حياتنا المزدحمة بشكل متزايد من الانشغال حيث نحن محاصرون بالداخل طوال اليوم ورؤوسنا ملتصقة أو متشتتة مع الشاشات، من السهل أن تمضي فترة طويلة من الوقت دون قضاء وقت ممتع مع الطبيعة، أقل من ذلك بكثير بدون هواتفنا.

الشيء هو أن البشر يحتاجون إلى ملامسة الضوء الطبيعي لتقليل التوتر وضغط الدم وتقوية جهاز المناعة. نحن أيضاً نميل بشكل طبيعي إلى أن نكون في البيئات الطبيعية أكثر من الموائل التي من صنع الإنسان. بالنظر إلى هذا، فلا عجب أننا نشعر بالإرهاق العقلي والجسدي بعد العمل في الداخل طوال اليوم.

قد تكون ميولنا للبقاء في المنزل أحد أسباب زيادة الاكتئاب والقلق والتوتر، وهي للأسف اضطرابات الصحة العقلية الشائعة بشكل متزايد. قد يكون الشعور بالارتباك والإرهاق ونقص الحافز من أعراض قضاء الكثير من الوقت في بيئة اصطناعية.

لماذا يجب قضاء المزيد من الوقت في الطبيعة

الخبر السار هو أن مجموعة متزايدة من الأدلة قد كشفت أن قضاء وقت ممتع في الطبيعة يمكن أن يؤثر إيجابياً ويحسن صحتك العقلية والجسدية.

عند المشي في الغابات أو مناطق الغابات، تقل العلامات الفيسيولوجية للتوتر وتختفي المشاعر السلبية مثل القلق والغضب والاكتئاب. تم بحث هذا جيداً في مفهوم يسمى “”Shirin-yoku (“شيرين-يوكو”)، المصطلح الياباني للاستحمام في الغابة، ويتضمن المشي في منطقة غابة بينما تشغل كل حواسك. بالإضافة إلى كونها مهدئة، فقد ثبت أن هذه الممارسة تعزز جهاز المناعة، وتوازن وتحسن أمراض القلب، وتقلل من اضطرابات الأمعاء. لقد وجد أن الطبيعة لها خصائص علاجية كبيرة وتوفر التحصين ضد الأمراض.

وجدت دراسة أن المرضى الذين خضعوا لعملية جراحية في المرارة تعافوا بشكل أسرع عندما كان لديهم منظر لبيئة خضراء من نوافذهم بدلاً من جدار من الطوب. ‪كما تم كشف أن التعرض للأماكن الخضراء قد يقلل من مخاطر الإصابة بأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية والوفاة المبكرة وارتفاع ضغط الدم ومثل غيرها من الحالات. علاوة على ذلك، فهو يدفع الأمراض العقلية، حيث كشفت إحدى الدراسات أن رؤية أو سماع الطيور القريبة تقلل من خطر الإصابة بالاكتئاب والقلق. بالإضافة إلى كل هذا، هناك مزايا روحية للتواجد في الهواء الطلق. إن قضاء الوقت في الطبيعة يجدد عقلك ويوفر مساحة للتفكير. إنه تصالحي بشكل طبيعي حيث لا يوجد ضغط للسعي أو أن تكون أي شخص آخر غيرك، وتتغير وجهة نظرك تجاه نفسك والعالم من حولك عندما تقر بجمال العالم ومدى ارتباطنا ببعضنا البعض بشكل لا ينفصم. بقدر فائدة الانغماس في بيئة طبيعية، لا ينبغي أن تحل محل الرعاية الصحية المهنية إذا كنت تعاني من اضطراب في الصحة العقلية.

How Environment, Stress, and Loneliness Intersect

طرق قضاء المزيد من الوقت في الطبيعة

لا يجب أن يكون قضاء الوقت في الطبيعة أمرًا معقدًا. يمكنك جني فوائدها من خلال المشي في منطقة غابات بالقرب من منزلك، أو الجلوس بجوار مسطح مائي، أو القيادة إلى شاطئ محلي، أو التنزه في الحديقة، أو قضاء الوقت في حديقتك. يمكنك أيضًا الذهاب في نزهة طويلة خلال عطلة نهاية الأسبوع، إما بمفردك أو مع الأصدقاء. وبغض النظر عن ذلك، فإن المكان المتجدد في الطبيعة هو أي مكان تشعر فيه بالراحة والهدوء. كلما قمت بزيارة هذه المساحات بشكل متكرر وخصصت وقتًا للتواجد في الطبيعة، كان ذلك أفضل. ومع ذلك، إذا كان لديك وقت قصير، فهناك أخبار جيدة: حتى قضاء ٥ دقائق في الخارج يمكن أن يعزز مزاجك، والنظر إلى نافذتك في مساحة خضراء يمكن أن يخفض معدل ضربات قلبك ويجعلك تشعر بالهدوء على الفور. خذ ١٠ دقائق للخروج أثناء استراحة العمل لامتصاص أشعة الشمس –

وهذا وحده يمكن أن يساعد جسمك على إنتاج فيتامين د، وتعزيز حالتك المزاجية، والمساعدة على امتصاص العناصر الغذائية. الأفضل من ذلك، ممارسة الرياضة في الخارج؛ فقد كشفت الدراسات أن العمل في الهواء الطلق يرتبط بصحة أفضل وتحسين السلامة العقلية من ممارسة الرياضة في الداخل. أثناء القيام بذلك، ضع في اعتبارك ترك هاتفك في المنزل أو في سيارتك أو مغلقًا. نحتاج جميعًا إلى التخلص من السموم الرقمي بين الحين والآخر، والتواجد في الطبيعة هو الوقت المناسب للقيام بذلك.

love for nature

سيعيد التعليم البيئي اتصال الاطفال بالطبيعة

الاستنتا

جلا يُقصد من البشر أن يعيشوا منفصلين عن الطبيعة. لقد أثبت العالم الطبيعي مرارًا وتكرارًا أن له تأثيرًا تصالحيًا وشفائيًا ومهدئًا للعقل والجسد والروح. على الرغم من أنها ليست حل سحري عندما يتعلق الأمر بالتعامل مع مشكلات الصحة العقلية، إلا أنها طريقة ممتازة لتعزيز صحتك الجسدية والعقلية ويمكن أن تزيد من سعادتك ورفاهيتك بشكل عام.

 ترجمة

علياء الشملان. الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية

علياء الشملان طالبة في الثانوية في الصف العاشر بمدارس التربية الإسلامية. ولدت وترعرعت في الرياض بالمملكة العربية السعودية، حيث تواصل العيش بشغف لعلوم البيئة والحفاظ على البيئة واستعادتها. خارج المدرسة، تتطوع لمساعدة الآخرين على اكتساب المزيد من المعرفة، وكذلك من أجل تطويرها الشخصي، وهي تستمتع بقضاء الوقت في الهواء الطلق، والرسم، وإجراء البحوث العلمية.

فوائد اعاده التدوير

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Recycling_bins-Singaporeإعادة التدوير هي عملية تستخدم فيها مواد من النفايات اليومية يتم تحويلها إلى منتجات جديدة. وتشمل الم يمكن إعادة تدويرها ؛ الزجاج والورق والبلاستيك والمعادن المختلفة.  ان عملية إعادة التدوير تنطوي على فصل النفايات بعد جمعها ومعالجة النفايات القابله للتدوير و تصنيع منتجات جديدة.

الحاجه لاعاده التدوير

ان عمليه تصنيع المنتجات تنطوي على الحصول على المواد الخام من مصادر مختلفة. هذه المواد قد تكون من الغابات أو المناجم. حيث يتم نقلها إلى مكان الصنع عادة” عن طريق البر أو البحر، وهي عملية مستهلكة للطاقة.

 ان عمليه شراء المواد الخام ونقلها تسبب التلوث بالإضافة إلى استخدام الموارد الشحيحة مثل الأشجار وأنواع الوقود الأحفوري. كل هذا بدوره  يؤدي الى الاحتباس الحراري من خلال إطلاق الغازات وتآكل طبقة الأوزون التي تحمي الأرض من الأشعة الضارة من الشمس. ويلقى باللوم على ظاهرة الاحتباس الحراري تغير المناخ وعواقبه الكارثية منها هطول الأمطار في غير موسمها أو الجفاف مما يتسبب في  حدوث الفيضانات والمجاعة.

عادة” ما يتم التخلص من النفايات بدفنها في مكبات  أو حرقها.هذه الطريقه تأخذ حيزا شاسعا من  مساحات الأراضي ويمكن أن تلوث المياه ألجوفية في حين أن حرقها يسهم في زيادة ظاهرة الاحتباس الحراري.

مزايا إعادة التدوير

إعادة تدوير النفايات يقلل من الطلب على المواد الخام . كما أنه يقلل من عمليه التخلص من النفايات عن طريق طمرها في المكبات او حرقها ، وبالتالي يساعد في تقليل التلوث والاحتباس الحراري. وتعتبر عمليه  إعادة التدوير على أنها مفيدة للغاية لأنها لا تقلل فقط من كمية النفايات المنزلية التي يتم إرسالها إلى المكبات و المحارق التي   بدورها تلوث البيئة  بل هي أيضا وسيلة لتحقيق التنمية المستدامة حيث يمكننا أن نساعد بالحفاظ على البيئة للأجيال القادمة.

recycling-bin-jeddah

عمليه التدوير بدورها أيضا  تقلل التلوث  وذلك بالحد من الحاجه لجمع المواد الخام . إذا لم يتم إعادة تدوير المواد المستخدمة فان تصنيع منتجات جديدة  سوف يتم باستخدام مواد خام جديدة  من الغابات و استخدام عمليه التعدين. وبذلك فان التدوير يساعد في الحفاظ على الموائل الطبيعية . إعادة التدوير أيضا توفر الطاقة حيث ان الطاقة  تستخدم لاستخراج المواد الخام فضلا عن عمليات الصقل والنقل والتشييد.

قامت كل من جنوب أفريقيا والمملكة المتحدة بتنفيذ مشاريع إعادة تدوير ذات كفاءة عاليه و التي تم تنفيذها من قبل المنظمات غير الحكومية . وقد نفذت هذه المشاريع على اختلاف مسمياتها في جميع  أنحاء البلاد . وقد تم تجهيز أماكن مثل المراكز التجارية و المدن والمطاعم بحاويات ذات الوان  مرمزه بحيث يرمز كل لون لنوع نفايات محدد.  المملكة المتحدة نفذت عمليه فصل النفايات المنزلية تحت إشراف و توجيهات السلطات البلدية .

 يجب على  السكان والشركات فصل القمامة ووضعها في أكياس منفصلة  ليتم جمعها. غالبا ما يتم تمرير غرامة إذا لم يتم تنفيذ عمليه الفصل.

بعض الامثلة

نوع المواد المقبولة لإعادة التدوير تختلف من مدينة و بلد. كل مدينة و بلد لديها برامج إعادة تدوير مختلفة و التي يمكن ان تتعامل  مع أنواع مختلفة من المواد القابلة لإعادة التدوير.على سبيل المثال ،يعد الألمنيوم من المنتجات الاستهلاكية الأكثر معاد تدويرها في العالم. كل عام،صناعة الألمنيوم تدفع أكثر من 800 مليون دولار أمريكي لعلب الألمنيوم الفارغة.

إعادة تدوير علب الألمنيوم هو عملية حلقة مغلقة حيث ان علب المشروبات المستخدمه  التي يتم إعادة تدويرها تستخدم في المقام الأول لصنع علب المشروبات.علب الألمنيوم المعاد تدويرها  تستخدم مرة أخرى لإنتاج علب جديدة أو لإنتاج منتجات المنيوم اخرى  ذات قيمة مثل كتل ألمحركات وو اجهات المباني و الدراجات. في أوروبا حوالي 50٪ من الألمنيوم شبه المصنع والذي يستخدم لإنتاج علب المشروبات الجديدة وغيرها من منتجات التعبئة والتغليف يأتي من الألمنيوم المعاد تدويره.

من بين اللدائن تعد زجاجات التيريفثاليت و البولي اثيلين عالي الكثافة الاكثر اعاده للتدوير وتشكل جزءا لا يتجزأ من برامج إعادة التدوير ولها استخدامات كثيرة وأسواق راسخة. . ولقد زاد نمو  إعادة تدوير الزجاجات من خلال تطوير تكنولوجيات التجهيز التي تزيد من درجات نقاء المنتج وتقليل التكاليف التشغيلية.

ترجمة

سلام عبدالكريم عبابنه

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

Land Degradation in the MENA Region – Causes, Impact and Response

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Globally, around 15% of the total land is degraded. For The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this number is close to 50%. Land degradation, in general, is the loss of physical, biological and economic productivity of land due to anthropogenic factors; desertification is its subset as it is relevant specifically to the arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas.

land degradation in MENA

Land degradation is a growing global crisis, undermining food security, biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Driven by deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, overgrazing and climate change, it affects over 3.2 billion people worldwide. The problem is especially severe in regions with fragile environments and limited water resources—conditions that define much of the Middle East.

Much of the area experiences arid to semi-arid climates, characterized by low rainfall, high evaporation rates, and frequent droughts. These harsh conditions make natural ecosystems fragile and highly sensitive to change. Beyond human use, MENA’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from desert flora to Mediterranean forests—support unique biodiversity adapted to extreme environments. However, the region’s ecological balance is under threat.

Causes of Land Degradation

Among the most pressing causes of land degradation are climatic stressors, unsustainable land use practices, rapid urban expansion and conflict-related disruption.

Climatic Stressors

Among climate stressors, water scarcity is the most prominent manifestation. As much as 83% of the population of Middle East is exposed to extremely high water stress and among the most water stressed countries in the world are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar, all being from this region. This situation is further exacerbated by climate change. Prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent and intense as in Iran, Syria and Iraq.

Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall accelerate desertification, reducing the productivity of land and increasing the risk of dust storms and soil erosion. These changes weaken the resilience of both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, locking communities into a cycle of environmental decline.

Agricultural Practices

Unsustainable agricultural practices further worsen land degradation. With less than 5% of the land suitable for cultivation, the MENA region is especially vulnerable to soil erosion, salinization and desertification. However, this land is required to cater to food security requirements and economic growth of this region; livestock forms an important component for both. Fodder requirement for the livestock have led to overgrazing, a major driver of land degradation in this region. It strips vegetation cover, exposing soil to wind and water erosion. In irrigated areas, poor water management leads to salinization, where salt builds up in the soil and reduces fertility.

Another identified manifestation, along with overgrazing has been the excessive use of agricultural chemicals. This affects the biological health of soil as well can lead to salinization and acidification – hence, reducing land productivity.

Urban Development

Urbanization and industrial expansion also take a heavy toll. The urban population in this region has increased from 46% in 1975 to 66% in 2023. As cities grow, arable land is paved over or repurposed for construction, leading to soil sealing and permanent loss of productive land.

Mining of minerals in like gold, silver, copper and gypsum and marble quarrying is an important regional economic activity and countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have plans of expansion of this sector. Further, other industrial activities including that related to oil and gas extraction disturb the soil, disrupt habitats, generate waste and release pollutants, further degrading ecosystems.

Wars and Conflicts

Conflict and displacement are uniquely severe drivers of degradation in the region. Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen are in civil war; around 15 million people have been displaced and taken refuge in economically strapped countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Djibouti and Tunisia. Wars and civil unrest damage infrastructure such as irrigation systems and water networks, rendering agricultural land unusable.

Large-scale displacement forces people into fragile environments where they rely heavily on limited natural resources for survival, often accelerating land degradation through overuse and deforestation. Abandoned farmlands, meanwhile, quickly deteriorate without proper care.

Political Upheavals

Political instability is evident in countries like Syria, Iraq, Yemen and now Palestine that have been conflict zones over prolonged periods, resulting in lack of policies or implementation of makeshift policies, both contributing to land degradation. Disruption of regional land restoration collaboration during such periods exacerbates the situation. Lebanon has been reeling under political leadership vacuum and severe economic crisis since 2019. Land degradation is worsened due to weakened environmental governance and enforcement.

Together, these factors create a multifaceted challenge that demands urgent and coordinated action to prevent long-term ecological collapse.

Consequence of Land Degradation

Food and water security

Food and water security are among the most immediate concerns. As land becomes less fertile due to erosion, salinization and desertification, agricultural productivity drops. Crops yield less, and grazing lands can no longer support livestock, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on farming and herding. At the same time, water scarcity intensifies.

Degraded land holds less moisture, and damaged irrigation systems from overuse or conflict waste already limited water supplies. The result is a shrinking capacity to produce food and a growing dependence on food imports.

Economic Implications

Economic costs are significant, especially for rural communities. Land degradation undermines traditional livelihoods, leading to falling incomes, higher food prices, and economic instability. As domestic food production declines, governments are forced to increase imports, straining national budgets. In areas where agriculture once sustained local economies, poverty deepens and economic opportunities shrink.

Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity loss is another major impact. As natural habitats are cleared or degraded, plant and animal species face increased pressure. Fragmented ecosystems can no longer support native species, leading to population declines and extinctions. The loss of biodiversity not only harms the environment but also reduces ecosystem services such as pollination and soil fertility.

Human Displacement

Human displacement and social stress are becoming more common as degraded land can no longer support local populations. Families are forced to migrate—often to urban centres—adding pressure to already stretched infrastructure and services. This movement can fuel land disputes, exacerbate social tensions and increase the risk of conflict. In rural areas, the breakdown of traditional ways of life contributes to poverty, unemployment and a loss of cultural identity. Altogether, the impacts of land degradation are deeply interconnected, threatening both ecological balance and human well-being across the region.

Regional Response to Land Degradation

Several significant initiatives across the MENA region are addressing land degradation and promoting restoration. These efforts span national, regional and international levels:

Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, afforestation is one of the three targets as the country aims to plant 10 billion trees in the coming decades.100+ million trees and shrubs have been planted since 2021.

UNDP is implementing land restoration projects in several Arab countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria funded by several international governments and agencies.

Lebanon has updated its national strategy for forest fire risk reduction including restoration and recovery planning post the devastating wildfires of 2019.

Among the significant regional initiatives is the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI). Launched in 2021, the MGI backed by commitment from 20 countries aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region, equivalent to and rehabilitation of 200 million hectares of degraded land. It aligns with global frameworks like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Terrestrial Habitats. The initiative emphasizes science-based decision-making and regional collaboration.

The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December 2024 was a critical milestone in the land restoration journey of this region.

water scarcity in jordan

Challenges and Way Forward

Efforts to combat land degradation in the Middle East and North Africa face several persistent challenges. Institutional limitations—including weak environmental governance, fragmented policies, and lack of enforcement—hinder effective land management. Funding gaps further restrict progress, with many countries struggling to finance long-term restoration and sustainability initiatives. Political instability and conflict in parts of the region disrupt planning, damage infrastructure, and displace communities, making consistent land management nearly impossible.

To move forward, countries must adopt integrated land management approaches that align environmental protection with agricultural, urban, and water policies. Strategies must be climate-resilient, addressing both current degradation and future risks from rising temperatures and extreme weather. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, water-efficient technologies, and ecosystem restoration.

Success also depends on embedding land restoration within broader sustainable development goals—ensuring that efforts support economic growth, social equity, and environmental health.

Lastly, stronger cross-border cooperation is critical. Land degradation often spans national boundaries, and collaborative efforts—such as shared monitoring systems, joint projects, and knowledge exchange—can amplify impact.

A unified regional response, supported by global partners, is essential to building lasting resilience against land degradation in the MENA region.

كلّما يجب أن تعرفه عن البصمة الكربونية

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مع تزايد الوعي العالمي بتغير المناخ وتأثير الانبعاثات على البيئة، بدأ الأفراد والشركات على حد سواء باتخاذ خطوات جادة لمعالجة القضايا البيئية. تُعد البصمة الكربونية، التي تمثل الخطوة الأولى نحو تقليل انبعاثات الكربون، إجمالي الغازات الدفيئة الناتجة بشكل ها.

carbon footprint

لماذا البصمة الكربونية؟

أدى تزايد الوعي العام بشأن التغير المناخي والاحتباس الحراري إلى تنامي الاهتمام بمفهوم “حساب البصمة الكربونية”. ويعترف المجتمع الدَّوْليّ الآن بالحاجة إلى تقليل انبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة للحد من التغير المناخي.

تشمل الطرق الأكثر شيوعًا لتقليل البصمة الكربونية استخدام الطاقة البديلة، والتشجير، وتقليل النفايات، وتحسين كفاءة الطاقة. وتُعد كل من عدد السكان، الناتج الاقتصادي، مزيج مصادر الطاقة الأولية، وكثافة الكربون من العوامل الرئيسية في تحديد البصمة الكربونية لأي دولة.

تُعد البصمة الكربونية أهم دليل على المسؤولية البيئية، إذ تساعد على تحديد تأثيرات المناخ وتقليلها بطريقة فعالة من حيث التكلفة بالتخطيط الاستراتيجي والتشغيلي، وبناء سياسة مناخية، والتقارير البيئية، وغير ذلك. فضلًا على ذلك، فإن البصمة الكربونية تساهم في تعزيز صورة إيجابية وواعية بيئيًا للشركة، ويمكن أن تعزز من مكانتها التسويقية ومن منتجاتها.

ما هي أنواع البصمة الكربونية المختلفة؟

هناك أنواع مختلفة من البصمة الكربونية، مثل بصمة الأفراد، المنظمات، المنتجات، الخِدْمَات، والفعاليات. تختلف طرق وحدود حساب البصمة الكربونية حسب نوعها. وفيما يلي أبرز الأنواع وطرق التقييم الخاصة بها:

1. البصمة الكربونية للمنتج

البصمة الكربونية للمنتج مناسبة للمؤسسات التي تقدم منتجات أو خِدْمَات محددة. وهي تقدم نظرة على انبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة الخاصة بمنتج أو خدمة واحدة. يمكن بعد ذلك توسيع هذا التقييم ليشمل المؤسسة كُلََّها. يمكن تقييم بصمة المنتج إمّا من منظور الأعمال إلى الأعمال (من المهد إلى البوابة) أو من منظور الأعمال إلى المستهلك (من المهد إلى اللحد).

2. البصمة الكربونية للشركة

البصمة الكربونية للشركة مناسبة للمؤسسات التي ترغب في الحصول على رؤية شاملة لانبعاثاتها الكربونية. تبدأ العملية بتحديد أهداف المؤسسة من تقييم الغازات الدفيئة، ثم تحديد الحدود التنظيمية المناسبة، واختيار زمن مرجعية مناسبة، وجمع البيانات، وأخيرًا إعداد خُطَّة لإدارة جودة البيانات.

benefits of sustainable wood

3. البصمة الكربونية لسلسلة القيمة

البصمة الكربونية لسلسلة القيمة تشمل الأنشطة المرتبطة بمنتجات أو خِدْمَات المنظمة عبر كامل سلسلة القيمة. وهذا يشمل الانبعاثات الناتجة عن شراء المواد الخام حتى نهاية عمر المنتج. وتوفر هذه البصمة نظرة شاملة لجميع منتجات وخدمات الشركة.

البصمة الكربونية في الشرق الأوسط

أدى اعتماد العالم على موارد الطاقة في الشرق الأوسط إلى جعل المنطقة من بين الأعلى عالميًا من حيث البصمة الكربونية للفرد. وتُعد صناعات النفط والغاز، وتوليد الكهرباء، والنقل، والتدفئة الصناعية، والتكييف، من أبرز مصادر الانبعاثات الكربونية في المنطقة. وتأتي دول مثل قطر، والكويت، والإمارات، والبحرين، والسعودية ضمن أعلى 10 دول عالميًا من حيث انبعاثات الكربون للفرد. فعلى سبيل المثال، يبلغ معدل الانبعاثات الكربونية في قطر حوالي 38.62 طنًا للفرد، وهو أكثر من ضعف معدل الانبعاثات للفرد في الولايات المتحدة البالغ 13.8 طنًا سنويًا.

ترجمة: عبدالله فيصل السلامة

طالب وطموح يسعى لتحقيق التميز في مسيرته الأكاديمية والمهنية. يتقن اللغتين العربية والإنجليزية. يتميز بشغفه الدائم لاكتساب المعرفة وتطوير مهاراته في مختلف المجالات.

Note: The original English version of the article is available at this link.

10 Different Solar Uses Around The Home

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Did you know that solar energy can be used in a variety of ways around the home? In this blog post, we will discuss 10 different ways that solar energy can be used to make your life easier. From powering your home to heating your water, solar energy has a lot to offer! Keep reading for more information on how you can use solar power in your everyday life.

rooftop-solar

1. Provide electricity

One of the most popular solar uses around the home is to provide electricity. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar energy is now the fastest-growing source of energy in the United States. This is primarily due to advancements in technology, which have made solar panels more efficient and less expensive.

2. Heating water

Another popular solar use is to heat water. In fact, heating water is the most common use of solar energy in the United States. This is because heating water with solar energy is a cost-effective way to save money on your utility bills.

3. Heating home

One of the most popular solar uses for homes is to provide heating. Solar heating systems use panels to collect and convert the sun’s energy into heat, which is then used to heat the home. These systems can be very efficient and can save homeowners a significant amount of money on their energy bills.

4. Solar ventilation fans

Solar ventilation fans are a great way to keep your home cool during the summer. By using solar power to operate the fan, you can keep your home cool without using any electricity. Solar ventilation fans are available in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is the perfect fit for your home.

5. Lighting home

Solar energy is a great way to power your home and save money on your electric bill. One of the most popular ways to use solar energy in the home is for lighting. You can install solar panels on your roof to collect the sun’s energy and use it to power lights inside and outside of your home. Solar-powered lights are a great way to save energy and money.

solar lights in parking lot

6. Portable solar power

When you’re on the go, there’s no need to worry about losing power. With a portable solar power bank, you can keep your devices charged up no matter where you are. These banks come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs. Plus, they’re easy to use – just plug them into your device and let the sun do its work.

7. Heating swimming pool

Heating swimming pools with solar energy is a popular use of solar power. A pool can take a lot of heat to warm up, and a solar heating system can do the job much more cheaply than using electricity or natural gas. In fact, a well-designed pool heating system can even provide all the heat your pool needs during the winter months.

8. Solar-powered pumps

One of the lesser-known solar uses is for powering water pumps. Solar water pumps work by using energy from the sun to pump water from a lower to higher elevation. This is a great option for those who live in areas with low water pressure or those who need a reliable water source in case of emergencies. Solar-powered pumps can also be used to irrigate crops or water gardens.

solar-powered pump

Solar power systems are increasingly becoming common in rural areas

9. Charging batteries

Solar energy can also be used to charge batteries. This is a great option for people who have electric vehicles or boats. The sun’s rays can be used to power these vehicles, which is a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly option than using traditional fuels.

10. Cooking

Solar cooking is a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, and it’s also a great way to save money. You can use solar cookers to cook food, or you can use solar ovens to bake or roast food. Solar cookers and ovens are very versatile, and they can be used to cook a variety of different foods.

Summary

Solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, and these 10 uses of solar energy are a great way to get started. From powering your appliances to heating your water, solar energy can help you save money and do your part to help the planet.

Renewable Energy Prospects in Africa

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With a sixth of the world’s population, Africa generates a measly four percent of the world’s electricity, three-quarters of which is used by South Africa and northern Africa. According to World Bank statistics, more than 500 million Africans (almost two-thirds of the total population) have no access to “modern energy.” Hydropower accounts for around 45% of electricity generation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) while biomass (mostly firewood) constitutes about 56 percent of all energy use in sub-Saharan Africa. Large-scale use of forest biomass is accelerating deforestation, and the World Bank estimates that 45,000 square kilometers of forest were lost between 1990 and 2005 across all low-income countries in Africa.

Africa has huge renewable energy potential with some of the world’s largest concentration of alternative energy resources in the form of solar, wind, hydro and biomass energy. Overall, 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa are in the top-33 countries worldwide with combined reserves of solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy far exceeding annual consumption. Most of the sub-Saharan countries receive solar radiation in the range of 6-8 kWh/m2/day, which counts among the highest amounts of solar radiation in the world. Until now, only a small fraction of Africa’s vast renewable energy potential has been tapped.  The renewable energy resources have the potential to cover the energy requirements of the entire continent.

Several African counties, such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Senegal, Madagascar, Rwanda and Mali have adopted national targets for renewable energy, and feed-in tariffs for renewable energy electricity have been introduced e.g. in South Africa and Kenya.   Countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania are developing wind farms.  Geothermal investments are increasing in the Rift Valley area of Eastern Africa.  The pipeline of investments in Africa in hydropower, wind farms, solar PV and concentrated solar thermal, geothermal power and biomass energy underlines the huge potential for a future expansion of renewable energy across the continent.

The African Development Bank, through its public and private sector departments, is currently implementing several clean energy projects and programs to address these priorities particularly in the energy and forestry sectors. The Bank’s energy portfolio currently stands at about USD 2 billion. The AfDB provides two lending windows. The first is a public window, with mostly concessional funds available to governments. The second is a private window, which offers debt and equity on commercial terms. 

Hydroelectric power generation represent an attractive investment in Africa because of tremendous hydropower generation potential, 60% of which is locked within Guinea, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The AfDB has committed its support to developing the Gibe III hydroelectric dam, in Ethiopia. Wind farms are another lucrative investment arena for AfDB, as shown by AfDB’s commitment for 300MW Lake Turkana Wind Farm in Kenya.  Lake Turkana Wind Power (LWTP) consortium is constructing a wind farm consisting of 353 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 850 kW, in Northwest Kenya near Lake Turkana. The wind power project is expected to reach full production of 300 MW by the end of 2012.  LTWP can provide reliable and continuous clean power to satisfy up to about 30% of Kenya’s current total installed power. 

The Ain Beni Mathar Integrated Solar Thermal Combined Cycle Power Station is one of the most promising solar power projects in Africa.  The plant combines solar power and thermal power, and is expected to reach production capacity of 250MW by 2012. African Development Bank, in partnership with the Global Environment Facility and Morocco’s National Electric Authority, is financing approximately two-thirds of the cost of the plant, or about 200 million Euros.

With growing concerns about climate change, AfDB has compiled a strong project pipeline comprised of small- to large-scale wind-power projects, mini, small and large hydro-power projects, cogeneration power projects, geothermal power projects and biodiesel projects. The major priorities for the Bank include broadening the supply of low-cost environmentally clean energy and developing renewable forms of energy to diversify power generation sources in Africa. The AfDB’s interventions to support climate change mitigation in Africa are driven by sound policies and strategies and through its financing initiatives the Bank endeavors to become a major force in clean energy development in Africa.

 

5 Reasons Why ESG Goals Are Transforming Corporate Energy Strategy in Southeast Asia

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In the heart of Bangkok’s financial district, solar panels gleam atop skyscrapers. In Vietnam’s industrial zones, factories proudly display energy efficiency certifications. Across Indonesia’s archipelago, corporations announce ambitious carbon reduction targets. Throughout Southeast Asia, a profound transformation is reshaping how businesses approach their energy needs.

corporate energy strategy

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become powerful drivers pushing companies toward cleaner, more sustainable power solutions. The days when energy decisions were made solely on cost and reliability are fading. Today’s corporate energy strategies reflect broader commitments to sustainability, transparency, and responsible business practices. Exploring options like solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can be a key step for companies looking to align their energy use with their ESG commitments.

Let’s explore the five fundamental reasons behind this shift and how they’re creating lasting change across the region’s business landscape.

1. Investor Demands and Market Forces

“Show me your carbon footprint before I show you my money.” This emerging investor mantra captures a fundamental shift in Southeast Asian financial markets. Investors increasingly view strong ESG performance, particularly regarding energy use and emissions, as indicators of well-managed, forward-thinking companies.

Companies with robust sustainable energy strategies often enjoy lower capital costs, better valuations, and greater appeal to international investors. This financial incentive creates a powerful motivation. Southeast Asian businesses increasingly find that smart energy choices aren’t just good for the planet but essential for their bottom line and investor relations. From Malaysian palm oil producers installing biomass generators to Philippine retailers adopting rooftop solar, companies are discovering that green energy investments attract green financial backing.

2. Navigating the Regulatory Landscape Where Compliance Becomes Strategic

Across Southeast Asia, governments are steadily raising the bar on environmental regulations. Singapore’s carbon tax, Thailand’s energy efficiency standards, Vietnam’s renewable energy targets, and Indonesia’s emissions reporting requirements create a complex regulatory environment that companies must navigate.

These evolving rules directly impact corporate energy planning. No longer can businesses simply budget for electricity as a fixed operational cost. They must now track consumption meticulously, understand their emissions profile, and demonstrate progress toward cleaner alternatives.

Compliance used to be an afterthought in energy procurement. Now it’s often the starting point for the conversation. Companies ask about regulatory requirements first, then build their energy strategy around meeting or exceeding those standards.

This regulatory pressure creates both challenges and opportunities. Forward-thinking businesses are moving beyond mere compliance, using ESG-driven energy initiatives to position themselves advantageously for future regulatory developments. By voluntarily adopting cleaner energy practices today, they reduce the risk of costly adjustments tomorrow when regulations inevitably tighten further.

3. Building Resilience in Uncertain Times

The business case for ESG-aligned energy strategies extends beyond regulatory compliance and investor appeal. It directly addresses operational vulnerabilities that threaten long-term viability.

Climate change poses tangible risks to Southeast Asian businesses, from flooding in coastal manufacturing zones to water scarcity affecting agricultural supply chains. Meanwhile, volatile fossil fuel markets create unpredictable energy costs that can devastate carefully planned budgets.

Smart companies are responding by diversifying their energy portfolios. A manufacturing firm in Thailand, for instance, may be able to invest in on-site solar generation not primarily for sustainability credentials but to insulate itself from grid outages and fuel price fluctuations. Similarly, a Malaysian hotel chain can implement advanced energy management systems that reduce consumption while improving guest comfort through better temperature control.

Energy resilience has become inseparable from business resilience. Which means that renewable energy investments are as much about securing our operational future as they are about meeting our climate commitments.

This perspective transforms how businesses evaluate energy projects. Return on investment calculations now factor in risk mitigation benefits alongside direct cost savings, making previously marginal projects economically attractive when viewed through an ESG lens.

4. Winning Hearts and Markets While Meeting Stakeholder Expectations

Today’s consumers, employees, and communities expect more from businesses. They want to support, work for, and host companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability, with energy choices often serving as the most visible evidence of these values.

This reality is reshaping corporate priorities. Urban Southeast Asian consumers, just as across the globe, consider a company’s environmental practices when making purchasing decisions, with visible renewable energy use ranking as a particularly influential factor.

The talent equation is equally significant. In competitive labor markets like Singapore and Malaysia, companies report that robust sustainability programs, including clean energy initiatives, have become crucial recruiting and retention tools, particularly for skilled younger professionals.

solar energy and business sustainability

 

Solar installations can actually become an unexpected recruitment asset. Job candidates may point to it during interviews as evidence that you’re a forward-thinking employer who shares their values.

Community relationships benefit similarly. When a large food processing company in rural Indonesia switched from diesel generators to a combination of solar power and cleaner biofuels, it not only reduced emissions but also eliminated noise pollution that had strained relations with neighboring villages. The improved community rapport led to better local talent recruitment and fewer operational disruptions.

These stakeholder benefits create powerful incentives for ESG-driven energy transformations that extend far beyond direct financial returns.

5. Decarbonization and Where Necessity Becomes Opportunity

At its core, the environmental component of ESG centers on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For most Southeast Asian businesses, energy consumption represents their largest carbon contribution and therefore their greatest opportunity for meaningful climate action.

This imperative is driving innovation across the region. Companies are pursuing direct power purchase agreements with renewable energy developers, installing on-site generation, upgrading to ultra-efficient equipment, and implementing sophisticated energy management systems.

The Philippines’ largest retailer recently signed the country’s biggest commercial solar agreement, contracting 120 megawatts of clean power for its nationwide operations. In Indonesia, a major cement manufacturer invested in waste heat recovery systems that generate electricity from previously lost thermal energy, simultaneously reducing both emissions and costs.

The transition may have started as a compliance exercise for many of us. But we’ve discovered unexpected benefits along the way, from operational efficiencies to employee engagement. What began as an obligation has evolved into a competitive advantage.

This experience reflects a broader regional pattern where decarbonization initiatives frequently yield innovation dividends. Companies focused on reducing energy-related emissions often discover process improvements, identify waste reduction opportunities, and develop new skills that benefit their operations more broadly.

Transforming Challenge into Leadership

As ESG principles become increasingly embedded in Southeast Asian business culture, their influence on corporate energy strategies will only grow stronger. Companies that embrace this reality, treating sustainability not as a regulatory burden but as a core business imperative, are positioning themselves for long-term success.

The transformation extends beyond individual corporations to reshape entire industries. Sector-wide collaborations are emerging to address shared energy challenges, from renewable energy purchasing consortiums in Singapore to industrial efficiency initiatives in Thailand.

While challenges remain, including grid infrastructure limitations and upfront investment requirements, the direction is clear. ESG considerations have permanently altered how Southeast Asian businesses think about, procure, and manage energy.

Climate Change Impacts in the Levant

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Many countries in the Levant — such as Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria — are afflicted by water scarcity, weak institutional and governmental resource management, high food import dependency and fragile economies – all coupled with increasing populations and demand. According to the recent reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Arab World will be witnessing hotter and drier conditions with extensive droughts causing severe water shortages that will have dire impacts on agriculture and livelihood. Farmers in the Levant have been addressing climate change adaptation and resilience issues through farming, water management and environmental degradation. Global climate change is expected to increase the severity of climatic conditions and increase the vulnerability of Levant countries.

climate-change-water-scarcity

 

1. Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is one of the issues expected to increase with climate change. This will adversely affect livelihoods and sectors like agriculture, which is the largest water user in the country. The Levant region is projected to be one of the most severely impacted region in the world as per most general circulation models (GCMs) due to the expectation of severe water scarcity which will in turn impact its socio-economic development (Assaf, 2009).

The Levant states’ engagement in the UNFCCC process is vital since major regional studies conducted by the Arab Development and Environment Forum forecasts alarming impacts part of which suggests that increasingly scarce water resources will be further reduced between 15-50% in all four countries.

Moreover, due to water loss and land degradation agricultural self-sufficiency is dismal, especially when considering inefficient irrigation techniques that are more suitable to other areas instead of the Levant region, e.g., severe land degradation in the Euphrates Valley of Syria (Nasr, 2009). This in turn will result and influence the whole issue of food security leading to widespread poverty in the region.

The situation may be exacerbated due to current political instability and conflict in the area — noting that Syria is heavily dependent on water resources outside its borders, while Jordon already consumes more than 100% of their available water (Nasr, 2009; Tolba and Saab, 2009). Jordon, ranked as the fourth most water insecure country in the world, has already identified four critical sectors – water, energy, agriculture and food security – in addition to waste reduction and management.

2. Agriculture

Increase in temperatures and decrease in rainfall also characterizes the main climatic changes facing Levant countries such as Lebanon. Agricultural sector in Levant is expected to experience minimal impact of climate change. However, a reduced amount of agricultural land will be available due to desertification and urban expansion. This means that agriculture will be affected and the price of vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products will rise as well, bringing about negative impacts on marginalized communities.

agriculture in middle east

3. Increase in Sea Level

An additional factor is the expected rise in sea level that could further contaminate the nearby aquifers such as the coastal aquifer of Gaza that should provide water to impoverished Palestinians. The annual decrease in precipitation has led to less freshwater availability for surface or ground water. It is being projected that a one meter rise in 50 years will cause salt intrusions in Iraq well into the north beyond Basra and intrude into water aquifers in Lebanon, as far as downtown Beirut and Dbayyeh areas (Nasr, 2009).

4. Political Vulnerability

With stringent Israeli control on natural resources use and management, the Palestinian Authority lacks the capacity to enforce regulations and mechanisms to ensure the integ1ration of climate change impacts into development planning in the country. This ultimately increases the vulnerability of governmental and nongovernmental institutions and further intensifies the vulnerability and exposure of communities to the effects of climate change.

Nevertheless, climate change adaptation planning is supported by governmental institutions like the Ministry of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and the Water Authority in addition to environmental NGOs and engaged stakeholders. Similar to Jordan, Palestine climate projections clearly state that water shortages will increase, increasing the water asymmetry already existing due to the unequal use of water between Israel and Palestinian areas.

5. Economic Considerations

In the Levant region, the water sector currently undergoes several environmental stresses resulting from different socio- economic activities and practices, including agriculture, energy, and transport. The potential impacts of climate change on the coastal zone include losses in coastal and marine economic activities such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, transportation and other essential services. Coastal communities relying on ecosystem services, such as fishing for livelihoods will bear the impacts of increase in sea water temperature as the marine fish stock might decrease and marine biodiversity may change or decline.

biodiversity_jordan

 

In countries such as Lebanon, the coastal zone has very high population density (estimated at around 594 inhabitants per km2) and is characterized by a concentration of Lebanon’s main economic activity. In fact, the largest Lebanese cities (Beirut, Saida, Tripoli and Tyre) are located along the coast, and contribute to more than 74% of Lebanon’s GDP through commercial and financial activities, large industrial zones, important agricultural lands as well as fishing and tourism.

In addition to organizational and technical constrains similarly faced by other Levant countries, Palestine is also experiencing political constrains due to the Israeli situation. The shared trans-boundary groundwater is unequally distributed  with Israel using more than 80% of Palestinian water resources.

Research Gap

Due to economic growth and increasing population, energy demand is expected to rise by at least 50 percent in some countries over the next 20 years. The provision of reliable energy supply at reasonable cost is thus a crucial element of economic reform and sustainable development. Transportation sector is of crucial importance for the regions further economic development.

In general terms, lack of and access to data are the main barriers that proved to be the most hindering. The lack of statistics particularly affects the assessment of GHG emissions and economic development scenarios. In turn, governments have blamed the weak economic base for the inability to support research.

The absence of scientific assessments and research in terms of assessing e.g. economic impacts of climate change, the ecological impacts of global warming and the degree of resilience of the different systems are hindering the prioritization of adaptation strategies in the decision-making process.