Why PFAS Removal Solutions Are Essential for Environmental Protection: 5 Key Reasons

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PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have become widespread in water, soil, and even in the bodies of people and animals. Exposure to these substances can lead to serious health and environmental challenges, which has sparked concern among communities around the world. Removing PFAS from the environment helps protect water, land, and public health from long-term harm.

PFAS removal

There is a growing need for affordable PFAS filtration and removal solutions to limit pollution and support a safer future. Solutions can address these risks and offer peace of mind for families and neighborhoods. Some professional options, like affordable PFAS filtration and removal solutions, can help communities take action against chemical contamination.

Persistent contamination risks posed by PFAS due to their chemical stability

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals found in many products. These chemicals are well-known for their ability to resist water, oil, and heat. This is because of the strong chemical bonds in their structure.

The strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS makes them very stable in the environment. They do not break down easily, so they last for a long time in soil and water. Because of this, PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals.”

Over time, PFAS can move through water and soil, spreading far from their original sources. They can build up in plants, animals, and people. This means living things may be exposed to PFAS for long periods.

The persistence and spread of PFAS make it difficult to clean up sites where contamination has happened. Their stability poses long-term risks to both human health and nature.

Health hazards linked to PFAS exposure include cancer and hormone disruption

PFAS are chemical substances that can stay in the body and the environment for a long time. Research links PFAS exposure to different health risks in both adults and children.

One of the biggest concerns is the possible connection to certain kinds of cancer. Studies have reported higher risks for some cancers in groups exposed to higher levels of PFAS.

PFAS exposure may also disrupt hormone function in the body. This can affect growth, behavior, and body processes in children and adults.

Other health problems linked to PFAS include weakened immune response, lower birth weight in newborns, and potential liver damage. People with jobs or who live in places with higher PFAS levels may face increased health risks.

Children may be more at risk because of their developing bodies and the ways they can come into contact with these chemicals. Even low levels of PFAS exposure over time can contribute to these health problems.

EPA regulations establishing limits for PFAS in drinking water

New rules in the United States set legal limits on several types of PFAS in public drinking water. These regulations target six main PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, which are among the most studied of these chemicals.

The government set these limits to lower the risk of health problems linked to PFAS exposure. The new standards apply across the country and require water systems to test for these substances.

Water providers now have clear rules to follow when dealing with PFAS contamination. Deadlines have been extended for meeting some requirements, giving water systems more time to comply.

These steps help lower PFAS levels in water supplies. Although some parts of the rules may change in the future, the recent regulations mark a major shift in how PFAS are managed in water.

home water filtration system

Effectiveness of technologies like reverse osmosis and ion exchange in PFAS removal

Reverse osmosis is a method that uses a special membrane to filter out very small particles from water, including PFAS chemicals. This process can remove a large amount of both long-chain and short-chain PFAS.

Ion exchange uses beads made of resin to capture and hold PFAS molecules as water passes through. This technology is effective for different kinds of PFAS, taking the chemicals out of the water.

Both reverse osmosis and ion exchange have been widely tested in water treatment. Studies show that these technologies can significantly lower PFAS levels in tap water.

They work well for many PFAS types that regular water filters cannot remove. These methods are used in both home systems and larger treatment plants.

Water utilities and homeowners turn to these solutions when they need to address PFAS concerns using proven treatment options.

The necessity of specialized treatment solutions for over 120,000 affected sites in the U.S.

There are more than 120,000 locations in the United States where PFAS contamination is present. These sites include industrial areas, airports, water systems, and places where firefighting foams have been used. Each site may have different levels and types of PFAS pollution.

General water treatment methods often do not effectively remove PFAS. Specialized treatments are needed because PFAS are resistant to most conventional processes. Some common methods used include activated carbon, ion exchange, and high-temperature destruction for more severe cases.

The number of affected locations highlights the scale of the issue. Without proper treatment, PFAS can remain in the environment for many years and may affect water, soil, and living organisms. Solutions must be tailored to different site types and contamination levels to protect communities and natural resources.

Conclusion

Addressing PFAS contamination is a necessary step to protect water, soil, and public health. These chemicals are known to persist in the environment and present real risks that should not be ignored.

Removing PFAS from the environment requires both updated technology and proper management. Combining well-tested removal methods with ongoing monitoring helps lower exposure to these chemicals.

Continued action and innovative solutions will support safer communities and help reduce the impacts of PFAS pollution in the future.

Solar Energy in Colorado: Things You Should Know

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Coal is one non-renewable energy source that people have long used. But due to industrialization and the increasing population, these sources of energy are decreasing at a fast rate. Additionally, non-renewable energy sources may have a negative impact on the environment. Due to these reasons, there was a need to develop a more sustainable and renewable energy source. Enter solar energy.

going solar in Colorado

States such as Colorado have made an effort to harness this non-depleting energy source, which is no surprise as it’s one of the sunniest states in the US. As technology advances, it has become easier for most Colorado residents to install this cleaner energy to power their home and business operations.

The good news is that the following article outlines the three things you need to know before going solar in Colorado. Keep reading.

1. Solar Incentives

Going solar is not a cheap investment and may leave a huge dent in your hard-earned bucks. However, the total cost of installing a solar system will depend on your energy needs. Due to the high cost of installing solar systems, the government is offering incentives to encourage Colorado residents to go solar. Some of the incentives include:

Federal Solar Tax Credit

In this incentive, a homeowner can claim back a percentage of the capital cost of a solar system. In other words, it affords your dollar-dollar reduction on your owned income taxes. At the moment, the federal is offering a 26% tax credit, but you’ll be eligible for this if you buy and install your solar system on or before 31st December 2022. If you purchase your solar system after the set date you won’t enjoy the tax credit unless the government extends the same.

How To Qualify For Federal Solar Tax Credit

  • One of the qualifications is that you should be paying taxes to the federal government yourself. That makes sense, right?
  • Another qualification you should meet is that you must own solar systems. The panels themselves should be new or at the very least, you’re the first one to use them. There are several ways you can own solar systems in Colorado. They include cash, loans, and more. On the other hand, leasing a solar system may bar you from this incentive.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption

This is another incentive to encourage Colorado residents to go solar. When purchasing goods or services, there is a certain tax you’re expected to pay. However, with this exemption, you’re not expected to pay taxes when you purchase and use solar systems. This incentive plays a huge role in reducing your upfront costs of installing and using a solar system.

2. Factors To Consider in A Colorado Solar Company

Getting a reputable solar company in Colorado can be daunting, especially for a newbie. However, you might employ the following tips to simplify the process.

Reputation

A reputable company will ensure you get quality products and services at a pocket-friendly cost. It’ll also utilize advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure they follow all the set rules and regulations, saving you from non-compliance fines and convictions, which could disrupt your production line. Take your time to go through the provided reviews to gauge whether the company is capable of meeting your needs and expectations.

Warranty

As mentioned above, a solar system is not a cheap investment. For this reason, it’s important to ensure it’s covered in case anything happens. Go through their warranty coverage to understand what is covered, their policies, and more. This guarantees you have peace of mind even if anything happens to your solar system. Some of the common warranties include equipment, performance coverage, and more.

3. The Benefits Of Going Solar In Colorado

The following are the benefits you might enjoy after installing solar energy systems in Colorado. They include:

1. Save Money

As mentioned above, Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the US. Thus, you’ll have access to a free energy source. Although it might have a higher upfront cost, it’ll reduce your dependence on utility providers, saving you money in the long run. Also, the federal tax credit may help save you some bucks.

Benefits of Incorporating Solar Energy Technology In Construction

2. Environmental-Friendly

Over the last few years, people have acknowledged the need to protect the environment. Solar energy produces little to no pollutants. Thus, installing a solar system will play a huge role in reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the chances of contracting diseases caused by pollutants.

Wrapping Up

As discussed above, solar energy has become one of the sources of clean energy. Residents of Colorado have harnessed this energy source to power their home and business operations. However, you should conduct extensive research to understand what you need to know before going solar in Colorado or your locality.

The Importance of HIPAA Compliance in Faxing

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In the healthcare industry, safeguarding patient information is a priority that cannot be overstated. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) lays down stringent standards for the protection of health information when it is transferred, received, handled, or shared. This extends to fax communications, a method still prevalent in medical settings due to its convenience and perceived reliability. Understanding and adhering to HIPAA requirements during fax transmission is not just legally necessary but also critical to maintaining patient trust. Below, we examine the nuances of HIPAA compliance in faxing, detailing why it’s crucial and how it can be achieved effectively.

A person in a lab coat holds a paper, symbolizing the importance of HIPAA compliance in faxing practices.

Understanding HIPAA Compliance in the Context of Faxing

HIPAA faxing requires strict security measures to protect patient information from unauthorized access. Healthcare organizations must use secure fax lines, monitor transmissions, and ensure only authorized personnel handle sensitive data. Since fax machines can be in unsecured areas, clear policies and staff training are essential to prevent unintended disclosures.

Despite the rise of electronic communication, faxing remains common in healthcare. Staying HIPAA-compliant helps prevent data breaches, legal issues, and financial penalties. Providers must take a proactive approach, regularly updating their faxing practices to align with evolving security risks.

Risks of Non-Compliance with HIPAA in Fax Communications

Failure to comply with HIPAA standards in fax communications can result in severe consequences, including financial penalties of up to $50,000 per violation and a maximum annual penalty of $1.5 million per provision. Non-compliance can also lead to a loss of reputation and trust among patients and healthcare providers, as patients may seek legal redress, leading to lengthy litigation processes and additional expenses.

Healthcare providers are also obligated to notify affected patients and the media of breaches, increasing public awareness and potentially inciting regulatory investigations. Diligence in faxing compliance is crucial for operational resilience and patient relationships, not just a regulatory matter.

Best Practices for Ensuring HIPAA Compliance When Faxing Patient Information

To ensure HIPAA compliance when faxing patient information, healthcare organizations must implement a secure fax environment, control access to fax machines, and protect PHI from unauthorized individuals. Secure fax cover sheets should always accompany PHI, clearly marking its confidentiality. Regular staff training on HIPAA faxing compliance is crucial, including guidelines on handling suspected breaches or technical failures.

Periodical audits of faxing protocols and procedures are necessary to identify potential vulnerabilities and outdated practices. Documenting HIPAA faxing protocols and maintaining records of all communications is also crucial. Documentation serves as evidence of compliance efforts and can be invaluable during audits or investigations. Some providers have transitioned to secure electronic fax services as part of their commitment to securing patient data.

A person operates a printer to produce a document, ensuring compliance with HIPAA faxing standards.

The Role of Secure Fax Solutions in Maintaining HIPAA Standards

Healthcare organizations are increasingly using secure fax solutions to comply with HIPAA’s strict requirements. These solutions offer end-to-end encryption, secure data transmission, and access controls, minimizing risks associated with traditional faxing. They integrate with electronic health records (EHR) systems to streamline the process of sending and receiving PHI while maintaining high security standards.

Secure fax solutions also provide detailed audit trails, allowing healthcare organizations to demonstrate compliance and monitor fax activity systematically. They also offer mobile and online accessibility, enabling healthcare professionals to maintain HIPAA compliance even when away from the office. Although an upfront investment, the long-term benefits of secure fax systems are undeniable, as they enhance security measures and efficiency, future-proofing sensitive patient information against evolving cyber threats.

Regular Training and Audits: Key to Upholding HIPAA Compliance in Fax Procedures

HIPAA compliance is a continuous process that requires ongoing attention and commitment. Regular training ensures healthcare staff are knowledgeable about HIPAA regulations and secure handling of PHI using fax machines. Training programs should evolve with regulatory changes, ensuring employees are up-to-date. Audits are crucial for maintaining compliance and identifying areas for improvement.

Regular reviews of fax practices and protocols help detect vulnerabilities and foster a compliance culture. Feedback mechanisms should be in place to encourage staff to report potential security issues without fear of retribution. Pairing training and audits with the adoption of secure fax technology can create a robust compliance framework. Staying proactive is pivotal for legal compliance and trust in healthcare providers.

Overall, HIPAA compliance in faxing is a critical component of healthcare operations that demands meticulous attention and foresight. By following best practices, investing in secure fax solutions, and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement through training and audits, healthcare organizations can mitigate risks and provide the utmost care in patient data privacy and security. Healthcare providers must remember that protecting PHI is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, essential for preserving patient trust and upholding the integrity of the healthcare system.

What is the Most Suitable Renewable Energy for the UAE

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Renewable energy is a hot topic these days. You’ve probably heard of it, but you might not know exactly what it is. Renewable energy is energy that comes from resources that are naturally replenished over time. These resources include the sun, wind, biomass, geothermal and much more. Clean energy not only help the environment by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, but it can also save money on your energy bills.

renewable energy in UAE

Renewable energy option for the UAE

The UAE has been a global leader in the adoption of renewable energy technologies and is now looking to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The most suitable type of renewable energy for the UAE is solar energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electrical energy, making them an ideal choice for the UAE’s arid climate. Solar thermal systems use mirrors to direct sunlight onto a receiver that heats up water or another fluid, which can then be used to generate power or heat.

Wind energy is also a viable option for the UAE. The Gulf region has some of the best wind resources in the world and there are already several large-scale wind projects in operation or under development. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electrical energy.

Water is another abundant resource in the UAE and geothermal power could provide a significant source of renewable energy. Geothermal power plants use the heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. Biomass, such as municipal solid waste or agricultural waste, can also be used to generate renewable power in the country.

Existing renewable energy projects in the UAE

The UAE has been working diligently towards its goal of achieving renewable energy targets. There are a number of renewable energy projects that are already operational in the UAE. Some of these projects include the conversion of waste into energy, the use of nuclear energy and the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

One of the most notable renewable energy projects in the UAE is the conversion of waste into energy. This project is being undertaken by a number of partner companies and is expected to help produce 7% of the UAE’s electricity needs.

Another notable project is the development of solar and wind power. The UAE has been investing in these types of renewable energy for some time now and they are expected to play a major role in meeting the country’s renewable energy targets.

The use of nuclear energy is also an important part of the UAE’s strategy for achieving renewable energy targets. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is expected to come online in 2020 and will help diversify the UAE’s energy supply. Once completed, this plant will be one of the largest nuclear plants in the world.

These are just a few examples of the many renewable energy projects that are underway in the UAE. These projects represent an important step towards the UAE’s goal of becoming a global leader in renewable energy.

The future of renewables in the UAE

Dubai is leading the way in terms of renewable energy in the UAE, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 plans to invest $163 billion in renewable energy projects in order to diversify the energy mix and achieve 100% reliance on clean energy sources.

Some of the projects underway include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the world’s largest single-site solar park. With a total investment of $2.05 billion, phase 5 of the solar park is 60% completed. In addition, Dubai is undertaking many other clean energy projects, such as the 5,000-megawatt Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

The Supreme Council of Energy also approved a regulatory framework for cooling service providers and customers to ensure the effectiveness of permit issuance and billing. This meeting also discussed the successful launch of Dewa-Sat 1, part of Dewa’s Space-D programme. Dewa is the first utility in the world to use satellites in its operations.

The Supreme Council of Energy meeting also reviewed participation in the fourth edition of the Emirates Energy Award, which highlights best practices in clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainability in the region. Dubai is taking full advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence and blockchain to exchange information with help from satellite communications and earth observation technologies.

Joining other global efforts, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 is an ambitious plan to increase the share of clean and renewable energy sources in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Supreme Council of Energy met yesterday to approve the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, which will help reduce emissions by 30%. This meeting also saw the launch of Dewa-Sat 1, part of Dewa’s Space-D programme. Through initiatives like these, Dubai is taking advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve its utility networks.

What is the best renewable energy for the UAE?

The UAE has made great strides in renewable energy in recent years, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Dubai is leading the way in this effort, with a number of ambitious projects underway.

renewable energy in UAE

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources for the UAE. The country has Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, which is the world’s first zero-carbon city. The city is powered by a solar farm that covers two square kilometers. With abundance of sunlight solar is a clear option for the UAE to embrace, however one problem rather unique to the Middle East region is the very fine sand particles that are abundant in the air that can settle on the panels reduce the energy efficiency of solar panels, especially after any rain the fine particles stick to the panels.

While no clean energy is perfect and maintenance needs to be done, solar is a very exciting prospect already in place in the UAE and one that is set to expand further to drive the countries goals in renewable power.

Persian Wheel for Lifting Water – Another Ancient Innovation

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Lifting water can increase the area that can be farmed, improve agricultural productivity, and provide drinking water. A Persian Wheel lifts water with animal or human power when there is insufficient flow for a noria. The animal energy was often supplied by a team of oxen.

persian wheel for lifting water

The Persian wheel may have been invented in Persia, Egypt, Kush (Sudan), Nubia, India, or even China. The earliest reference is found in the Panchatantra (c. 3rd century BCE), where it was known as an araghaṭṭa a combination of the words ara (spoked wheel) and ghaṭṭa “pot” in Sanskrit.

Early Mediterranean evidence of a saqiya is from a tomb painting in Ptolemaic Egypt that dates to the 2nd century BCE. A preserved 2nd century CE wheel raised water from a well in London. The invention may also  have been refined or developed in China, credited to Pi Lan and Ma kün about ~200 CE. The Persian wheel may have reached India around the thirteenth or fourteenth century in the wake of the Turkish conquests of northern India. Animal-powered saqiyas and water-powered norias have been supplying water in Damascus (Syria) since the 13th century.

The Persian wheel was well known in the Middle East and in everyday use throughout the area. It was called a sāqiyah, sakia, saqia, or saqiya (Arabic: ساقية), Persian wheel, tablia, rahat (Punjabi), tympanum (Latin), antelayyā wheel (Aramaic), rahat रहट or araghattta (Sanskrit), aceña or noria de sangre (Spain), and fan ch’o  (China). The Arabic word saqiya (Arabic: ساقية) is derived from the root verb saqa (Arabic: سقى), meaning to “give to drink” or “make (someone/something) drink.”

These devices were once in widespread use in China, India, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and other countries. Persian wheels are still used but they have been almost entirely been replaced by electric pumps. Records note that at one time 25,000 Persian wheels were turning in the Kolar District of India. Sadly, the last one recently stopped, displaced by an electric pump.

Hand and foot energy is applied directly to a scoop wheel. Clay pots or buckets attached directly to the periphery of the wheel limit the depth it can scoop water from to less than half its diameter.

water lifting wheel

When more water is needed animal power turns a lever as the animals walks around and around. The long lever arm is attached to a vertical gear shaft. The vertical shaft rotation is transformed to a horizontal shaft rotation with lantern gears (also called cage gears or lantern pinions). These artisanal gears were traditionally made of wood with cylindrical rods or pegs for teeth, parallel to the axle and arranged in a circle around it.

Lantern gears are more efficient than solid pinion gears and good for rural use because dirt can fall through the rods rather than becoming trapped and increasing wear or jamming the gear. The lantern gears can be constructed with very simple tools as the teeth are not formed by cutting or milling metal, but rather by shaping wood, drilling holes and inserting wooden rods. The rods are wedged in place and can be adjusted or replaced as the gears wear. Building and maintaining a Persian wheel with crooked timbers and limited supplies required very skilled workers. Later on the gears and axles could be metal and the scoops could be made with sheet metal.

persian wheel

The Persian wheel is an innovative, effective, and low cost method for lifting water from a well, a river when a noria can’t be used, ponds or water bodies. The use of draft animals increases the volume of water that can be lifted for use. Although a few are still in use, almost everyone has switched to electric pumps. They are more convenient until the electricity fails.

Widespread power grid failures in Pakistan 2023, Portugal and Spain 2025, India 2023, India 2012, Bangladesh 2012, Syria 2025, Puerto Rico 2025, Egypt 2024, US 2003, and Iraq 2025 put people and crops at risk. The increasing vulnerability with climate change suggests it might be good to restore and install Persian wheels as a backup source of water.

الإعلان الإسلامي للمناخ يدعو للتخلص من الوقود الأحفوري

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أطلق قادة المسلمين من ٢٠ دولة الاعلان الاسلامي من اجل التغير المناخي لدعوة 1.6 مليار مسلم في جميع أنحاء العالم للنهوض بواجبهم الأخلاقي في التصدي لمسألة تغير المناخ في اطار واجباتهم الدينية .تم تبني هذا الإعلان من قبل ٦٠ مشارك في الندوة الاسلامية المعنية بتغير المناخ المنعقدة بإسطنبول في ال١٧ وال١٨ من شهر أغسطس لعام 2015 ، حيث دعا كافة الأطراف في “مؤتمر اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ”، الذي سيعقد في باريس في شهر ديسمبر القادم ويحضره زعماء العالم، ان يقوموا بإتخاذ قرارات والتزامات طموحة وملزمة قانونياً للدول المشاركة، لوقف التغير المناخي واستخدام الوقود الاحفوري عن طريق توفير مسار لوقف الاحترار العالمي بدرجتين او درجة ونصف عن ما قبل الثورة الصناعية.

ويعرض الإعلان قضية أخلاقية، تعتمد على التعاليم الإسلامية للمسلمين و الأشخاص من جميع الأديان في جميع أنحاء العالم لإتخاذ إجراءات عاجلة بشأن تغير المناخ. الإعلان تمت صياغته من قبل فريق متنوع من علماء الدين الإسلامي من جميع أنحاء العالم بعد فترة مشاورات مكثفة قبل الندوة. وقد سبق إقراره من قبل أكثر من 60 مشاركا بما في ذلك مفتي أوغندا ولبنان. الإعلان الاسلامي يتفق مع الاعلان البابوي للحد من التغير المناخي وحصل ايضاً على دعم من المجلس البابوي للعدل والسلام من الكرسي الرسولي.

يدعو الإعلان إلى التخلص التدريجي السريع للوقود الأحفوري والتحول إلى الطاقة المتجددة بنسبة 100٪ وكذلك زيادة الدعم للمجتمعات الاكثر تضرراً من آثار تغير المناخ. هذا الاعلان يمثل شريحة واسعة من المجتمع من مختلف الاطياف التي تدعو الحكومات إلى الحد من بصمتهم الكربونية والتخلص التدريجي من استخدامهم للوقود الأحفوري من خلال التحول إلى مصادر الطاقة المتجددة بنسبة 100%. وتحث الدول الغنية والمنتجة للنفط للتخلص التدريجي من جميع إنبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة بحلول عام 2050.  وتدعو الشركات للالتزام بالطاقة المتجددة 100٪ من أجل التصدي لتغير المناخ والحد من الفقر وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة.

من بين المتحدثين الرئيسيين في الندوة هم ثلاثة من كبار مسؤولي الامم المتحدة – من برنامج البيئة للأمم المتحدة، و اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ وفريق الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة بشأن تغير المناخ. واشتملت الندوة على عروض من قادة مسلمون مؤثرون، بمن فيهم رجال دين، وناشطون،وعلماء، وأكاديميون، وصناع قرار، وممثلو مجتمع مدني من مختلف أنحاء العالم.

ردود الفعل

“بالنيابة عن مجلس أندونيسيا  للائمة و 210 مليون مسلم نرحب بهذا الإعلان، ونحن ملتزمون بتنفيذ جميع التوصيات. إن أزمة المناخ التي يتعين معالجتها من خلال تضافر الجهود، لذلك دعونا نعمل معا من أجل عالم أفضل لأطفالنا، وأطفال أطفالنا. “- دين شمس الدين، رئيس مجلس أندونيسيا للائمة.

“أنا فخور بأن إسمي مرتبط بالإعلان الإسلامي حول تغير المناخ و الذي صدر في اسطنبول اليوم. حيث أني مسلم و أحاول اتباع التعاليم الأخلاقية للإسلام للحفاظ على البيئة ومساعدة ضحايا التغير المناخي. إنني أحث جميع المسلمين في جميع أنحاء العالم للتصدي لمشكلة تغير المناخ العالمية “- الدكتور سليم الحق، مدير معهد الدراسات البيئية

“اساس الإعلان هو تجديد مبدأ الإسلاميين البيئيين وهو ما سيحفزنا على التحرك مستقبلاً وسوف نكون سعداء عند تبني المجتمع لهذا الاعلان و التطوير  منه ايضاً.” – فازلن خالد، مؤسس، المؤسسة الإسلامية للحفاظ على البيئة والعلوم البيئية.

“ بفرح كبير وبروح من التضامن أنني أعبر لكم عن دعم من الكنيسة الكاثوليكية للصلاة من أجل نجاح المبادرة الخاصة بكم ورغبتها في العمل معكم في المستقبل لرعاية بيتنا المشترك، ولتمجيد الله الذي خلقنا “- نيافة الكاردينال بيتر تركسن، رئيس المجلس البابوي للعدالة والسلام، الفاتيكان.

“طاقة نظيفة ومستقبل مستدام للجميع يعتمد على تغيير جذري في فهمنا كيف نقدر الطبيعة وبعضنا البعض. تعاليم الإسلام تؤكد على خلافة البشر في الأرض ،على واجبهم بتصحيح السلوكيات والتحرك من اجل وقف التغير المناخي،”- كريستيانا فيغيريس، الأمين التنفيذي للاتفاقية الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ.

” ما يسعد المجتمع المدني من خلال هذا الإعلان انها قادمة من المجتمع الإسلامي، الذي يمكن ان يغير قواعد اللعبة، كما أنه يتحدى جميع قادة العالم والدول وخاصة المنتجة للنفط، للتخلص التدريجي من انبعاثات الكربون، وتدعم التحول العادل إلى 100٪ طاقة متجددة باعتبارها ضرورة لمعالجة تغير المناخ، والحد من الفقر وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة في جميع أنحاء العالم. “- وائل حميدان، المدير الدولي لشبكة العمل من أجل المناخ.

Waste Prevention in Middle East – Prospects and Challenges

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The best way of dealing with waste, both economically and environmentally, is to avoid creating it in the first place. People and businesses that use resources wisely not only save money but also have much less impact on the environment. That is why waste prevention rightly occupies the top spot in the so-called “Waste Hierarchy” set out in EU and national waste legislation. 

Waste prevention is about the way in which the products and services we all rely on are designed, made, bought and sold, used, consumed and disposed of. For example:

  • Making products that are more durable, repairable, re-usable and recyclable would help cut down on the amount of waste being created
  • Encouraging people and businesses to re-use goods via charity shops or other re-use networks would help boost markets for second hand items
  • Reducing the amounts of hazardous, harmful, or difficult to recycle substances in products or materials would help to protect the environment as well as improve the efficiency with which resources are used. 

Key Elements of Waste Management Hierarchy

The aim of the waste prevention is to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impacts associated with the generation of waste. This is sometimes referred to as “decoupling”, as in the past there has been a link between economic growth and increases in the amount of waste being produced.

Present Scenario

The per capita production of solid waste in Arab cities such as Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi is over 1.5 kg per day, placing them among the highest per capita waste producers in the world. In urban areas, waste management is particularly pressing. Over the last few generations the Arab world has seen a rapid increase in its urban population, with some countries, such as Kuwait and Qatar’s population being urbanized at over 90%. Governments in those regions are struggling to keep a pace with population growth.　

Consumer waste, however, is not the only, or even the main, culprit. Construction waste is hugely dominant. It’s the main component of waste in the Middle East region. At the height of the building boom, among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), 55% of waste was estimated to come from construction and demolition. Currently across the region overall, less than 20% of solid waste is properly treated, and less than 5% is recycled. The Middle East’s growing waste problem has started a debate among the region’s officials and environmentalists, some of whom are eager to see schemes such as pay-as-you-throw implemented. 

Major Challenges

For a good waste prevention plan to work for cities like Dubai, Muscat and Doha, it is important to say that there is going to have to be a high number of different initiatives that will work together in order to build up a waste prevention plan.  There has to be a commitment from all parties to create a ‘Waste Prevention Programme’.  Governments should propose policy, which include proposals for tool-kits on waste minimisation, business waste reduction trials and a Waste Prevention Fund.

It is not going to simply take one thing from governments saying ‘adopt this’, as that is not going to be enough. While a waste prevention programme is required from governments and businesses, what is also needed is to develop a plan in order to gauge future policies that could tie in with the waste hierarchy.

Municipal officials in the region should urge residents to help tackle the significant environmental challenge posed by increasing volumes of waste by changing entrenched habits and taking personal responsibility to ensure clean surroundings. There are people from many different cultures. It is important to keep the awareness and waste prevention campaigns high because each new resident will bring in their own habits and there will no doubt be some people who have no regard for the environment. In return, governments should make it easier for householders and businesses and everyone to do the right thing.

A study by the top four global custom market research firm, Synovate, on ‘green’ behaviour shows that consumers in the UAE are among the top purchasers of ecological and organic products, but rank near the bottom when it comes to recycling household waste. The survey also found women and older consumers are more environmentally conscious.

With a large expat community, many residents come to Middle Eastern countries where recycling is already part of everyday life. “The challenge is one of communication to generate awareness of recycling amongst a transient community and to create commitment from homeowners and residents to participate in the local initiatives being launched by both the public and private sectors. Most resident communities in the Middle East do not have the household recycling collection that exists in other countries.”

Action Plan

Middle Eastern governments should agree a responsibility deal with the business sector which should include a commitment by businesses to promote the waste hierarchy and the need to place greater emphasis on waste prevention and resource efficiency in their dealings with their waste producer customers. Also, there should be discussions  looking at issues such as how to decide which products and materials to target as waste prevention priorities, how to extend re-use, repair, and leasing business models, and how to make the idea of “waste prevention” more meaningful to people and businesses.

Priorities products and materials for waste prevention could include electrical and electronic equipment, clothing and textiles, construction materials, food waste, and packaging. The governments should put in place the much-needed recycling infrastructure and make segregation of waste at source compulsory. But a problem still remains in getting the recycling message across.

Correlation of green habits likely has a lot to do with availability. Middle East countries are quite good at buying ecological and organic products but could do better at recycling. That’s because they don’t have a well-developed system for collecting recyclables, which helps explain this. So the results don’t necessarily mean that people don’t want to be greener – it may just be that they can’t. Governments across the region could certainly help increase their population’s ability to engage in more green behaviour, whether by promoting recycling programmes, or by offering incentives to producers of ecological and organic products.

An issue that I have stressed to the officials during my visits to Dubai is that there still isn’t a watchdog monitoring green companies in the UAE as there is in European countries. Recycling is not cheap but there are ways and means to mitigate the cost. If it is managed properly, implemented correctly, and there is awareness among stakeholders, it will not be a burden on the malls.

Good waste management systems and plans are currently being implemented in the Middle East and the regulations will definitely bring positive benefits on the regions waste programme as it presents an opportunity to review recycling and ensure it is in line with each government’s regulations.

Why You Should Consider Switching to LED Christmas Lights

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The number one decor that creates a festive atmosphere are Christmas lights. And even though no other decorations are included, these lights are going to make you imagine about Christmas. They are usually installed on Christmas trees but there are various techniques on how to use them as indoor decorations. They can be hung above your windows, hallways, doors and can even be installed on your stairways. These will surely fill your space with shimmering lights!

Furthermore, you can make absolutely fabulous-looking wreaths and lanterns for indoors easier especially when you make use of LED lights. With exceptional durability and a wide range of dazzling colors, LED Christmas lights for holiday displays are much more than energy-saving alternatives.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using LED Christmas lights and highlight some ideas for a festive indoor decoration on Christmas holidays. Read on to know more!

Why Use LED Christmas Lights?

Almost all people are aware that LED Christmas lights are one of the most energy-efficient Christmas decors. But aside from this, there are more reasons why you should consider switching to LED lights. To know more about what LED lights are and how they work, read on this article.

Why do you think the majority of Christmas consumers prefer LED lights over incandescent ones? Below are five reasons why.

1. LEDs Have an Exceptionally Long Life

There are many sets of LED lights that are proven to last more than a thousand hours. This is much more beyond traditional sets of miniature incandescent lights that usually last for only one or two seasons.

Want to know more about the difference between LED lights and incandescent ones? This article provides a comprehensive comparison between LED and incandescent lighting.

2. LEDs Have Visually Parallel Output Light

LED light bulbs emit brighter and a more vivid light compared to conventional incandescent bulbs. Moreover, the stunning output light of LEDs is among its most complimented feature by customers.

3. LEDs Have More Advanced and Innovative Designs

LED lights are accessible in a wide color spectrum and have a number of varieties. They feature unique capabilities regarding light display including their ability to be dimmed and change in color.

4. LEDs Produce Less Heat

LED light bulbs produce less heat or no heat at all. This means they are always cool when touched making them safer for animals and children even if these are around during all seasons.

5. LEDs Can Be Connected in Long Strings

When you use LED lights, you can connect strings of LED lights together while using only one power outlet. Many conventional mini Christmas lights only allow the connection of 4 to 5 sets. But with various mini LED light strings, the end-to-end connection of 40 to 50 strings together can be done depending on your light count. If you are decorating large displays for Christmas, LED lights make this a lot easier.

Now, before we go on to the Christmas lighting styles and ideas, discussed below is our most recommended LED lighting style: LED strip lights. Wondering why? Read on the next section.

Why Use LED Strip Lights as Christmas Lighting?

There are various options to decorate your Christmas displays using LED lights. The 7 advantages of using LED strip lights rather than traditional Christmas lights are listed below.

1. They have a longer service life.

The lifespan of LED strip lights can reach up to 50,000 hours or more. This saves you maintenance costs and effort of changing your lights frequently.

2. They blend in easier.

LED strip lights are easier to blend in the displays or surroundings so they can be left up throughout the year. Buy Christmas jumpers and start your big and bright celebration.

3. They are very safe.

LED strip lights only have low voltage which is 12 volts. Furthermore, they are available in various colors you can choose from making the creation of festive light atmosphere a lot easier on your furniture, TV, monitor or even outdoors by elaborating effects on color changes.

4. They are suitable for light installations.

LED strip lights are intended for light installation effects and only take a few steps for the installation to complete.

5. They are very flexible.

LED strip lights are very flexible. Strips make it easier to light separate and curved spaces. All you have to do is remove its adhesive back and then stick in on any surface to illuminate your office or home with RGB and white led strip lights.

6. They can withstand weather extremities.

LED strip lights can withstand bitter winters and harsh winds. They are among the most sturdy lighting solutions.

7. They are available in white colors.

LED strip lights are available in static white colors so they can also be used as additional lighting for your properties to make them more elegant at any time period. You can use them as lighting for Thanksgiving and Halloween too.

Wondering where you can buy LED strip lights? Check out this manufacturer.

Other Christmas Lights Decoration Ideas

1. Use Fairy Lights

Fairy lights may be small due to their tiny bulbs but they are mighty. Don’t be fooled by their size because they produce an incredible glowing, bright light! You can pick both new plug-in and battery operated options on green or silver wires for:

  • Wrapping around greenery,
  • Brightening craft projects, or
  • Illuminating glass jars.

2. Use LED Icicle Light Bulbs

This is among the most popular outdoor LED list styles for Christmas. They are used to line roofs and in indoor decorations for ambient lighting in bedrooms. They are also increasing in popularity in wedding decors to produce a romantic mood. LED icicle lights come in a wide spectrum of colors and fun combinations such as green and red for Christmas. A color combination of purple and orange is also available for Halloweens!

Also Read: Sustainable Weddings: Making Your Big Day Eco-Friendly

3. Use Falling Icicles and Grand Cascades

This is a twist on conventional icicle lights! These can be attached in stringers to imitate dripping ice and falling snow. Grand cascades are composed of diodes that light up and descend. This, simulating snow showers and shooting stars!

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed why you should use LED bulbs as Christmas lighting, specifically LED strip lights. These are suitable for spaces that need very flexible installations and have a longer life span and can withstand extreme weather conditions compared to other Christmas lights.

Want more? Here are 30 Christmas Decor DIYs using string and fairy lights you can follow. Have fun transforming your house or office into a fairyland!

The Environmental Impacts of Seawater Desalination

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Desalination is a process that removes salt and minerals from seawater and turns it into a potable resource. It is extremely helpful in areas experiencing rising water demands due to water scarcity, droughts, growing populations and increased water consumption. With the ocean covering most of the Earth’s surface, seawater provides a sustainable, long-term solution to a problem that won’t soon dissipate.

desalination-plant-uae

By 2015, 18,000 desalination plants had cropped up worldwide, producing 22,870 million gallons of fresh water per day. Experts believe desalination, coupled with future advancements in technology, could be the key to establishing drought-proof communities worldwide.

A clean source of water is still a major concern in many places around the world. However, the process of desalination comes with its own environmental risks. Desalination’s role in the future of sustainability will depend on how these risks are addressed and adapted.

The Production of Brine

During the desalination process, half of the collected water will end up as fresh water. The remaining half will be a highly concentrated brine containing a mixture of toxic chemicals. Research shows that desalination plants produce 141.5 million cubic meters of brine each day, compared to 95 million cubic meters of freshwater. Disposal of this brine can be costly and, if tossed back into the ocean, can be deadly to marine life.

But this minor setback could lead to new economic opportunity. Brine discharge is often a source of precious minerals and elements like salt and uranium. Uranium can be resold to reduce overall operating costs and salt can be made commercially available as a de-icing agent. Experts believe this financial benefit could be enough incentive for plants to turn to extraction.

Desalination_Middle East

The amount of brine generated can also be reduced through more efficient desalination processes. A modern kind of membrane technology called reverse osmosis is cheaper, requires less energy and produces less brine. Sustainable desalination practices will depend on plants switching over from outdated methods, such as thermal desalination, which sucks in seawater, heats it up to a vapor and then pushes the remaining brine back out to sea.

The Impact to Marine Life

Another concern in the desalination industry is impingement and entrainment. During the intake process, when water from the ocean is sucked in, marine life like fish and crabs can get sucked in and die against the intake screen, called impingement. During the treatment process, smaller organisms like fish eggs and plankton can also get sucked in and killed, referred to as entrainment.

One way to reduce this threat is to switch from a surface to a subsurface intake process. This means extracting water from beneath the ocean floor instead of on top, where sand can act as a natural filter to protect marine life. This natural filter also reduces the need for chemicals and energy consumption during the treatment process, which can significantly cut costs.

A subsurface intake process isn’t the only solution available to protect marine life. Experts have also found ways to adapt screen openings to incorporate a finer mesh with less space for organisms to enter the intake. Another option is the lower the through-screen velocity. Impingement occurs when the through-screen velocity is so high that crabs and fish are unable to move away when caught. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has determined a velocity lower than or equal to 0.5 feet per second can effectively address marine impacts.

The Consumption of Energy

Energy use is a concern in any industry, and desalination is no different. Worldwide, desalination plants consume more than 200 million kilowatt-hours of energy per day. Energy costs make up about 55% of a desalination plant’s operating costs, making them especially vulnerable to price increases. In comparison, a traditional drinking water treatment plant consumes less than 1 kilowatt-hour per cubic meter. Eighty-five percent of Americans support increasing federal investment to rebuild water infrastructure, indicating how we get our water is of high importance to today’s consumers.

Desalination plants who adopt the reverse osmosis process — which also produces the least amount of brine — see a major decrease in energy usage, down to three to 10 kWh per cubic meter. But researchers are still looking for cheaper and more eco-friendly ways to treat seawater. One method being tested is forward osmosis, which uses a solution of salt and gases to create a pressure difference. Experts say this can lengthen the lifespan of reverse osmosis membranes and reduce the need for disinfectants during treatment.

Solar is also being considered as a solution to high energy consumption. Experts are using the sustainable form of energy as a way to improve the thermal desalination process. The desired outcome is a more efficient water treatment method that requires less startup and integration capital.

Bottom Line

Desalination may have some drawbacks. The production of brine and the consumption of waste are at the forefronts of experts’ minds as they determine an efficient way to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems — access to clean drinking water. Luckily, new solutions, like the use of updated filtration and intake systems and solar energy, are being developed and integrated to reduce the impact of the desalination process.

أداء الحج الأخضر

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يعتبرالحج أكبر تجمع من الناس في العالم حيث يتلاقى المسلمون من عدة بلدان لأداء الشعائر الدينية، ويؤدي ما يقرب من ثلاثة ملايين مسلم فريضة الحج كل عام. إن اتخاذ الترتيبات اللازمة سنوياً لعدد الحجاج المتزايد يشكل تحدياً لوجستياً بالغاً للحكومة والسلطات المعنية المكلفة بتوفير احتياجات السكن والنقل والصرف الصحي والغذاء والرعاية الصحية للحجاج.

green-hajj

للحج أثر هائل على البيئة. فأثناء الحج، تتولد كميات ضخمة من النفايات التي يجب جمعها وإدارتها بطريقة مناسبة. تتعلق الآثار الضارة الأخرى باستخدام المياه المفرط وإنتاج المياه العادمة ومركبات النقل التي تسبب تلوث الهواء ورمي النفايات والزجاجات البلاستيكية والحفاضات المستخدمة ومغلفات المواد الغذائية. كل هذه الملوثات ليست فقط ضارة بالبيئة ولكنها أيضاً موذية للعين. وتتفاقم المشكلة بسبب الجهل وانعدام الوعي وعدم التزام الحجاج  بالتعامل السليم مع الموارد البيئية.

للأسف، لا يدرك غالبية الحجاج أن مفهوم حماية البيئة وواجبات الحفاظ على المحيط البيئي كامنة في الإسلام. وفقاً للقرآن، أوكل الله البشر بالحفاظ على الأرض والبيئة. بإمكان الحج أن يكون مستداماً إذا تصرف الحجاج بطريقة صديقة للبيئة وتجنبوا كل التصرفات الملوثة.

تقوم السلطات المعنية بالتخطيط وإنفاق الأموال وتوفير المرافق لتتناسب مع عدد الحجاج، ولكن الموقف غير المسؤول للكثير من الناس يهدد الموارد البيئية.

ستساعد الجوانب التالية في جعل الحج أكثر استدامة وأكثر حفاظاً على الموارد الطبيعية:

•الشراء الأخضر: شراء ما هو مطلوب فقط والحرص على شراء المنتجات الصديقة للبيئة.

• استخدام الحد الأدنى من الماء للوضوء والاستحمام وغسل الملابس والاستخدام الشخصي. فتح صنبور المياه للسماح بتدفق محدود.

• الإبلاغ عن أي تسرب مياه إلى السلطة.

• إعادة تعبئة وإعادة استخدام عبوات المياه.

• شراء الطعام بكميات تتناسب مع الحاجة، وتجنب الطعام الفائض.

• تجنب المواد الغذائية المغلفة.

• تجنب استخدام أدوات المائدة القابلة للرمي.

• تجنب رمي النفايات، وجمع كل النفايات والتخلص منها في المواقع المخصصة.

• تجنب استخدام أكياس التسوق البلاستيكية.

• استخدام وسائل النقل الجماعي.

• تقليل استهلاك الكهرباء.

• عدم ترك الأضواء مشعلة في الغرف الفارغة.

• إطفاء أجهزة الشحن عند الانتهاء من استخدامها.

• شراء الأجهزة الموفرة للطاقة إذا لزم الأمر.

على خلفية تجمع العالم في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية لمناقشة آثار تغير المناخ والاتفاق على التزامات دولية، يمكننا أن نتعهد على المستوى الفردي بمساعدة كوكبنا الوحيد. البيئة هي خلق الله ويجب أن يتم احترامها. دعونا نساهم في حج أخضر وفي إحداث تأثير جذري على النظام البيئي لجعله أكثر استدامة ولإظهار أن الإسلام هو منصة مثالية للحفاظ على البيئة.

ترجمة

نادين كتخدا هي مسؤولة المعلومات والتواصل والتدريب في جمعية إدامة للطاقة والمياه والبيئة في الأردن. حصلت على شهادة البكالوريوس في العلوم البيئية ودراسات التنمية الدولية من جامعة ماك غيل  في مونتريال. وتشمل تجربتها العمل البحثي والميداني في كندا والأردن، إعداد حملات توعية حول الطاقة والمحافظة على المياه، تنظيم الفعاليات، وإطلاق مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة في قرى الأردن. تتعدد اهتمامات نادين لتشمل موارد الطاقة المتجددة والإدارة المستدامة للمياه بالإضافة إلى التغذية والرعاية الصحية في البلدان الأقل حظاً.

The Relationship Between Climate Change and Natural Disasters

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Many natural disasters are directly linked with the climate change including floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and storms. Such disasters have claimed more than 600,000 lives in the past two decades. The frequency and magnitude of these disasters are increasing with time and is not going to subside even with the plans of reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and signing of climate change agreement at Paris.

sandstorm in kuwait

UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction recorded an average of 335 weather-related disasters between 2005 and 2014, an increase of 14% from 1995-2004, and almost twice the level recorded during 1985-1995. According to the report, 4.1 billion people were injured, left homeless or were in need of emergency assistance as a result of weather-related disasters between 1995 and 2015. About 332,000 deaths occurred and 3.7 billion people were affected in Asia alone. These figures are alarming and an eye opener to all of us to understand and to promptly react to this urgent problem based on our floods and storms accounted for the majority of deaths due to weather-related natural disasters.

Also Read: Climate and Weather – They are Not the Same Thing

As per data, floods accounted for 47% of all weather-related disasters from 1995-2015, affecting 2.3 billion people and killing 157,000. Storms were the deadliest type of weather-related disaster, accounting for 242,000 deaths or 40% of the global weather-related deaths, with 89% of these deaths occurring in lower income countries.

Extreme temperatures as a result of global warming caused deaths of about 164,000 people, of which 148,000 deaths, about 92%, were caused due to heat waves; 90% of the deaths from heat waves occurred in Europe alone. In Russia, more than 55,000 people died as a result of heat wave in 2010 and total deaths were 70,000 in 2003 in Europe.

According to the World Bank’s “Natural Disaster Hotspots: A Global Risk Analysis” report released in March 2015, more than 160 countries have more than a quarter of their populations in areas of high mortality risks from one or more natural disasters. The first decade of the 21st century saw 3,496 natural disasters from floods, storms, droughts and heat waves.

extreme weather events in iraq

As per the World Meteorological Organisation, the world is nearly five times as dangerous and disaster prone as it was in the 1970s, because of the increasing risks brought by climate change. The cost of disasters rose to $864bn in the last decade.

We need to understand that the climate changes are not uniformly spread around the world. The sea level rise is expected to be 10-15% higher in countries closer to the equator, low lying, coastal countries and small island states like Bahrain. The warming will bring more cyclones, droughts, flooding, sea level rise, heat stress, more water consumption, more energy and cooling requirements and spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. Thus, it will affect all of us irrespective of our location and status.

The time has come for every individual to adopt environmentally safe habits and caring attitude towards finite natural resources.

العوائق والتحديات التي تواجه المؤسسات الصغيرة ومتوسطة الحجم العاملة في القطاعات الخضراء

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مع انطلاق كلمة “البيئة” ككلمة رنانة على مستوى جميع الصناعات والقطاعات، فان اتساع مجال التحول الأخضر في قطاع الأعمال وتطوير مهارات العاملين فيه أصبح ذا أهمية على مستوى العالم، والشرق الاوسط ليس بمنأى عن هذا التطور.

إن المؤسسات الصغيرة ومتوسطة الحجم التي تعمل في قطاع التصميم البيئي ، العمارة الخضراء، الطاقة المتجددة وكفاءة استخدام الطاقة، والاستدامة بشكل عام كلها تعمل على توجيه الدفة نحو نحو التحول إلى الاقتصاد الأخضر في شتى القطاعات. إن قطاع المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة في المجال البيئي في الشرق الأوسط ينمو بشكل مطرد وإن كان بسرعة أقل من المتوقع.

الإطار التنظيمي

ان من أكبر العقبات في وجه تطور قطاع المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة في المجالات الخضراء هو ضعف الأنظمة والقوانين المنظمة لهذا القطاع. ووفقا لربى الزعبي، الخبيرة في مجال الاستدامة البيئية في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا ” إن المؤسسات الصغيرة ومتوسطة الحجم هي التي يجب ان تقود التحول نحو الاقتصاد الأخضر في منطقة الشرق الأوسط. ويعد عدم توفر السياسات والممكنات التي توجه هذا القطاع أحد معيقات نمو وتنافسية هذه المؤسسات”.

إن القوانين التي تحكم السوق وقطاع الأعمال تشكل عائقا كبيرا أمام المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة في قطاع الطاقة المتجددة والبيئة والاستدامة. فعلى سبيل المثال فالشركات الحكومية في دول الخليج العربي تتمتع باحتكار شبه كامل فيما يتعلق بشبكات الصناعات التي لها تأثيرات بيئية كبيرة (مثل الكهرباء والطاقة) او تسيطر على خدمات بيئية استراتيجية (مثل إدارة المياه والمخلفات).

إعادة الهيكلة

إن إعادة هيكلة قطاع المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في الشرق الأوسط مهم جدا للسماح لتلك المؤسسات بالنمو والتطور وبالتالي لتحفيز انتقال المنطقة إلى اقتصاد أخضر. توفر المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة النسبة الأكبر من الوحدات الانتاجية والوظائف في مختلف أنحاء منطقة الشرق الأوسط، فعلى سبيل المثال المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة مسؤولة عن حوالي 60% من الناتج المحلي الإجمالي في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. وتجدر الإشارة إلى أهمية مشاركة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في عملية التحول ألى اقتصاد منخفض الانبعاثات مما يمهد الطريق نحو قطاع أعمال أكثر استدامة ونحو تطوير المهارات في مجال البيئة ضمن شتى القطاعات.

إن المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم تحتاج الى دعم حكومي قوي والذي نفتقده للأسف في العديد من من دول الخليج العربي، وكما توضح ربى الزعبي “على الرغم من الفرصة الهائلة المتاحة للنمو في الشرق الأوسط والتي تعززها عدة عوامل اهمها التغير المناخي، شح المياه، الاعتماد على النفط إضافة إلى البصمة البيئية،إلا أن المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة العاملة في القطاعات الخضراء مهددة بالتحديات المتعددة وبالمنافسة المتزايدة”.

تحديات ملحة

تواجه منطقة الشرق الأوسط تحديات عدة فيما يخص نمو المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة العاملة في القطاعات البيئية، كما توضح ربى الزعبي “إن التحديات الاكثر إلحاحا هي: 1) الفجوة ما بين التعليم ومتطلبات سوق العمل، 2) التشتت في توجيه البحوث والتطوير نحو أولويات الصناعة. يتحتم على المؤسسات الحكومية، وجمعيات الأعمال والمنظمات غير الحكومية لعب دور أكبر لحشد التأييد ومواءمة أولويات النمو الأخضر في شتى القطاعات.”

تواجه المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة في القطاعات الخضراء معوقات كبيرة لدخول السوق على الرغم من دورها المهم في تطوير تكنولوجيا ملائمة للاحتياجات المحلية وفي تأسيس نماذج أعمال صديقة للبيئة.

مبادرات واعدة

اتخذت أبو ظبي خطوة كبيرة لتجميع المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة الخضراء عن طريق انشاء مدينة “مصدر” الحرة. كتجمع للأعمال، توفر مصدر للمؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة وكذلك للشركات الناشئة بيئة تلهم الابتكار، وتقدم فرصا لتطوير الأعمال، كما انها تعد مختبرا حيا وحاضنة اختبار للتكنولوجيا الحديثة. على الرغم من ذلك، فان ارتفاع إيجارات المكاتب يعد عائقا أمام المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة ذات الإمكانيات المحدودة. وكما أوضحت مستشارة التنمية المستدامة، سندانا سواين، والتي تعمل في دبي “إن ارتفاع إيجارت المكاتب في منطقة مصدر الحرة كان أحد الأسباب التي دفعت الشركات الصغيرة للابتعاد عن إنشاء أعمالها في تجمع الأعمال هذا”.

Solar-KSA

في عام 2007 قامت قطر ايضا بإطلاق مبادرة واعدة للترويج للأعمال الخضراء ودعمها وذلك بإنشاء واحة قطر للعلوم والتكنولوجيا والتي تركز على مجالات الطاقة، والبيئة، وعلوم الصحة، وتكنولوجيا الاتصال والمعلومات. في بداياتها ركزت المؤسسة على تأسيس البنية التحتية وجذب شركات كبيرة، وفي المرحلة الثانية تنوي الواحة استهداف المؤسسات الصغيرة ومتوسطة الحجم وتزويدها بالدعم في الجوانب القانونية والتمويل والإرشاد وتخطيط الأعمال.

التوجهات المستقبلية

هناك حاجة ملحة للتداخلات العاجلة على مستوى السياسات لدعم المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة الحجم العاملة في القطاعات الخضراء في الشرق الأوسط لمساعدتها على تجاوز المعوقات المختلفة من خلال: تبادل الخبرات والمعرفة، رفع مستوى الوعي البيئي،  تحسين الدعم المالي، دعم بناء وتطوير المهارات، تحسين الوصول إلى الأسواق، وفرض الضرائب البيئية.

في العقود الماضية، شهد قطاع الريادة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط تسارعا ملحوظا، مما يستوجب توجيه الريادة نحو معالجة قضايا المياه، والبيئة، و إدارة المخلفات بحيث تساهم في تحويل التحديات البيئية الى فرص اقتصادية.

ترجمة: فرح الشيشاني

تعمل فرح في مجال تقديم الاستشارات في الاعمال واستحداث المحتوى الرقمي بما يشمل الترجمة. يسبق ذلك عملها على مدى ست سنوات في مجال تطوير الأعمال وإدارة المشاريع في قطاعات عدة منها التصميم والانشاءات والطيران. تقوم حاليا بتقديم استشارات خاصة للمؤسسات والشركات الناشئة فيما يختص بالنواحي الرقمية وبناء استراتيجية اتصال الى جانب تطوير المحتوى والهوية المؤسسية.