كلّ ما يجب معرفته عن التصحر

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مع تجاوز عدد سكان العالم 7 مليارات نسمة، فإن الضغط على الأراضي ازداد بشكل هائل في العقود الأخيرة. أصبح الأمن الغذائي والمساكن وسبل العيش من أهم المفاهيم الرائجة في الوقت الحالي. والمفارقة أنه بالرغم من الطلب المتزايد على الأراضي، فإن أكثر من 10 ملايين هكتار من الأراضي الصالحة للزراعة تتحول إلى صحراء كل عام. وتكمن العوامل الرئيسية المسببة للتصحر في إزالة الغابات والرعي الجائر وطرق الزراعة غير المستدامة وممارسات الري الضعيفة، إلى جانب تغير المناخ.

desertification in mena

ونقلاً عن السيد لوك غناقادجا، السكرتير التنفيذي لاتفاقية الأمم المتحدة لمكافحة التصحر، حيث قال: “يعد تدهور الأراضي ظاهرة عالمية، حيث يحدث 78 في المئة من التدهور في الأراضي غير الجافة.” والنتيجة الحتمية للتصحر هي فقدان الأراضي الزراعية الثمينة، وتدمير الغطاء النباتي، والاختلال في التوازن الهيدرولوجي في المناطق الجافة.

خطورة الوضع

يُعد التصحر ظاهرة عالمية تؤثر على الدول في جميع أنحاء العالم. تشهد الصين نسبة عالية من التصحر بمعدل مثير للقلق، حيث يتصحر حوالي 1,300 ميل مربع سنويًا. كما تجف مناطق من أفريقيا جَنُوب الصحراء الكبرى، بالإضافة إلى أجزاء من تركيا الذي كانت سابقًا أراضٍ زراعية غنية. وفي الشرق الأوسط، فإن الصحراء تعاود الظهور حيث تتحول الأراضي الخصبة إلى قاحلة. ووفقًا لتقرير التنمية البشرية العربي لعام 2009 الصادر عن برنامَج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي، فإن التصحر يهدد حوالي خمس منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيَا.

حوالي 48.6% من مساحة الأراضي في المشرق، و28.6% في وادي النيل والقرن الإفريقي، و16.5% في شمال إفريقيَا، و9% في شبه الجزيرة العربية معرضة للخطر بسبب التصحر. ومن بين دول منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيَا، تُعد ليبيَا ومصر والأردن من أكثر الدول تعرضًا للمخاطر. وفي شبه الجزيرة العربية، تُعد البحرين والكويت وقطر والإمارات من أكثر الدول تأثرًا.

كيف نكافح التصحر؟

أعلنت الأمم المتحدة منذ العام 2012 عن بداية عقدٍ لتحقيق حيادية التدهور الأرضي الصافي إلى صفر. وفي منطقة الشرق الأوسط، فإن الحل يكمن في مكافحة التصحر. ويجب علينا اتخاذ الخطوات لوقف تمدد الصحاري إلى الأراضي الخصبة الشحيحة التي نملكها.

ينبغي أن يكون هناك تركيز عاجل على الحفاظ على منسوب المياه الجوفية ووقف تآكل التربة.  تساهم النظم البيئية كأشجار المنغروف في الحفاظ على التنوع البيولوجي الدقيق في منطقتنا، وتحتاج منّا للضرورة بذل الجهود لمنع تدميرها.

قال عالم البيئة الأمريكي ألدو ليوبولد بحق: “نحن نسيء استخدام الأرض لأننا نعتبرها سلعة تخصنا. عندما نرى الأرض كمجتمع ننتمي إليه، فربما نبدأ باستخدامها بمحبة واحترام.” وقد أدرك أسلافنا ذلك حينما قالوا: “كلّما يثبت في التربة ينتمي إلى التربة”، مما يضمن بقاء الأشجار في مكانها.

إن مشكلة التصحر إلى حد ما من صنع أيدينا، وعدم اهتمامنا الحالي يزيد من تفاقم المشكلة. والحلول بسيطة للغاية، لكنها تتطلب درجة عالية من المسؤولية الاجتماعية وتغيير السلوك.

climate change effect on water resources

Climate change is profoundly affecting water resources in the Middle East

الشراكة هي مبدأ ملزم في مكافحة التصحر. وتشمل الجهات الرئيسية بمشاركة الأفراد والحكومات، والسلطات والشركات، والبرلمانات والمنظمات غير الحكومية. ويمكن للمدارس والكليات أيضًا أن تؤدي دورًا هامًا في نشر المعلومات وتطوير المهارات والتقنيات لمكافحة التصحر.

يجب أن يكون تشجير الأراضي الجافة هو المبادرة الأساسية في مكافحة التصحر. فهذا إجراء بسيط وفعّال، ويجب تنفيذه بمشاركة جميع قطاعات المجتمع المدني. فالأشجار لا تمتص ثاني أكسيد الكربون فقط، بل تساعد أيضًا في منع تآكل التربة. وللأشجار أيضاً تأثيراً إيجابياً على تغير المناخ وتساهم في تحسين أنماط الطقس على المدى البعيد. أرجو منكم بكل تواضع أن تخطوا تلك الخطوة الأولى، وأن تغرسوا شجرتكم الأولى وتقوموا بتخضير الأفق قبل فوات الأوان.

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.

District Cooling in Middle East: Potential and Challenges

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District cooling produces chilled water in a centralized location for distribution to buildings, like offices and factories, through a network of insulated underground pipes. The chilled water travels to different buildings, where the water circulates through refrigeration coils or uses absorption technology to enter the air-conditioning system. During winter, the source for the cooling can often be seawater, so it is a cheaper resource than using electricity to run compressors for cooling.

District-Cooling-Middle-East

What is District Cooling

District cooling provides effective control over internal temperature of a building, requires less maintenance than a standalone air-conditioning system, consumes lesser space and reduces noise pollution. The effect of district cooling systems on the environment is minimal because of the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, use of eco-friendly refrigerants and implementation of rigorous health and safety standards.

The Helsinki district cooling system in Finland uses waste heat from CHP generation units to run absorption refrigerators for cooling during summer time, greatly reducing electricity usage. In winter time, cooling is achieved more directly using seawater. The adoption of district cooling is estimated to reduce the consumption of electricity for cooling purposes by as much as 90 percent. The idea is now being adopted in other Finnish cities.

The use of district cooling is also growing rapidly in Sweden and in a similar way. District cooling is very widespread in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. In fact, approx. 7 million square meters of commercial space in Stockholm is connected to the district cooling grid. The Stockholm district cooling grid currently consists of different systems with capacities ranging from 3 MW to 228 MW. The district cooling network in Stockholm is currently 76 kilometers long.

District Cooling Prospects in the Middle East

There is tremendous potential for the utilization of district cooling systems in the Middle East. The constant year-round heat coupled with expensive glass exteriors for hotel, airports and offices etc. result in very high indoor temperatures. The combination of distributed generation of power and utilization of waste heat can provide a sustainable solution to meet the high demand for refrigeration in the region. District cooling systems can provide cooling solutions to commercial buildings, hotels, apartment blocks, shopping malls etc.

The world’s largest district cooling plant, Integrated District Cooling Plant (IDCP), was installed in The Pearl-Qatar in 2010. IDCP will service more than 80 apartment towers, beachfront villas, townhouses, shopping complexes, offices, schools and hotels throughout the Island, ultimately supplying more than 130,000 tons of refrigeration to the Island’s estimated 50,000 residents.

District-Cooling-Qatar

World’s largest district cooling plant has been installed in The Pearl-Qatar

Despite paramount importance of air conditioning in Middle East countries, regional governments have failed to incorporate it in policy and planning which has lead to the evolution of an unregulated market for cooling systems.  Most of the cooling methods employed nowadays are based on traditional window units or central air cooling systems where consume copious amount of power and also damage the environment.

Conclusion

District cooling has the potential to provide a viable solution to meet air conditioning requirements in the Middle East. Low energy requirement, peak saving potential, eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness are major hallmarks of district cooling networks.

Sustainable cooling solutions can play a vital role in fostering sustainable development in the Middle East nations. Apart from providing cooling needs, district cooling can reduce the need for new power plants, slash fossil fuel requirements and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the region.

The Importance of Tree Disease Management

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Trees are vital to the beauty and ecological balance, providing shade, improving air quality, and enhancing property value. However, trees are often threatened by various diseases that can compromise their health and longevity. Effective tree disease management requires a combination of prevention, early detection, and timely intervention. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies homeowners can use to protect their trees and maintain a thriving landscape.

managing tree diseases

Understanding the Importance of Tree Disease Management

1. Preserving Tree Health and Longevity

Diseased trees are more likely to weaken, decline, and die prematurely. Proactive management helps to:

  • Detect and address issues early.
  • Prevent diseases from spreading to other trees in your yard.
  • Maintain trees as long-term assets that enhance your property.

2. Preventing Safety Hazards

Diseased trees are prone to structural instability, which can lead to falling branches or complete tree failure. Effective disease management ensures:

  • Dangerous limbs are pruned or removed before they become a threat.
  • Structural weaknesses are addressed to reduce risks during storms.

3. Supporting Flower Mound’s Ecosystem

Healthy trees play a vital role in Flower Mound’s environment. They:

  • Provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
  • Absorb pollutants and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Enhance soil health and prevent erosion.

Common Tree Diseases in Flower Mound

Flower Mound’s trees are susceptible to several diseases that can spread quickly if left unmanaged. Key examples include:

Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a devastating fungal disease that affects oak trees, particularly live oaks and red oaks. It spreads through root grafts and sap-feeding beetles, causing leaf discoloration, wilting, and tree death if untreated.

Hypoxylon Canker

This disease often affects stressed or weakened trees. It causes bark discoloration, limb dieback, and eventual decay. Drought conditions commonly exacerbate its impact.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that targets leaves, causing dark spots, defoliation, and reduced photosynthesis. It often occurs in sycamores, maples, and oaks during wet conditions.

Root Rot

Caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, root rot leads to decayed root systems, making trees unstable and susceptible to toppling.

Strategies for Managing Tree Diseases

1. Prioritize Prevention

Preventing diseases is the most effective and economical strategy. Key preventative measures include:

  • Choosing Disease-Resistant Trees: When planting new trees, select species and varieties known for their disease resistance.
  • Planting in Ideal Locations: Ensure trees have enough space, sunlight, and airflow to thrive. Crowded conditions can encourage the spread of diseases.
  • Maintaining Soil Health: Fertilize and mulch appropriately to support strong root systems and improve tree resilience.

2. Monitor Trees Regularly

Early detection is critical for successful tree disease management. Regularly inspect trees for:

  • Discolored or wilting leaves.
  • Bark peeling, cracking, or discoloration.
  • Fungal growths, such as mushrooms near the base.
  • Dead or dying branches.

If you notice unusual symptoms, consult a professional arborist promptly.

3. Prune and Maintain Trees Properly

Proper pruning can reduce the risk of disease by improving airflow and removing diseased or dead branches. Best practices include:

  • Using Sterilized Tools: Clean pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading pathogens.
  • Pruning at the Right Time: Avoid pruning during wet or high-risk seasons when pathogens are most active.
  • Removing Diseased Material Safely: Dispose of infected branches or leaves away from healthy trees to prevent further contamination.

4. Manage Watering and Drainage

Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to fungal diseases like root rot. Ensure your trees have proper hydration by:

  • Watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
  • Avoiding water accumulation around tree bases.
  • Installing drainage solutions in areas prone to standing water.

5. Implement Mulching Practices

Mulching helps maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth. However, improper mulching can cause issues. Follow these guidelines:

  • Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark.
  • Apply mulch in a 2–4 inch layer, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
  • Avoid creating “mulch volcanoes,” which can trap moisture and promote rot.

6. Protect Trees from Pests

Many pests act as vectors for diseases, spreading pathogens from tree to tree. To minimize pest activity:

  • Use insecticidal treatments as recommended by a professional.
  • Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to control harmful pests naturally.
  • Keep trees healthy, as stressed trees are more vulnerable to pest infestations.

recycling the tree shavings

When to Call a Professional Arborist

While homeowners can handle some aspects of tree care, certain situations require the expertise of a certified arborist. Call a professional if:

  • A tree shows severe symptoms of disease, such as extensive dieback or fungal growth.
  • Structural issues pose a risk to your property or safety.
  • You need guidance on treatment options or tree removal.

Professional arborists have the tools and knowledge to diagnose diseases accurately, recommend effective treatments, and ensure the safety of your trees and property.

Long-Term Benefits of Effective Tree Disease Management

Investing in tree disease management offers numerous benefits for homeowners:

1. Improved Tree Longevity: With proper care, trees can live for decades, providing consistent shade, beauty, and ecological benefits.

2. Enhanced Property Value: Healthy, well-maintained trees significantly boost curb appeal and property value, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.

3. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Preventative measures and early intervention minimize the need for costly tree removal or emergency services.

4. Environmental Contributions: By keeping trees healthy, homeowners contribute to cleaner air, reduced urban heat, and improved biodiversity.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

Here are actionable steps homeowners can take to maintain tree health:

  • Inspect Trees Monthly: Regular checks help catch issues early.
  • Water Strategically: During dry spells, water trees deeply but avoid overwatering.
  • Schedule Professional Assessments: Have an arborist evaluate your trees at least once a year.
  • Clean Up Debris: Remove fallen leaves and branches, especially if they show signs of disease.
  • Educate Yourself: Learn about common tree diseases to stay informed and proactive.

Protecting Flower Mound’s Trees with TreeNewal

By implementing preventative care, monitoring for early signs of disease, and providing expert solutions, we help ensure your trees remain strong, resilient, and vibrant year-round.

Don’t wait for tree diseases to take hold—partner with a reliable tree care specialist to protect and preserve your trees and. Schedule a professional tree care consultation with our ISA-certified arborists today and keep your trees thriving for years to come.

The Potential of Green Hydrogen in the MENA Region

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) offer impeccable weather conditions to develop renewable energy continuously all year round. There are currently over 1500 wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the area with a producing capacity of over 20GW[1] and these numbers are expected to grow exponentially in the forthcoming years[2]. Recently, hydrogen has received an unprecedented attention in the global energy scenery. Over 30 countries have revealed their hydrogen strategies, and more are expected to follow. Just in the MENA region, 10 countries have ambitions in developing the technology and are prepared to invest in related projects, in which three have already started operations (Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UAE).[3]

Green Hydrogen In The MENA Region

What is Green Hydrogen

Renewable or “Green” hydrogen is produced by a process called water electrolysis which consists in the decomposition of water (H2O) into its basic components, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), through passing electric current that is generated from renewables. With this process, electrical energy can be stored as chemical energy of the resulting hydrogen.

Water is an ideal source for producing hydrogen because it only releases oxygen as a by-product during processing, making the produced hydrogen climate neutral with zero GHG emissions. We use an electrolyser to conduct the water electrolysis and there are currently three types: The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), which is the most commonly used nowadays, the Alkaline electrolyser and finally the Solid Oxide (SOEC) which is less mature and still under development but promises a better efficiency[4].

The Promise of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen can be considered as a real interconnector of all renewable energy technologies as it combines Solar PV and wind energy and therefore accelerate the energy transition. According to the IRENA report Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: The Hydrogen Factor published in January 2022, North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan countries have the highest potential in producing the highest volumes of Green Hydrogen but also the cheapest, just under 1.5 dollars a kilogram which competes with fossil fuels.

These regions, according to the report, could be major exporters of green hydrogen to the rest of the world and attract major investments from Europe[5]. The high scale production of clean hydrogen could potentially bring geopolitical shifts in the world, making the regions which are more prone in producing it, leaders and big players in the energy global scene.

Green Hydrogen Prospects in MENA

The exiting gas infrastructure in the MENA region is ideally positioned for a fast exchange and export of green hydrogen[6]. Indeed, gas pipelines could be used to export renewable hydrogen to Europe and therefore reduce the overall costs that would be involved if new infrastructures needed to be constructed.

hydrogen economy

With green hydrogen being imported from the MENA region, Europe and MENA could both realize a sustainable energy system and meet the obligations of the Paris Agreement for 2050. Furthermore, it could generate social stability in Middle Eastern and Northern-African countries, potentially reducing the number of economic migrants from the region to Europe and creating local sustainable jobs.

All and all, green hydrogen in the MENA region has great potential but its development is still at a very early stage. Even if more giant countries like Algeria and Egypt are expected to plan a hydrogen roadmap, it is still very uncertain at this time whether the technology will kick-off as experts are expecting. Conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics could slow it down.

One thing can be sure, the ongoing innovations in electrolysis technology will undoubtedly accelerate the development of renewable hydrogen in the MENA region and open new paths for partnerships and collaborations.

References

[1] Is MENA Ready for Hydrogen? ‘Toward Emission Free Energy for itself and the World’ IMPACT Hydrogen Session, October 18th, 2021 Paul Van Son, President Dii Desert Energy

[2] Leaders Associate 2022

[3] Leaders Associate “Green Hydrogen in MENA Development with great potential” 2022

[4] World Hydrogen Leaders Electrolyser Case studies 2022

[5] IRENA Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: The Hydrogen Factor, January 2022 p45

[6] Is MENA Ready for Hydrogen? ‘Toward Emission Free Energy for itself and the World’ IMPACT Hydrogen Session, October 18th, 2021 Paul Van Son, President Dii Desert Energy, slide 8

الإسلام و البيئة

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تقدم المعتقدات، العادات، و القيم الإسلامية حلّا شاملا و فعالا  للتحديات البيئية الراهنة التي تواجه الجنس البشري. يمتلك الإسلام تقاليدا غنية تسلط الضوء على أهمية حماية البيئة والحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية. وفقا للشريعة الإسلامية، فإن العناصر الأساسية للطبيعة – الأرض، المياه، النار، الغابات، والضوء –  هي حق لكافة الكائنات الحية، و ليست حكرا على البشر فقط.

 إن القرآن الكريم والسنة النبوية الشريفة عي بمثابة نور يوجه تعزيز التنمية المستدامة في البلدان الإسلامية و في جميع أنحاء العالم. و قد أمر الله سبحانه و تعالى البشر بالابتعاد عن سوء استخدام و هدر الموارد، لأن مثل هذه الأفعال قد تسهم في تدهور البيئة. وقد منحت البشرية امتياز استغلال الموارد الطبيعية على أساس مبدأ الوصاية،  مما يعني الحق في استخدام ممتلكات شخص آخر بناء على وعد بعدم التسبب في تلفها أو تدميرها.

islam and nature

القرآن الكريم و البيئة

 يشير القرآن الكريم في مواضع عدة  إلى البيئة، ويحتوي أيضا على بعض المبادئ الهامة في الحفاظ عليها. أما المبدأ الأول الذي يعكس التوجه الإسلامي في موضوع الاستدامة البيئية فهو مفهوم الوصاية، فيتوجب على الشخص الذي يملك منصب الخليفة أو الوصي اتخاذ جميع الخطوات اللازمة لضمان نقل الملكية إلى الجيل التالي في أكثر صورة نقية ممكنة. و وفقا للإسلام،  إن كل شخص هو حارس للطبيعة، ويجب عليه أن يعيش بانسجام مع المخلوقات الأخرى فيها. ومن واجب جميع المسلمين احترام البيئة و الحفاظ عليها.

إن الفساد بجميع أنواعه، بما في ذلك الفساد البيئي، الذي يشمل التلوث الصناعي، الضرر البيئي، الاستغلال الطائش وسوء إدارة الموارد الطبيعية مكروه عند الله سبحانه و تعالى.

يقول الله سبحانه و تعالى في كتابه الكريم:

 ” وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَسَادًا وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ﴿٦٤﴾” – الأعراف

“وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَاحِهَا ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌلَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٨٥﴾” – المائدة

“وَأَحْسِنْ كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِالْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ ﴿٧٧﴾” – القصص

“يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ ﴿٣١﴾” – الأعراف

وفقا للقرآن الكريم، إن الحفاظ على البيئة واجب ديني و التزام اجتماعي، و هو ليس مسألة اختيارية. ويرتبط استغلال مورد طبيعي معين مباشرة بالمساءلة عنه و الالتزام بالحفاظ عليه و التأكد من ديمومته أيضا.

 الحديث الشريف و البيئة

يتعامل الحديث النبوي الشريف أيضا على نطاق واسع مع مختلف الجوانب البيئية، بما في ذلك الحفاظ على الموارد، استصلاح الأراضي، والنظافة البيئية. كان الرسول محمد – صلى الله عليه و سلم –  يذم الإسراف والترف،  ويشجع على الاعتدال في جميع مناحي الحياة. ويعتبر أكثر الأحاديث النبوية شهرة في مجال البيئة يذلك الذي يقول “إن الدنيا حلوة خَضِرة، وإن الله مستخلفكم فيها “، و هو  يؤكد من جديد على تعاليم القرآن التي جاء فيها أن البشرية قد أعطيت مسؤولية الوصاية على البيئة الطبيعية.

 نهى رسول الله محمد – صلى الله عليه و سلم – بوضوح عن تدمير الأشجار والمحاصيل الزراعية حتى خلال أوقات الحرب، ما دام وجودها لا يزال مفيدا للعدو. و منح  أهمية كبيرة للزراعة المستدامة للأرض، والمعاملة الإنسانية للحيوانات، والحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية، وحماية الحياة البرية. و من بعض أقوال النبي- صلى الله عليه وسلم- في الحث على الاستدامة البيئية:

‏((إنَّ الدُّنيا حلوةٌ خَضِرة، وإنَّ الله مُستخلفكم فيها، فينظر كيف تعملُون.)) – رواهُ مُسلم

((مَا مِن مُسلم يَغرِسُ غَرْسًا أو يَزرَعُ زَرْعًا فيأكُلُ مِنه طَيرٌ أو إنسَانٌ أو بهيْمَةٌ إلا كان لهُ بهِ صَدقَةٌ.)) – رواه النسائي

((من نصب شجرة فصبر على حِفْظها والقيام عليها حتى تُثمر كان له في كل شيء يُصاب من ثمرها صدقة عند الله.)) – رواه مسلم

أدرك الرسول – صلى الله عليه و سلم – أنه لا ينبغي استغلال الموارد الطبيعية بشكل مفرط و لا ينبغي إساءة معاملتها. و من أجل حماية الأراضي والغابات والحياة البرية، أنشأ مناطق لا يمكن انتهاكها، تعرف باسم “الحرام” أو “الحمى”، حيث تترك الموارد فيها دون أي مساس. تم وضع مناطق الحرام حول الآبار ومصادر المياه لحماية المياه الجوفية من فرط ضخ المياه منها. أما الحمى فقد طبقت على الحياة البرية والغابات، وحددت مساحة من الأراضي حيث كان الرعي وتقطيع الأخشاب فيها مقيدا ، أو  كانت بعض أنواع الحيوانات (مثل الجمال) محمية.

قام رسول الله محمد- صلى الله عليه و سلم – بإنشاء حمى في جنوب المدينة المنورة وحظر الصيد داخل دائرة نصف قطرها أربعة أميال، و منع تدمير الأشجار أو النباتات داخل دائرة نصف قطرها اثنا عشر ميلا. ويظهر إنشاء المناطق المحرمة الأهمية التي وضعها – صلى الله عليه و سلم –  للاستخدام المستدام للموارد الطبيعية وحماية الحياة البرية والأراضي الزراعية.

ترجمة: ندى مناع

تدرس الهندسة الصناعية في جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية وهي رئيسة فرع المرأة في الهندسة وممثلة الأفرع الطلابية في IEEE الأردن، مهتمة بإثراء المحتوى العربي على شبكة الإنترنت، وبمجالات الطاقة النظيفة والذكاء الاصطناعي. تحمل دبلوم في إدارة موارد بشرية وتقضي وقتها في التطوع في المجالات المختلفة.

Green Building Sector in the UAE: Perspectives

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The focus on sustainability is one of the biggest trends in the GCC’s building sector. This is underpinned by Dubai being ranked third in the list of global cities with the highest number of green certified buildings in the ‘Sustainability and Wellness in Dubai’ report by Core Savills with over 550 projects under LEED certification and the implementation of the Estidama framework in Abu Dhabi.

Paving the Way

In the UAE, the directives by the Federal and Local Government entities to establish a sustainable economy that advocates demand side-energy management, and water & energy use efficiency has encouraged real estate developers to streamline their services to support these goals. This has translated to commendable contributions in the field of energy efficiency, sustainable construction building materials, renewable energy and indoor air quality.

green building sector in UAE

There are clearly specified targets that support sustainable development including the reduction of energy and water consumption in Dubai by 30 per cent and increase the share of solar in the energy mix to 25 per cent – both by 2030. Dubai has also announced its Clean Energy Strategy to achieve 75 per cent clean energy by 2050. Across the UAE, green targets include 50 per cent clean energy in the total energy mix by 2050, and treatment of 75 per cent waste by 2021.

With such clear guidelines in place, the UAE’s real estate industry has increased its focus on sustainable buildings to comply with the current green building regulations in the UAE such as Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating System and the Dubai Green Building Regulations. The main developers have placed a concerted focus on the energy performance of their buildings through energy benchmarking of their properties, identifying best practices and developing strategies to increase efficiency of the built environment.

For example, Majid Al Futtaim, a corporate member of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), was awarded the ‘Developer of the year’ at the MENA Green Building Awards for their strong commitment toward sustainable asset management by monitoring of energy, water and waste benchmarks of their existing developments. There is also considerable innovation in green buildings as was highlighted at the 2017 MENA Green Building Awards to recognise innovation, creativity and excellence in promoting sustainability best practices. We saw a remarkable number of submissions from across the region reflecting the keen interest of public and private sectors as well as academia to drive green buildings.

In addition to green building best practices being applied right from design to construction stage, the region is also witnessing significant interest in retrofitting buildings – not just residential but also commercial – with the goal of improving the efficiency of existing buildings and reducing the carbon footprint of built environment. We see this keen interest in building efficiency as a game-changing trend for the Middle East’s real estate sector.

Role of EmiratesGBC

EmiratesGBC is an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, and ever since our inception in 2006, we have focused on promoting dialogue and positive action in promoting green buildings. As an independent entity, our role is to provide the inputs that support decision making and influence policy-making, The Council also encourages the private sector and the community at large to become active participants in driving sustainable built environments.

Emirates Green Building Council is playing a vital role in facilitating dialogue between the public and private sectors

Over the years, we have played a pivotal role in facilitating a dialogue between the public and private sectors, to support green building initiatives in the region, aiming to make the UAE a leader in sustainable development. We have served as a catalyst in Energy Efficiency in existing building stock through introducing technical programmes. We facilitate the growth of the energy efficiency market, and work to increase awareness and capacity building. We function as a common platform for all stakeholders in the building industry supply chain, whereby they can meet, discuss, interact, and exchange groundbreaking ideas and help promote a sustainable built environment.

Rapid Progress of Green Building Sector

The UAE has been among the first movers in embracing green building design and implementation. In fact, as early as 2007, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced a decree that mandated all new urban structures to conform to environment-friendly green building standards.

Over the years, the UAE has consistently revisited its sustainable development goals such as the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, A Green Economy for Sustainable Development in line with the UAE Vision 2021, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Energy Plan for 2050. All these are drivers for the public and private sector, as well as the community, to embrace green practices.

The UAE has introduced a slew of initiatives to ensure sustainable built environments including buildings codes such as the Estidama Pearl Rating System in Abu Dhabi, which mandates that all new buildings must achieve a minimum Pearl 1 certification and all government buildings must have a minimum of 2 Pearls. Dubai Municipality has issued the Green Building Regulations and Specifications (GBR&S) for all new buildings in the emirate since March 2014, and much progress has been achieved in this regard. This has further been strengthened with the launch of Al Sa’fat, the new building rating system introduced by the Dubai Municipality.

The new system energises the ongoing initiatives to promote sustainable buildings, a key area of EmiratesGBC. In other initiatives, Dubai is the only city in the MENA region to join the Building Efficiency Accelerator (BEA) programme, to double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030. BEA is a programme under the ‘Sustainable Energy for All’ (SE4All) initiative led by the United Nations Secretary-General and funded by the Global Environment Facility.

The strong commitment of the government acts as a catalyst that drives green buildings in the UAE, which encourages de-carbonised diversification by setting targets in demand side management, and renewable energy generation. In addition to the regulations mentioned above, retrofitting initiatives such as Etihad ESCO in Dubai and the Tarsheed programme in Abu Dhabi also drive green building development.

The Way Forward

The UAE experience is a great model for the region to implement effective, efficient and tangible green building practices. There are several areas that should be prioritised – starting with a strong governmental resolve that reflects in its vision and strategy. With governmental support, the private sector is further energised to embrace green building practices. Also of critical value is the need to promote awareness.

DEWA Headquarters in Dubai is the world’s largest LEED-certified building

When EmiratesGBC was launched, dialogue on green buildings and sustainable built environments was limited. There was apprehension on the cost associated and the need for such a tactical move towards ‘green buildings.’ Over the years, through our interaction with industry stakeholders and their commendable action to make a positive change, the need for green buildings is now widely recognised for the long-term value they bring and their role in securing a greener future for the coming generations.

It is also important to undertake benchmarking projects to assess energy and water use efficiency – as we did for the hospitality sector in the UAE – so that we understand the true challenge at hand and can take corrective actions.

Similarly, we need to promote innovation and investment in the green space. We see several clean-tech start-ups in the region, who can play an important role in driving the sustainable development narrative. It is important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all formula to promote green buildings.

Further, the green building best practices by different stakeholders such as developers, contractors, and product specialists within the built environment must be recognised and rewarded. Additionally, research and development is key in creating a market for sustainable alternatives in energy efficiency, water management, waste, and indoor environmental quality.

Each country has its own challenges and the key is to ensure a broad understanding of the need for sustainable built environments and facilitating an environment that helps accomplish it. Through awareness, education and capacity building, and promoting public-private partnerships and collaborations, we can further drive sustainable built environments in the region.

What Will Power the Future of Trains – Hydrogen or Batteries?

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Trains may seem outdated to some, but they’re one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation. Even diesel trains produce fewer emissions per passenger per kilometer than cars and planes. Electric trains are also gaining popularity, with both battery-powered and hydrogen options available.

Given current climate concerns, the move to electric trains is inevitable. It’s not a question of whether railroads will go electric, but rather how they’ll do so. Both hydrogen and batteries show significant promise, but which technology will become the standard for future locomotives?

The hydrogen-versus-batteries debate isn’t a new one, and it likely won’t go away anytime soon. Here’s a closer look at these technologies and what they offer.

Hydrogen-Powered Trains

Hydrogen trains aren’t standard yet, but they’re becoming more prevalent. There are already hydrogen train lines in Europe, and California plans to implement one by 2022. Hydrogen power has seen applications in other areas, like space travel, but it has potential for railways, too.

hydrogen-train-netherlands

These technologies generate electricity through the chemical reaction of combining hydrogen and oxygen. Since they rely on these readily available resources, hydrogen fuel cells’ environmental impact is minimal. The only emission from this process is water, often in the form of steam, making them even more eco-friendly.

Despite these advantages, modern hydrogen-powered trains are far from perfect. Fuel cells require expensive materials, and extracting hydrogen for fuel is not an emissions-free process. Until companies find ways around these issues, hydrogen power may be inaccessible and less sustainable than it seems.

Battery-Powered Trains

Battery trains are more common than hydrogen options but are still relatively new. Batteries have been the go-to technology for other electric vehicles like cars, so implementing larger versions in trains is reasonably straightforward. Battery trains might be even more efficient than electric cars, too, since they can charge on an electrified track.

Like hydrogen fuel cells, batteries are quiet and release no emissions. Batteries, while not cheap, are typically more affordable than hydrogen fuel cells, making them more accessible. If these trains use renewably generated electricity to charge, their operation leads to fewer emissions than hydrogen alternatives.

battery-train-UK

Still, these trains have their fair share of downsides. Improper storage conditions can cause lithium-ion batteries to overheat, making their shipping more of a challenge. These batteries also take longer to recharge than hydrogen trains take to refuel, and don’t offer as much range.

Which Technology Is Superior?

With all these factors in mind, batteries and hydrogen fuel cells are more balanced than some would think. At the moment, batteries are a more accessible and viable option, but fuel cell technology will catch up before long. Railroads in the future will likely use a combination of both, not one or the other.

Just as vehicles today use both diesel and gasoline, transportation tomorrow will use both batteries and fuel cells. Some might even feature a hybrid of the two technologies. Both offer unique advantages, so different areas will implement them according to their needs.

Railways with longer commutes or more demanding schedules will likely prefer hydrogen trains. Systems that need faster and more affordable implementation will lean toward batteries. Climate change is a pressing and multi-dimensional issue, so it will take various approaches to combat it.

Building the Emission-Free Train of Tomorrow

Railways could play an essential role in lowering transportation emissions, and electric trains make them even more promising. In the immediate future, most electric trains will likely use batteries, but that technology won’t reign supreme forever. Hydrogen fuel cells or renewable hydrogen will see more implementation as they improve.

The future of railroads won’t rely on either batteries or hydrogen, but both. Together, these technologies will help various train systems meet their unique clean energy needs.

4 Factors to Consider When Starting Your Own Greenhouse

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Gardening is one of the most interesting hobbies, especially for those who have some time to get their hands dirty every once in a while. As a matter of fact, gardening doubles up as an activity that can both be a primary source of income and a side hassle, especially when done from a greenhouse. Additionally, it also provides you with the opportunity to grow your own food in your backyard or plot near your home. From veggies to citrus fruits and ornamental plants, there’s a wide variety of crops you can grow in your greenhouse or backyard garden despite the season or time of the year. This is not to mention that a garden in your backyard will also increase the financial and aesthetic value of your property if done right.

greenhouse gardening

 

Now, you’ve always dreamt of setting up a greenhouse, but you’ve never managed to do so, perhaps due to challenges such as lack of enough time or money to embark on the project. Maybe you’ve always had these, but you just didn’t know where to start. Perhaps the thought had just crossed your mind a couple of times. but you are now certain that you’re ready. Well, starting with the benefits of gardening in a greenhouse, here are some crucial pointers you want to read on how to start your dream greenhouse.

Why Garden in a Greenhouse?

Compared to open or conventional gardening, the benefits of greenhouse gardening are more than just a few. Regardless of the type, size, and structure of your greenhouse, one of the major perks is that you will always have a longer growing season. Additionally, you can garden in any weather, given that your garden will be covered and isolated from the rest of the environment.

Also, a greenhouse grants you the ability to control the temperatures to which your plants are subjected to, which gives you flexibility in that you can grow a wide variety of plants within the structure.

Moreover, you can easily protect your plants from pests and predators while avoiding the use of dangerous pesticides and keeping (or introducing) beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to promote pollination and maximize your yield.

As mentioned earlier, a greenhouse is an asset that can also tremendously increase the value of your property in case you choose to start one in your backyard. In a nutshell, the list of reasons to start a greenhouse is endless!

Factors to Consider When Starting Your Greenhouse

1. Space

The space you have will dictate the size, design, and type of greenhouse you can start. It will also determine the types of plants you can grow in there and the maximum amount of yield you can expect. On this note, some common types of greenhouses include lean-to, detached, and ridge/furrow structures.

For gardening hobbyists who are looking to grow a small greenhouse gardening on their backyards, the lean-to type can be ideal due to space and size limitations. For commercial crop production, detached and ridge/furrow types are more favorable.

2. Decide What to Grow

By the time you’re thinking of starting a greenhouse, higher chances are that you have an idea in mind on the kinds of crops to cultivate. However, your decision will largely be based on whether you’re a hobbyist or you intend to be a commercial gardener. As for the latter, we’re looking at mass production and in this case, you’ll want to grow something that you’ll find a ready market for. Again, the best plants to grow in your greenhouse will be determined by the prospective size of your greenhouse as well as the structure, along with other factors such as soil type.

As for the latter, though, the good thing about greenhouses is that soil can always be imported into the facility as long as you know where to source it. From veggies such as cabbages, onions, spinach, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots; to citrus fruits, grapes, strawberries, and even ornamental plants, there’s literally nothing that you can’t cultivate in a greenhouse. If you’re targeting variety, you just have to familiarize with crop combination, crop rotation, and you’re good to go. Of course, you’ll learn some of these things as you gain experience in greenhouse gardening.

3. Think Finances

It may sound like a simple venture to some, but starting a greenhouse will require a substantial amount of cash. From preparing (plus acquiring) the land to gathering supplies, buying seeds, constructing the greenhouse structure, and maintaining the greenhouse, there’s a considerable amount of costs to be incurred before you get the first and consecutive yields.

Other than saving up until you can get enough to start one, you can also borrow a personal loan or a home improvement loan to start greenhouse gardening. Remortgaging is also another popular option, especially for homeowners who’d like to start one on their property. Ted MacDonald from 1st UK Mortgaging explains that people often choose to remortgage their home rather than take out a loan because mortgages have lower interest rates. Even for those with bad credit, remortgage loans are also available, but mostly at a higher interest rate than for people with a good credit rating. For those above the age of 55, Equity release can also be a great source of financing for your greenhouse project.

4. Get Professional Help

You’ve determined your space, have an idea of what to grow; and have secured the funds (or have an idea of where to get financing) for your project. You’ve even gone ahead and done research on where to get your supplies and materials. What remains is to get professional help in preparing the land and constructing your greenhouse to get things going.

While there’s nothing wrong with using professional DIY greenhouse gardening 101 guides from the internet, the good thing with working with a professional is that they can always provide you with further advice on gardening, especially in areas such as pest control, fertilizers, the best crops to grow, and overall greenhouse maintenance, just to name a few. You may also want to take up a course in greenhouse gardening to make the most out of your new gardening hobby or venture.

In a nutshell, greenhouse gardening is an interesting hobby-cum-commercial activity. To start one, however, there are a couple of things you need to think about and put in place before embarking on the project. Luckily, the above few pointers are there to act as a simple guide you can use to see your greenhouse dream come true.

4 Must-Have Eco-friendly Tools for Every Home

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We’re finally gaining awareness and are trying to make conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing and using eco-friendly products. There are plenty of eco-friendly tools that we can find out there, so being cautious about what you invest in is no longer a problem. You can now find many tools that are purely made out of materials that are not unhealthy for the environment. Here are some must-have environmentally-friendly tools for every home:

1. Lawn Trimmer

Maintaining your garden and taking care of it is something to be admired, but if you’re using a lawn trimmer that uses a harmful blend of oil and gas then that’s just defeating the entire purpose of maintaining a garden in the first place.

Why use a harmful lawn trimmer that releases more pollutants into the air when you could be using an eco-friendly lawn trimmer that uses propane fuel? Not only are these green lawn trimmers are environmentally friendly, but they are also much easier to handle!

2. Green Chain Saw

Much like gas-powered lawn trimmer, there are plenty of chain saws that use the same harmful mixture and again release pollutants into the air; however, luckily there are much better alternatives to this.

Rechargeable chainsaws are now available; they are much easier to use than gas-powered chain saws and are not as loud and noisy. There are interchangeable nickel-cadmium batteries and an 18-volt lithium-ion battery chainsaws

Electric chain saws are another green alternative compared to gas-powered chainsaws; you can use them indoors without worrying about fumes. Similar to rechargeable chainsaws, electric chain saws too are easy to use, light in weight, and are not annoyingly loud.

3. Grabber Tools

Grabber tools are one of the most practical tools you can find in anyone’s house; nothing is out of your reach anymore, and you don’t need to move your heavy ladder from a place to another. However, grabber tools too can be harmful to the environment if they are made out of plastic. Which is why most of the best grabber tools are made out of non-harmful and eco-friendly materials. They are excellent for picking up binders that are way out of reach in your home, or maybe a book that’s a little too far for you.

4. Green Printers

We heavily depend on paper in the academic and the business world; there have been trials in the past where business owners only depended on their e-notes instead of using papers, but that wasn’t really practical.

Eliminating the use of paper altogether is a bit unrealistic and inconvenient since there will there are many situations where we will find ourselves needing to use paper, which is why there is a range of printers that are known to be the eco-friendly and have earned the ‘Energy Star’ tag.

A Green Conscience

It is vital in this time of life to be fully aware of our choices as consumers because what we use on a daily basis affects the environment one way or another. There might be plenty of inconvenient sacrifices on the way, but there will also be convenient alternatives that we might reside to since they are healthier.

It is understandable that not all of us can switch to a waste-free or a plastic-free lifestyle; however, we can switch to healthier alternatives for the time being as baby steps until we reach a free waste and a free plastic life.

Energy Efficiency in Residential Sector in Saudi Arabia

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The energy demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has increased steadily with an average annual increase close to 5% since 2010[1]. Such rise is driven mainly by the economic prosperity of the region, the rapid industrial development of the Kingdom, and the population growth. However, the per capita energy consumption of KSA is almost three times higher than the world average[2], explained by the presence of energy-intensive industries, harsh climate conditions, and a high energy demanding lifestyle encouraged by historical low energy prices.

saudi-arabia-environment

Link between Economic Growth and Energy Consumption

Although the link between economic growth and energy consumption is universally evident; when the growth in energy consumption is higher that the economic growth of a country, it suggests an inefficient usage of resources. This situation is widely prevalent in all Middle East nations, including Saudi Arabia.

The annual GDP growth of KSA averaged 2% during the past five years[3]. For a country which sources its energy from oil and gas, and those too happen to be the main products for exports, such inefficiency translates in less product available for trading and therefore a reduction on monetary benefits.

Energy Consumption by Building Sector

Electricity is one form of energy, perhaps the easiest form available for the building sector. The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center estimates that more than half of the electricity available in the KSA is used by the residential sector[4] (see also Figure below). About 143,000 GWh of electricity where consumed in 2017 by the residential sector, 70% out of it was used for cooling.

The building sector becomes even more relevant when looking at the role of construction within the Saudi Vision of 2030. The Saudi plan attempts to drive the demand for construction projects in the country in order to move away from oil profits, with housing as the most significant area of expenditure under the plan.

Average electricity consumption per sector in Saudi Arabia

The current scenario of the residential sector in Saudi Arabia is one of very high and continuously increasing energy demand. Inexpensive electricity charges limited the motivation for the users to invest in energy efficient features in new buildings or improvements of old ones.

Moreover, the lack of enforcement of building regulations and the availability of poor energy performing materials is reflected in the inefficient designs (i.e more than 60% of the residential buildings in the KSA are not thermally insulated). It is therefore imperative for the KSA to adopt a strategy to reduce the excessive use of energy in residential buildings.

Significance of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective mean to reduce the energy intensity of an economy. An appropriated implementation of energy efficient practices can save millions to the government and private sector in generation, operation and maintenance cost. Savings in energy translate directly in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, supports the global efforts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and reduces the risk of an economy vulnerable to oil price fluctuations.

Moreover, as the residential electricity consumption is strongly dependent on seasonal and daily temperature profiles; without energy saving measures the country will require additional capital investments to increase the generation capacity to be able to supply the maximum demand at peak times.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

A study conducted by the KAPSARC[6] has found that energy efficiency programs for the existing residential building stock of the KSA can reduce 27% of the electricity consumption, which translates into 10,000 GWh/year and 7.6 million tons of carbon emissions avoided.

Additional benefits include the saving of up to 28 billion USD in capital expenditure for new power generation capacity, an avoided energy consumption equivalent to 17 USD Billion/year, resources which then will be available for trading. It is expected that the rise in the electricity bills introduced in January 2018[7] will make many energy efficiency and retrofit projects more attractive to investors and users.

References

  1. World Energy Balances 2018. Total final consumption by Source – Saudi Arabia – Available at https://webstore.iea.org/world-energy-balances-2018
  2. The World Bank. 2014. Energy use (kg of oil equivalent per capita)
  3. The World Bank. Annual GDP Growth – Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/country/saudi-arabia
  4. King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. Energy data portal. Available at https://datasource.kapsarc.org
  5. King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). 2016. Evaluating Building Energy Efficiency Investment Options for Saudi Arabia

The Need for Effective Environmental Education

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Children are the Future Generation and their engagement in environmental conservation is an absolute must. Education is the key to fostering this engagement and hence, all efforts must be made in this regard. One of the main reasons for the current state of environmental degradation is the general apathy of civil society and the only way to address this issue is through intrinsic involvement of all stakeholders, in particular, children, since it is their future that is at stake.

Involvement of children in environmental conservation initiatives will also ensure that the movement becomes “bottom-up” rather than something that is mandated by legislation — this “bottom-up” approach has always been seen to be more effective in terms of implementation.

environmental education

The Need for Effective Environmental Education

In order to be effective, environmental education needs to be both formally and informally imparted. Otherwise, it ceases to be attractive and loses its effect. It becomes just another textbook one has to read and answer questions on.

Children are inherently creative and the environmental education curriculum must try to build on this creativity. Rather than prescribing solutions, it must seek to obtain the answers from the children. After all, it is their future that is being decided upon.

Once this fundamental truth is understood, children will come forward with their views and actions to mitigate the environmental challenges. To be effective, environmental education needs to be imparted outside the four walls of the classroom. However, the weather in the Middle East, for most part of the year, is hardly conducive to outdoor activities and this should to be taken into account.

Green Hope – A Shining Example

My youth organisation, Green Hope, engages and educates young people through our “Environment Academies” which are tailor-made workshops on environmental issues. Till date, we have interacted with several hundred school and university students following all curriculum — our attendees are from all nationalities including native students.

beach-cleanup-greenhope

A beach cleanup campaign by Green Hope

I have found them to be immensely concerned and motivated on environmental issues. Being from the region, they also have a lot of traditional knowledge about adapting to the natural environment which is a learning for those who have recently moved here.

8 bonnes raisons de passer à l’éclairage solaire

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Avec la prise de conscience énergétique, la plupart des gens cherchent à réduire leurs factures d’électricité. Grâce aux progrès de la technologie, de nombreux gadgets viennent aujourd’hui nous faciliter la vie. Les appareils électroménagers deviennent de plus en plus sophistiqués, ce qui peut aussi faire grimper la facture d’électricité, en raison de l’augmentation de la consommation énergétique. Ces appareils peuvent nous rendre la vie plus pratique et plus agréable, mais vos factures d’électricité risquent de vous causer du stress financier, surtout si vous avez une maison très équipée.

Dans cet esprit, rien de mieux pour faire la transition vers une source d’énergie renouvelable que l’éclairage solaire. Encore récemment, la lumière solaire n’était qu’une alternative au mode d’éclairage classique. Outre leur utilisation à domicile, il est maintenant possible de se procurer des lampes solaires pour aires de stationnement, ce qui vous permet d’en tirer davantage de bénéfices. En installant des lampes solaires dans différentes zones de vos propriétés résidentielles et commerciales, vous réaliserez plus d’économies sur le long terme.

solar-powered-street

Cette méthode est cependant plus populaire avec les progrès de la technologie actuelle. Non seulement les commerces entament cette transition plus saine, les espaces résidentiels aussi. Regardez autour de vous : vous remarquerez certainement un bon nombre de produits solaires, tels que les lampadaires. Avec l’augmentation de l’utilisation de l’éclairage solaire, attendez-vous à voir ce produit se décliner en plusieurs variations prochainement.

Dans cet article, nous vous expliquons pourquoi passer à l’éclairage solaire. Cette méthode profite non seulement à vous, mais aussi à notre Terre nourricière, pour les raisons suivantes :

1. Écolo et renouvelable

L’énergie verte, dont l’énergie solaire, au-delà de l’engouement qu’elle suscite dans les maisons intelligentes, est aussi un moyen de préserver le futur. C’est plus qu’une mode ou une tendance : c’est un mode de vie qui ne fera que gagner en popularité dans les années à venir.

La lumière solaire est une très bonne source d’énergie, car le soleil est un producteur d’énergie permanente et abondante pour les panneaux solaires, même lors des journées les plus nuageuses. Impossible donc d’être à court, même en utilisant beaucoup plus de gadgets et d’appareils électriques. À l’époque actuelle d’industrialisation, la dépendance envers les gadgets est souvent inévitable. Cette méthode se distingue des sources d’énergie non renouvelables classiques, qui ont pour effet de refléter la hausse de consommation sur votre facture.

Le soleil est une ressource naturelle, disponible partout gratuitement. En prime, on évite d’avoir recours à l’importation, et on dépense moins d’argent et d’énergie. De plus, les panneaux solaires n’émettent pas de gaz nocifs. Selon Solar-aid.org, l’éclairage solaire réduit la quantité de kérosène utilisée dans les lampes, ce qui fait baisser le réchauffement climatique.

L’augmentation de l’empreinte carbone résultant de l’utilisation de sources de production énergétique non renouvelables constitue l’un des principaux défis environnementaux. Avec l’éclairage solaire, vous pourrez cependant réduire votre empreinte carbone de façon considérable.

La lumière solaire utilise des composants à faible puissance, tels que les ampoules LED/CFL, certains appareils électriques, etc. Ces appareils utilisent moins d’énergie que les systèmes électriques classiques. En outre, les ampoules LED utilisent une tension d’alimentation initiale de 12V DC (courant continu), et il leur faut un adaptateur AC pour se raccorder à un courant électrique normal. L’alimentation en courant continu leur permet d’être plus efficaces, de générer plus de lumière et de consommer moins d’énergie.

2. Une installation facile

Faciles à installer, les panneaux solaires ne nécessitent généralement que quelques boulons et câbles de base. Pour la plupart des configurations d’installation, le système d’énergie solaire se situe en haut du poteau. Il s’agit d’un emplacement idéal pour tous les composants électriques. Évitez cependant de vous en charger vous-même. L’installation peut sembler très facile, mais il reste préférable de confier cette tâche à des professionnels formés et certifiés en la matière.

Néanmoins, il est plus facile et plus sûr de travailler sur un courant continu faible que sur un courant électrique classique. L’installation peut se faire n’importe où. Dans tous les cas, l’énergie solaire peut alimenter tous types d’appareils, pourvu qu’il y ait un endroit ensoleillé à proximité.

3. Économe

L’une des plus grandes idées reçues sur l’éclairage solaire est le coût de l’installation. La plupart des gens pensent que l’exploitation de la lumière solaire sur leur propriété leur coûtera des milliers, voire des millions d’euros.

C’est faux : de nos jours, ce produit est disponible chez de nombreuses entreprises. Vous n’aurez donc pas de mal à trouver un fournisseur qui corresponde à vos besoins et à votre budget. Certaines entreprises offrent même un rabais pour les commandes importantes ou les nouveaux clients.

Les lampes solaires offrent une solution économe qui ne requiert pas d’électricité. Ainsi, après leur installation, vous n’aurez pas à payer plusieurs centaines d’euros d’électricité. Les lampes solaires exploitent l’énergie émise par la chaleur solaire et ne dépendront plus des charges électriques. Sur le long terme, vous réaliserez des économies importantes sur vos factures d’électricité sans sacrifier votre confort intérieur.

Vous pouvez aussi estimer les économies réalisées en éliminant le besoin d’avoir recours à la pose de câbles, à l’entretien, aux réparations, etc. Si votre installation a été réalisée par un expert, vous éviterez d’avoir à effectuer des réparations coûteuses plusieurs fois par an.

Les petites entreprises et les grandes corporations apprécient toutes deux les avantages de l’énergie solaire. Cette dernière leur permet de faire des économies sur les coûts de fonctionnement. Pour les petites ou nouvelles entreprises qui disposent de ressources financières limitées, ce point est particulièrement important. Plutôt que de se ruiner en factures d’électricité, les entrepreneurs peuvent allouer plus de ressources financières à d’autres facettes de leur commerce, telles que leur marketing, le service client et le développement produit.

L’électricité fait grimper les dépenses globales de votre entreprise. Grâce à votre système d’énergie solaire, profitez de plusieurs années d’électricité à moindre coût et destinez vos économies à d’autres projets.

4. Entretien limité

Vous n’aurez pas besoin d’apporter la moindre amélioration technique à votre lampadaire solaire. Le prix que vous aurez dépensé lors de l’installation initiale représente un investissement à long terme.

Les lampadaires n’ont pas besoin d’être remplacés de temps à autre ou entretenus quotidiennement. Veillez donc à acheter des produits solaires de qualité. Faites un choix qui durera pendant plusieurs années sans vous causer de souci.

5. Batterie de secours

De nos jours, de nombreux systèmes d’éclairage solaire ont recours à une batterie de secours afin d’assurer le fonctionnement du système pendant au moins trois jours (au moins cinq pour les meilleurs d’entre eux). Ainsi, en cas de manque de soleil, vous pourrez toujours vous éclairer pendant quelques jours.

6. Pas de câble électrique

En général, l’éclairage en extérieur requiert d’utiliser des fils électriques. En plus du risque de trébuchement ou de grignotage par des rongeurs, ces fils peuvent être problématiques en cas de pluie. Avec les lampes solaires, vous n’aurez pas de tels problèmes.

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Non conçus pour résister aux graves intempéries, les wafers en silicium classiques utilisés dans les panneaux photovoltaïques pour convertir l’énergie solaire en électricité sont protégés par du plastique. Vous pouvez donc avoir l’esprit tranquille, car même en cas d’infiltration d’eau, il n’arrivera rien de pire que l’extinction de la lumière.

7. Utile en situation d’urgence

Si votre ville est souvent touchée par des tempêtes violentes, vous avez sûrement l’habitude des coupures de courant. Elles arrivent de manière si soudaine qu’il est normal d’être pris au dépourvu, et quand vous vivez avec de jeunes enfants ou avec vos parents, il peut être particulièrement difficile de se débrouiller sans source d’énergie. Rien de mieux que l’énergie solaire pour faire face aux scénarios extrêmes tels que les catastrophes naturelles, puisqu’elle conserve son efficacité opérationnelle pendant les conditions les plus rudes sans avoir recours à l’électricité.

Grâce à l’énergie solaire, les coupures de courant n’ont aucun effet sur vous. Pourvu, bien sûr, que vous ayiez eu suffisamment de soleil pour emmagasiner l’électricité produite dans vos panneaux solaires. Et tant que le soleil brillera, vous vivrez dans une maison bien éclairée.

Mot de la fin

Sans surprise, le fait de réduire son empreinte carbone a des effets positifs sur l’environnement. Cependant, malgré toute la bonne volonté du monde, il est parfois impossible de réduire le nombre d’appareils électriques que l’on utilise quotidiennement. Il faut donc se tourner vers d’autres solutions viables, par exemple en choisissant une source d’énergie plus renouvelable, soit les solutions solaires pour commerces et ménages.

Une fois que vous aurez saisi les raisons derrière le choix de l’énergie solaire, vous pourrez réaliser des économies tout en préservant la planète. Si vous souhaitez limiter votre impact environnemental et adopter des comportements écologiques, alors les lampes solaires sont faites pour vous.

Translator: Cécile Lamhene

Cécile Lamhene est une traductrice indépendante de l’anglais vers le français. Après un master en traduction juridique, économique et technique à l’université de Lille, elle se spécialise dans le développement durable dans la région MENA et s’intéresse entre autres à l’agriculture, à l’élevage, à l’ingénierie, à l’énergie et à la gestion de l’eau.

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