Blog | EcoMENA - Part 56

How Eco-Friendly Sleep Can Make Your Whole Life Better

By Salman Zafar | August 25, 2022 - 12:50 pm |September 1, 2022 Environment, Health, Lifestyle

Ecofriendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy. And, when you are healthy, isn’t your whole life better?

Now the question is, how can you make your bedroom eco-friendlier?

Below we have covered some methods of making your bedroom greener and the advantages of each method.

Ecofriendly mattress

Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:

Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.
Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.

Organic mattress options include natural latex and plant-based memory foam which use wool and organic cotton in the outer layer.

There is also an ecofriendly waterbed option in the organic vinyl waterbed. One advantage of waterbeds is reduced dust, dander, and mite, as there are very few places if any for them to hide. Learn more benefits of a waterbed at mattressgenius.com.

Note that organic mattresses might be more expensive than the traditional foam and spring mattresses. However, they are in the same price range as the more durable and popular memory foam (the synthetic type).

Organic bedding

Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.

When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton. The advantages include:

Increased comfort

Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps your body from getting too warm.

Less exposure to toxins

During your sleep, you toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton, you are at no risk of exposure to anything toxic.

Environmental sustainability

The farming of conventional cotton involves a lot of pesticides. Also, the manufacturing process involves chemicals and dyes. All these chemicals pose a risk to the environment as the waste will end up in water supplies and soil. Remember, harmful chemicals in pesticides deplete the nutrients in the soil that promote the natural growth of plants.

Green furniture

There are greener options for your bed, and other furniture in your bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if you have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment. For that reason, you should only buy wood furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. You are likely to get something vintage and unique.

Another greener furniture alternative is to buy furniture made from recycled wood, plastic, and metal. Remember, recycled materials require less processing, hence use fewer resources.

Green furniture means less carbon footprint (through recycling and reusing) and less depletion of the tree cover (wood regulated by a responsible organization such as FSC).

Green paint

Synthetic paints emit VOCs, especially when new. Just like with many other products, there are organic options when it comes to paints.

The point of organic paint is to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals and odors, which can cause respiratory issues in the short term.

Putting plants in your bedroom

Houseplants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.

So, by putting a plant in your bedroom, you are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.

Some low-maintenance plants you can put in your bedroom include Chinese evergreen, snake plant, and devil’s ivy. For more effective decontamination, go for ferns and spider plants. The Peace Lily is renowned for electromagnetic radiation decontamination.

Final thoughts

Clearly, eco-friendliness in your bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. You will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, you will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.

Blue Roads in Doha: An Innovative Way to Combat Rising Temperatures

By Mishma Abraham | August 25, 2022 - 12:46 pm |August 26, 2022 Climate Change, Environment, Sustainable Development, Urban Development

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The streets of Abdullah Bin Jassim near the iconic Souq Waqif in Doha were painted blue recently as part of a pilot project to reduce the effects of extreme heat in the city. By reflecting the heat instead of absorbing it, the blue-coated asphalt roads will support Qatar’s battle to combat the Urban Heat Island effect (UHI).

Image Source: The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down

What is UHI?

With 55 per cent of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, cities struggle to meet their overflowing capacity resulting in a dense network of high-rise buildings, roads and highways. Regardless of the city’s climatic characteristics, this leads to a greater density of impervious and heat reflective structures due to the nature of building materials.

Termed as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, the city experiences a greater absorption of heat and subsequent temperature increase due to the lack of ventilation and air flow. As one of the most widely documented impacts of climate change in cities, UHI is known to cause increase in surface and air temperatures, as much as a 12°C difference between urban and rural areas.

What are the impacts of UHI?

Such temperature increases in cities can have drastic consequences such as heat-related deaths especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly. Moreover, increased temperatures can also exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions as a result of increased air conditioning and other sources of energy consumption used to battle the heat.

The rise in air temperatures and lack of air flow also provides the perfect environment for increase in pollutants such as NOx compounds and tropospheric ozone, both of which result in air pollution and smog over cities, leading to even more health impacts and fatalities.

How can we mitigate and adapt against UHI?

One of the ways to mitigate against UHI involves increasing areas for vegetation and tree canopy cover as they reduce temperatures by providing shading and cooling the environment through evapotranspiration. Promoting green infrastructure across buildings is another way to mitigate against UHI as structures, such as green roofs, help to cool buildings and the surrounding areas, thus reducing the need for excessive use of air conditioning systems. Moreover, green roofs also work to reduce the UHI effect by absorbing air pollutants and toxins. Utilising other natural methods such as increasing the number of inland water bodies is also a well-known mitigation strategy against UHI.

Nevertheless, cities have begun focusing on adapting to the impacts of UHI, with the most recent development of heat reflecting paint that has coloured the streets of Doha blue. As part of the pilot project, the blue painted streets will test how well the paint can reflect the heat and thereby reduce city temperatures, as opposed to traditional roads absorbing most of the heat. Similar initiatives have already been tested in other parts of the world, with the most iconic being the white streets of Los Angeles.

References

The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down. https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/19/08/2019/Blue-road-project-to-bring-temperature-down
United Nations (2018) 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019) Heat Island Impacts. https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/heat-island-impacts
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019) Heat Island Impacts. https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/heat-island-impacts
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019) Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands.
https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islandsBusiness Insider (2018) Los Angeles is spending $40,000 per mile to paint streets white — and it could have a surprising ripple effect on the city. https://www.businessinsider.sg/los-angeles-is-spending-40000-per-mile-to-paint-streets-white-2018-3/

Medical Waste Management: An Infographic

By Jeanne Bedard | August 25, 2022 - 12:39 pm |August 26, 2022 Environment, Health, Waste Management

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Healthcare sector in the Middle East is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments. The growing amount of medical waste in the Middle East is posing significant public health and environmental challenges across the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, inefficient medical waste treatment technologies and lack of research on healthcare waste management.

This infographic will provide more insights into medical waste management situation in the Middle East.

How To Choose A Solar Panel

By Salman Zafar | August 25, 2022 - 12:26 pm |June 28, 2023 Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy

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Solar panels are the bread and butter of a solar power system installation. Ensuring that you get the best quality for your requirements is important in making an informed decision about what to install and who will be putting it up.

Otherwise, you could find yourself constantly having to fix solar panels that aren’t at the correct angle or facing away from the optimal direction.

Unfortunately, most salespeople won’t have much advice about buying the best solar panel brand for your needs. Therefore, take a moment before purchase to do your due diligence to ensure that if something goes awry, then the seller won’t put you into trouble – especially if it can be avoided!

What Do Solar Panels Involve?

You’ll find solar energy systems in different shapes and sizes, with homeowners often choosing to have them installed on their rooftop to harness the power of the sun.

Businesses are also increasingly opting to install solar panels as a low-cost way to produce electricity.

Utilities are not to be left behind and now, large solar power plants are being built with grids to provide energy to all the customers who choose to remain connected to these grids.

Solar PV systems are multifunctional once installed and can generate electricity as well as reduce your monthly energy bills. When solar panels convert light from the sun into clean electrical power, it also reduces your dependency on other power sources and companies.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The average solar panel installation in the UK costs £5,000 to £10,000. Solar panels cost different amounts based on your location, how much electricity your household consumes annually, and how many panels you need overall.

It’s important to note that a more expensive solar panel system is likely to produce more electricity as well, thus reducing your bills and increasing your savings per year overall.

One of the great things about solar power is that if you’re using ‘Smart Export’ from your supplier, then you could be earning up to three times what you save through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

This can help pay for your overall investment earlier than expected.

Why A Heat Pump With Your Solar Panel?

Heat pumps are based on a relatively new technology that typically uses less electricity to produce more heat, as opposed to boilers. They complement other forms of renewable energy such as solar power and are therefore extremely popular in the UK with more people using them in conjunction with solar panels.

The Renewable Heat Incentive program is subsidized by the government, and it supports homeowners who wish to install a heat pump system along with a heating system that uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.

Sustainable developments have started using lightweight solar panels to warm up a water tank on the rooftop.

This water tank in turn supplies radiant floor heating when required to domestic and commercial buildings where space utility is an important design consideration.

You can save time, save money, and get free and no-obligation quotes from vendors for your solar panel and heat pump as well. Increase the present market value of your home or business property with affordable and environmentally friendly solar panels.

Financing Solar Panels: Are Solar Panels Financially Feasible For You?

By Salman Zafar | August 25, 2022 - 11:05 am |March 15, 2023 Energy, Finance, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy

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

Is it even feasible, to begin with?

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

Are Solar Panels A Good Investment?

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

Is my electricity bill always high?

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

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

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

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

Is it expensive to have solar panels installed?

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

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

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

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

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

Solar Energy Installation Shopping Tips To Take To Heart

Make the time to get multiple quotes

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

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

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

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

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

Compare the equipment solar providers present you

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

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

Do I have to go solar now?

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

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

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

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

Things to Know About Habitat Loss in MENA

By Gazliya Nazimudheen | August 24, 2022 - 10:49 am |August 24, 2022 Conservation, Middle East, Nature, Wildlife

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

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

Species under Threat

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

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

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

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

Key issues

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainable Fashion – Fact or Fiction

By Sara Khalil | August 17, 2022 - 1:03 pm |April 16, 2024 Environment, Lifestyle

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The truth behind supposedly sustainable fashion is that it is not sustainable at all. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry has resulted in emerging ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’, and ‘conscious’ collections. These labels mean nothing to fast fashion companies but they do mean something to the thousands of trusting consumers being fooled.

Studies have shown that people are willing to pay more for environmentally aware products which makes sustainability an effective marketing tool. Our high streets have been polluted by greenwashing. Greenwashing is presenting something to be environmentally responsible when it does not live up to the standard it has implied. This has grown with the use of the word ethical, which means that they are socially responsible for their workers but definitely does not include the maintenance of the earth.

Arguably, an ethical brand should also be sustainable. Greenwashing is as simple as using earthy, natural colours with countryside backdrops in campaigns. H&M is most widely known for this in their “conscious” collection which is a small percentage of their products that is allegedly sustainable and good for the environment. To quote their 2019 press release “every piece in the collection is made from a sustainably-sourced material, such as 100% organic cotton”.

What is not clear however is whether their clothes are entirely made from cotton or is it partially made from cotton and that that fraction is what is 100% organic. You will quickly realise that their products are often a mix of fibres where only a small share of the garment is made from more environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, how is a material sustainably sourced? This relentless use of meaningless, vague, and legally undefined words allows big companies to get away with all of this misinformation.

There are many empty phrases used to trick everyday consumers into believing that they are buying sustainable products. Some brands claim that they reduced their carbon emissions by 15%. They omit the fact that this is a statistic per garment and that they produced 30% more products that year. This use of half-truths, omissions, and in some cases lies goes unpunished as sustainable fashion is a relatively new concept.

Companies can only be trusted if they are 100% transparent about the origin of their materials, the production, and the transport. Your cotton dress that was ‘Made in Italy’ may have only been sewn in Italy. It is important to do independent research and inquiry regarding every garment you intend to purchase.

An easy way to shop more sustainably is to buy second-hand. This is not very new but is now becoming increasingly popular with the introduction of selling platforms such as Depop and Poshmark. Another way is to invest in longer-lasting and usually more expensive items of clothing this way you are not under the pressure of purchasing clothing as often.

The best way to ensure that you are buying environmentally friendly products is to check the tag inside the garment as to what it is composed of. A good product should include mostly organic or recycled materials. If we cannot trust these brands, then we have the responsibility to shop with sustainability in mind.

The Islamic Principles on Sustainable Development

By Iyad Abumoghli | August 15, 2022 - 3:43 pm |August 23, 2022 EcoIslam, Environment, Sustainable Development

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A huge number of verses in Qura’n and several sayings of the Prophet Muhammad indicate the great importance that has been given to environmental concerns and the responsibility of man to the environment. The concept of sustainable development in Islam can be defined as “The balanced and simultaneous realization of consumer welfare, economic efficiency, attainment of social justice, and ecological balance in the framework of a evolutionary knowledge-based, socially interactive model defining the Shuratic process”. The Shuratic process is the consultation or participatory ruling principle of Islam.

The over arching principle in the use of nature is derived from the prophetic declaration that states: “There shall be no damage and no infliction of damage“. The right to benefit from the essential environmental elements and resources such as water, minerals, land, forests, fish and wildlife, arable soil, air and sunlight is in Islam, a right held in common by all members of society. Each individual is entitled to benefit from a common resource subject to establishing the degree of need, (needs have to be distinguished from wants) and the impact on the environment.

Earth is mentioned 61 times in the Qura’n. According to Islam, the universe has been created by Allah (God) with a specific purpose and for a limited time. The utilization of natural resources (ni‘matullah – the gifts of Allah) is a sacred trust invested in mankind; he is a mere manager and not an owner, a beneficiary and not a disposer. Side by side, the Islamic nation has been termed as) ummatan wasatan) the moderate nation in the Qur’an, a nation that avoids excesses in all things. Thus, Muslims in particular have to utilize the earth responsibly for their benefit, honestly maintain and preserve it, use it considerately and moderately, and pass it on to future generations in an excellent condition. This includes the appreciation of its beauty and handing it over in a way that realizes the worship of Allah.

The utilization of all natural resources – land, water, air, fire (energy), forests, oceans – are considered the right and the joint property of the entire humankind. Since Man is Khalifatullah (the vicegerent of Allah) on earth, he should take every precaution to ensure the interests and rights of others, and regard his mastery over his allotted piece of land as a joint ownership with the next generation.

Land Reclamation

Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever brings dead land to life, for him is a reward in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it shall be reckoned as charity from him“. The Prophet in another occasion said, “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him“; and, “If anyone plants a tree, no human nor any of the creatures of Allah will eat from it without it being reckoned as charity from him“. This testifies the importance the Prophet in the early days of Islam has given to reclamation of land and the equal rights of all God’s creatures to benefit from the resources of earth.

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife and natural resources are protected under Shariah (Rules of Islam) by zoning around areas called “hima”. In such places, industrial development, habitation, extensive grazing, are not allowed. The Prophet himself, followed by the Caliphs of Islam, established such “hima” zones as public property or common lands managed and protected by public authority for conservation of natural resources.

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

Water Rights

In the Shariah, there is a responsibility placed on upstream farms to be considerate of downstream users. A farm beside a stream is forbidden to monopolize its water. After withholding a reasonable amount of water for his crops, the farmer must release the rest to those downstream. Furthermore, if the water is insufficient for all of the farms along the stream, the needs of the older farms are to be satisfied before the newer farm is permitted to irrigate. This reflects the sustainable utilization of water based on its safe yield.

Environment Protection

The rights to benefit from nature are linked to accountability and maintenance or conservation of the resource. The fundamental legal principle established by the Prophet Muhammad is that “The benefit of a thing is in return for the liability attached to it.” Much environmental degradation is due to people’s ignorance of what their Creator requires of them. People should be made to realize that the conservation of the environment is a religious duty demanded by God. God has said. “And do good as Allâh has been good to you. And do not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allâh does not love the corrupters”, (Al Qasas 28:77.(

Waste Generation

Islam calls for the efficient use of natural resources and waste minimization. God says in Qura’n: “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; “He” loves not the excessive”, (Al-A’raf 7:31). “And do not follow the bidding of the excessive, who cause corruption in the earth and do not work good”, (Ash-Shu’ara 26: 151-152). “And do not cause corruption in the earth, when it has been set in order”, (Al-A’râf 7:56).

Water Pollution

Water also plays another socio-religious function: cleaning of the body and clothes from all dirt, impurities, and purification so that mankind can be presentable at all times. Only after cleaning with pure (colorless, odorless and tasteless) water, Muslims are allowed to pray. One can only pray at a place that has been cleaned. In light of these facts, Islam stresses on preventing pollution of water resources. Urinating in water (discharging wastewater into water stream) and washing or having a bath in stagnant water are forbidden acts in Islam. The Prophet said: “No one should bathe in still water, when he is unclean”.

Water Conservation

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the proper use of water without wasting it. The Prophet said: “Don’t waste water even if you are on a running river”. He also said: “Whoever increases (more than three), he does injustice and wrong”.

تشجيع الناس على عدم تضييع الماء خاصة في المساجد و دور العبادة

Sustainable Forestry

Islamic legislation on the preservation of trees and plants finds its roots in Qura’nic teachings of Prophet. They include the following: “Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter” and “If anyone plants a tree or sows a field and men, beasts or birds eat from it, he should consider it as a charity on his part”. He is also reported to have encouraged tree planting as a constructive practice, saying that even if one hour remained before the final hour and one has a palm-shoot in his hand, he should plant it. Even at times of war, Muslim leaders, such as Abu Baker, advised their troops not to chop down trees and destroy agriculture or kill an animal.

Public Participation

The protection, conservation, and development of the environment and natural resources is a mandatory religious duty to which every Muslim should be committed. This commitment emanates from the individual’s responsibility before God to protect himself and his community. God has said, “Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption in the earth. God does not love corrupters”.

Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline: Economy Development or Environmental Disaster

By Sara Haddou Amar | August 15, 2022 - 3:36 pm |April 5, 2024 Climate Change, Energy, Environment, Middle East

Major Causes of Concerns

This pipeline project has been a subject of major discussions concerning its impact on the environment, public health and biodiversity of the area. It is considered a step back for Moroccan efforts to produce more clean energy and harness the solar power as a main energy source of the country. Various policy, decision maker and environmental specialists did raise concerns about the choice of spending nearly 20 billion US dollars on a pipeline while it can be invested in improving and strengthening renewable energy projects in the West African region.

One of the major environmental objectives set by the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) [which was hosted by Morocco in 2016] is the reduction of the fossil fuels-based energy due to its bad consequences on the health of human beings and the planet earth in general. However, we still see Morocco and Nigeria willing to implement this project despite concerns raised by various NGOs protesting the gas pipeline project. Some of the key contentious issues for the NGOs are as follows:

While the acceleration of global warming exceeds all expectations and greenhouse gas emissions have set a new record in 2016, the construction of this pipeline can only go in the direction of an increase of extraction and consumption of fossil resources, the main causes of global warming.
Contrary to what is often asserted, natural gas is not clean energy. The methane in it is more volatile than CO2, and much more powerful in global warming potential. Moreover, the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has accelerated dangerously since 2007.
The extraction, transportation and use of fossil fuels has considerable environmental implications in the form of disturbing effects of seismic studies on marine fauna, the use and release of various chemical substances and wastes, the risks of leaks, fires and explosions related to corrosion and navigation are additional risks to that of methane emissions. This will destroy livelihoods of millions of our people depending on fisheries in our regional waters.
The section already constructed (WAGP) was done without consulting the populations who rejected the environmental impact study.
It is a top-down project that does not consider the needs of the populations and the environment. They are not consulted and will not be the first beneficiaries of this pipeline. While Nigeria is Africa’s largest exporter of gas and oil, less than half of the population has access to electricity. In Benin, Togo, already served by the WAGP, barely a third of the population have access to electricity.
The proposed pipeline is a project for the multinational corporations. Nigerians do not benefit from oil exploitation in Nigeria.
The energy produced will be used primarily to fuel agri-business projects and export-oriented industrial clusters at the expense of small farmers and artisans and the satisfaction of the needs of the people.
This project will be a financial sinkhole. It is likely that the forecast cost of US $ 20 billion will be probably doubled and will lead to an exponential increase of the debt burden of our countries.

The Way Forward

The complete independence from the consumption of fossil resources is far to be a reality for the African continent that suffers from a shortage in energy production and transmission. This shortage and dependence on foreign investments is set to grow in the light of the recent efforts of industrialization of the continent set by the African Development Bank [4] [5].

Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project will have negative impacts on environment, public health and biodiversity.

The combination of industrialization and energy sufficiency is a complex multi-objectives problem. It needs a special evaluation and analysis to consider all factors and reduce the side effects on the environmental and social prosperity of the African population.

A smart production of energy and transmission to the West African region is a possible alternative for the pipeline project. The investment in solar energy which is one of the valuable resources of the African countries is a must. 20 billion US dollars could make a difference in the energy network of the continent and transform it into one of the leaders of clean energy in the world.

خطط برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة تعزّزقدرة البلدان على رصد مصادر المياه

By Iyad Abumoghli | August 15, 2022 - 3:34 pm |August 18, 2022 Environment, Middle East, Water

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عندما نتكلم عن المياه، لابدّ لنا من التركيز على المنطقة العربية التي يشكّل سكانها 5 % من عدد سكان العالم، ولكنها لا تمتلك سوى 1% من اجمالي كميّة المياه العالمية. وفقا لتقديرات الأمم المتحدة، فان اثنتا عشرة دولة عربية تعاني من نقص حاد في المياه؛ اذ ان كمية المياه المتؤتية من مصادرمتجددة لا تصل الى 500 متر مكعب للفرد الواحد سنوياً. وقد طرحت الاستراتجية العربية للأمن المائي (2030-2010)، مشاريع لادارة والاستخدام الكفوء لمصادر المياه.

غير ان قطاع الزراعة لا يزال يستهلك 85% من مصادر المياه العذبة في حين لا تتعدّى العائدات الزراعية اكثر من 8% من الناتج القومي. كما ان الدخل العالي للفرد في بعض البلدان العربية، والنمو الحضري وعدم اعتماد القطاع السياحي مبادئ الاستدامة، وتوفّر الكمية الكافية من الطاقة لتحلية المياه، اضافة الى الصراعات التي شهدتها المنطقة وادّت الى الهجرة الداخلية لكمّ كبير من السكّان، كلها عوامل وضغوطات ساهمت في زيادة كمية استهلاك المياه العذبة ونفاذ مصادرها.

فبينما تشكّل الانهار المعمّرة 70% من مصدر المياه العذبة في بعض البلدان كلبنان والأردن، تعتمد بلدان اخرى مثل عُمان والسعودية وسوريا ودولة الامارات العربية المتحدة واليمن على المياه السطحية والانهر الموسمية. اما باقي البلدان العربية الأخرى، فان ثلث امدادات المياه تأتي من المياه الجوفية.

كما يؤدي استخراج المياه الجوفي بشكل مستمر وغير مستدام الى شحّ مخزون المياه الوطني والمشترك بين البدان مما يؤدّي الى نشوء الصراعات. فقد أكّد الباحثون على ان 70 الى 80 % من اسباب الصراع الداخلي في اليمن، هو الحاجة الى المياه في ظلّ تزايد عدد السكان وسوء ادارة المياه.

ولا بدّ من ان نشير الى ان 75% من مصادر المياه، هي من خارج المنطقة العربية بما في ذلك تحلية مياه البحر التي تستهلك كميات ضخمة من البترول الذي بدأ ينفذ وبالتالي يجب التركيز على استحداث آليات تحلية تعتمد على الطاقة البديلة. اذ ينتج عن عملية التحلية مخلفات تؤدي الى تملح البحار المحيطة وزيادة درجة حرارتها وبالتالي تقلل من كفاءة محطات التحلية.

امام هذا الواقع المرير حيث اصبحت الصراع على الماء صراع من اجل البقاء، ندّق في برنامج الامم المتحدة للبيئة في غرب آسيا ناقوس الخطر وندعو الدول العربية الى اتخاذ اجراء سريع لتنفيذ خطط للادارة المتكاملة للموارد المائية، بما في ذلك ادارة الطلب على المصادر المائية المتوفرة واعتماد التكنولوجيا الحديثة والابداع الفكري والفنّي في شتّى استخدامات المياه المنزلية والصناعية والزراعية.

من ناحية اخرى، تعاني المنطقة العربية من تهديد لأمنها الغذائي بسبب اعتمادها على مصادر مائية شحيحة وعلى استيراد موارد غذائية رئيسة من الخارج او الأستثمار في اراضي زراعية خارج حدود المنطقة العربية. لذلك فان التعاون الاقليمي في منطقتنا هو حاجة ملّحة لضمان الأمن المائي والغذائي العربي.

اما على الصعيد العالمي، فلم يكن لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة (يونيب) ان يلزم الصمت وعلى مرأى منه ثلث من سكّان العالم يصارعون من اجل حياة تتلاشى امام ندرة المياه، منهم مليون ونصف طفل يقضون كل عام ظمأى او بسبب الآفات الناتجة عن تلّوث المياه وانعدام امدادات الصرف الصحّي.

ازاء تلك الأزمات التي تسبّبها الحاجة الملّحة الى المياه، وضع برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة استراتجية خاصّة بناءً على طلب من حكومات العالم، من شأنها توفير المبادئ التوجيهية التي يجب ان تتبنّاها السياسات لتحقيق الاهداف المنشودة من حيث تأمين حاجة البلدان للمياه بشكل عادل ومستدام ومكافحة العوامل المناخية والبشرية التي تتسبّب بالجفاف.

اضف الى ذلك، النظام العالمي للرصد البيئي/برنامج المياه، الذي يعتبر ابرز البرامج التي وضعها يونيب وتضمّ مئة دولة حول العالم من ضمنها السعودية والكويت والأردن والعراق. حيث يعمل هذا البرنامج على تعزيز تبادل المعلومات والبيانات حول نوعية المياه العذبة ويساهم في زيادة قدرة البلدان النامية على رصد نوعية المياه داخل القطر او الاقليم.

وان لم يسعنا من خلال هذا النص، ذكر جميع التقارير والبرامج والحلول العالمية والعربية الخاصّة بادارة مصادر المياه، فاننا نشدّد على اهمية الجهود الاقليمية لادماج قضايا المياه بالسياسات الوطنية والدولية في السعي لايجاد الآليات اللازمة للحدّ من الازمات التي يولّدها النقص الحاد في المياه، كتلك التي تسبّبت بنزوح أكثر من 100.000 من سكان شمال العراق عام 2005.

فنظراً للضغوطات التي تعاني منها منطقتنا العربية من التزايد السكاني الى تغيّر المناخ وموجات الجفاف والتصحّر وانحباس الأمطار، تعتبرقضية المياه من ابرز القضايا التي تحتاج الى حلّ يرتكز على التعاون الاقليمي. اذ يعتبر نجاح الاستراتجيات المتعلقة بالمياه رهن الالتزامات السياسية والمالية والبشرية اضافة الى عوامل اخرى كتقييم موثوق لمصادر المياه المتوفرّة.

فلا بدّ لنا من ان نلفت الى دراسات برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة التي قدُّرت مساحة مصادر المياه في غرب آسيا ب 85 كلم مكعب؛ والتي من المرجح ان تنخفض الى 20 بالمئة خلال الخمسين عاما القادمة بسبب عوامل متعدّدة كتغيّر المناخ.

ان الماء بشتى انواعه يختزن ثروات عدّة تشكّل مصدراً للحياة ولانتاج الطاقة المتجدّدة؛ وفي صونه، نشارك برنامج الأمم المتحدة للبيئة في تحقيق خطّة المستقبل الذي نصبو اليه حتى لا يعاني اي فرد اويقضي بسبب عدم وفرة المياه

اذا يعتبر التخلي عن اللحوم ضروريًا للتخفيف من تغير المناخ

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ترجمة

علياء الشملان. الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية

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

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