5 Ways To Become A Conscious Consumer

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In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have become more aware of what is known as conscious consumerism and have begun to practice it. People’s shopping decisions are impacted by their desire to positively contribute to economic, environmental, and social movements when they are aware of consumers. As a result, the work of many sectors to protect the environment and improve the living conditions of the economically and socially downtrodden will be aided. Simply said, aware customers, are increasingly purchasing firms that wish to make a difference and safeguard the planet’s, animals’, and employees’ well-being across many social sectors.

Conscious consumerism has quickly gained popularity and businesses are slowly transforming to cater to this trend. For instance, there are many sustainable brands in Australia that support this movement. This is why there are now many options to choose from if you’d like to start incorporating it into your lifestyle as well. Here are some of the ways you can become a conscious consumer and make your contribution in transforming the world into a much better place to live in for everyone:

Ways To Become A Conscious Consumer

1. Become A Minimalist

Living a minimalist lifestyle requires a person to only use things that serve a purpose. It’s about leading a simpler life and limiting your possessions to only the essentials. To become a minimalist, you can start by identifying if the item that you want to buy is a necessity or a discretionary purchase. This way, you’ll be able to trim down your shopping list to the basics that you need to minimize your consumption overall.

2. Support Environment-Conscious Businesses

Many businesses are now making a conscious effort to use more natural products, decrease packaging, and encourage customers to recycle. These are all considered to be effective ways consumers can help take care of the environment, and the present market naturally gravitates towards brands that support this advocacy. As such, you can support these types of businesses by learning more about them and finding ways to incorporate their products into your lifestyle.

3. Buy Fair Trade Products

Supporting fairtrade products is an effective way to help disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries. Fairtrade certification is awarded to products that meet global ethical criteria, and the fairtrade label is presented in the product packaging to make it easier for consumers to know about them. Some of the ethical criteria include safe and supportive labour conditions for workers, environment-friendly waste disposal, and fair pricing. This is why many consider buying fair trade products as a way to advocate for ethical consumerism.

Important Environmental Metrics

Simply look for the fair-trade label on the package if you want to know if the goods, you’re buying meets fair-trade criteria. You can also search online to learn more about a particular brand and if they support the fair-trade movement.

4. Travel Responsibly

Air travel is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions on a global scale. This is why many consider it a luxury that’s harmful to the environment. Apart from this, all modes of transport that use fossil fuels negatively impact the environment. This is why conscious consumers opt to limit their travels to only the necessary trips and use eco-friendly travel options instead.

For instance, many advocate ridesharing, biking, and using public transportation as they’re effective ways to minimize carbon emissions. As such, you can use these guidelines to help you decide on your mode of transportation the next time you have to travel.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This motto has been around for a long time and continues to have an impact on many families. The idea behind this notion is to urge individuals to reduce the amount of garbage they generate in their homes, offices, or businesses. Composting biodegradable kitchen wastes, for example, is one method a family may minimize the amount of garbage they produce. This not only helps homeowners grow more plants in their backyards but also reduces the overproduction of greenhouse emissions.

How To Become A Conscious Consumer

On the other hand, the concept of reusing common items such as bottles, shopping bags and others can also help in waste reduction by prolonging the usefulness of each item before they are disposed of. Many commercial establishments applied this concept in enterprise-level processes by minimizing or completely eradicating the use of single-use utensils and containers that greatly contribute to the garbage problem worldwide. On a household level, this might be accomplished by purchasing used products or fixing broken items rather than purchasing new ones.

When it comes to recycling, you can help your local waste management services by segregating recyclable materials and letting them be processed in a recycling plant.

Conclusion

Consumerism has become an integral part of modern society. As a result, it has an undeniable effect on how the majority of the globe handles the earth and its resources. While many other things may be done to preserve the globe, becoming conscientious consumers is one step closer to the global of a greener, safer, and healthier environment. Additionally, even though the road to conscious consumption may not be easy or convenient, it’s still a worthwhile cause to support because of how the world and mankind can benefit from it in the long run.

Green Roofs in MENA – Prospects and Challenges

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Green roofs are emerging technologies that can provide a wide range of benefits to communities interested in enhancement and protection of their environment. The major benefits of green roofs are reducing energy use as well as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing stormwater management and water quality, decreasing heat island effect by regulating temperature for the roof and the surrounding areas and providing aesthetic value and habitats for many species.  

According to a 2013 MENA renewable energy status report, the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) in Middle East and North Africa has reached about 800 million tons of oil.  This equates to a 15% increase in energy demand since 2007. Increased energy consumption in the region is due largely to population growth, with related increases in demand for liquid fuels and electricity for domestic use and devices, heating, cooling, and desalination of water.  With heating and cooling being a reason for the increasing demand on fossil fuels, there is enormous opportunity for investment in green roofs as a way to stabilize or reduce energy consumption in the MENA region.  

Enhancing Stormwater Management and Water Quality

Stormwater is rainwater and melted snow that hits impervious surfaces and runs off into streets, lawns, sidewalks, and other sites. The main concern with stormwater is it can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. In many places around the world, including MENA region, anything that enters a storm sewer system is often later discharged untreated into a nearby waterway polluting the same waters we swim, fish, and drink from.

In addition, stormwater runoff can cause flooding and an overflowing of sewer sanitary systems causing serious water quality impairments. In developing countries like Morocco and Algeria, where countrywide stormwater management and municipal waste management systems are deficient, stormwater runoff is a big problem. Rainwater flows from roofs straight onto streets carrying things like petrol, household garbage, bacteria, fertilizers and pesticides to nearby receiving waters.

According to an EPA study, green roofs are capable of removing 50% of the annual rainfall volume from a roof through retention and evapo-transpiration. By reducing the amount of impervious surfaces within a developed zone, green roofs reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.   Also, because green roofs absorb water, they delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in decreased stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods.

For conventional non-living roofs with a slope of 2%, a 96% runoff rate is observed.  On the other hand, intensive green roofs may have as low as a 15% runoff rate.  The benefits green roofs have regarding stormwater runoff could be amplified by more green roofs in a close-knit area and using green roofs with a deeper substrate layer. Nevertheless, if implemented, countries in the MENA region in which stormwater management systems are not in place could greatly benefit from the use of green roofs to help reduce hazardous runoff and subsequent contamination of water supplies. 

Decreasing Urban Heat Island Effect

Since the built environment tends to be constructed from materials that are impermeable and non-reflective they tend to absorb a significant proportion of the sun’s radiation and release it as heat. Because urban areas are densely populated with buildings, they tend to be hotter than the surrounding areas, a phenomenon known as heat island effect.  Urban heat islands have many negative impacts such as an in increase energy demand for cooling, an increase in air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, and impaired water quality.

The heat island effect causes internal temperatures of buildings to rise which subsequently increases the demand for air-conditioning to moderate the buildings internal temperatures.  This in turn leads to higher emissions from power plants, as well as increased smog production as a result of warmer temperatures.  Additionally, hot rooftop surfaces transfer their excess heat to stormwater causing the runoff water to be much warmer than the streams, lakes, and other waterways it enters.  In many cases dealing with this rapid change in temperature causes stress to aquatic ecosystems.

Urban heat island effect is especially worrisome for areas like Middle East and North Africa, where out of a population of 300 million, 170 million people reside in urban areas. Furthermore, according to UN projections the MENA population will reach 430 million by 2020, of which 280 million are expected to be urban.  In order to combat the potential for the heat island effect in the MENA region, communities can utilize green roofs. 

The vegetative surfaces of green roofs utilize a relatively large proportion of the absorbed radiation in the evapo-transpiration process and then release water vapor into the air which helps to cool air temperatures.  Additionally, the shade provided by trees and other shrubbery greatly helps to reduce the rooftop temperatures and the overall heat island effect. 

Roof Lifespan

Rooftop vegetation moderates the factors that accelerate a rooftops breakdown such as extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and cold winds, thus dramatically expanding the life of a roof.  According to a study in Germany, a vegetated roof on average can be expected to prolong the service life of a conventional roof by at least 20 years. The result of this is not only cost savings to the building’s owner but also a reduction of landfill wastes. 

Habitats for Species

One of the more altruistic aspects of green roofs is the creation of wildlife habitats. Green roofs can provide habitat (food, shelter, water and breeding grounds) for many different species. Because of their high density, cities severely restrict green space and threaten or destroy habitats so the creation of such green space assumes particular importance in these areas.  Urban habitats are often seen as too degraded and depauperate to support biodiversity. 

Various recent studies in Europe have indicated that green roofs in large cities have high potential as habitat for species negatively impacted by land-use changes. For example, in Basel, Switzerland, surveys of birds, spiders and beetles on green roofs found high diversity levels for all groups, including many species considered rare or threatened.

For modern Middle Eastern citiies like Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo, Beirut and Tehran, creation of habitats for species could be very valuable.  Across the MENA region natural habitats are few and far, and green roofs can provide living space for plants and animals, especially for species such as invertebrates and birds. 

Aesthetic Value

Green roofs have the ability to significantly improve the beauty of buildings, the visual and environmental diversity which can have positive impacts psychological well-being. Studies across several countries have all shown the correlation between daily contact with nature and human well-being. In fact, the results of a large survey in the Netherlands showed that the amount of green space in the residential environment was positively related to the health condition people said they experienced in their daily life.

When people have contact with green space research has indicated a positive effect in levels of stress, health levels due to green space encouraging a higher level of use of the outdoor spaces, and mental well-being due to positive psychological effects plants and nature has on humans.

Current Scenario

While green roofs in Northern Scandinavia have been around for centuries, in North America green roofs are still a relatively new technology. In Europe, these technologies have become very well established mainly due to governments and legislatives financial support.  This support has led to the creation of a vibrant, multi-million dollar market for green roof products and services in Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland among others.

Currently, implementation of green roofs is rare in the MENA region.  However, there is a definite market potential as the benefits of green roofs address many of the major environmental concerns of this area.  Furthermore, the concrete architecture in the Middle East is ideal for a green roof implementation.  The structural soundness of concrete buildings has the potential to support the weight load of both intensive and extensive roofs. The swift progress of green buildings industry in the Middle East  promises a deeper penetration of green roofs in domestic as well as commercial constructions in the years to come.

However, one issue that may surface is that roofs are often fully accessible and are often used to dry laundry or to hold social events like weddings and other celebrations.  This may pose an issue for home owners if their green roof takes up too much of their roof to perform their daily functions.  An intensive roof may be more suitable for homeowners in this region as they lend well to daily visits and offer space to hold social functions.

Conclusion

Due to their extensive range of environmental and economic benefits, particularly their insulation and cooling properties, ability to significantly reduce rainwater runoff and urban heat island effect, as well as improve air quality and their value in promoting biodiversity and habitat in urban areas, green roofs have become important elements of sustainable and green construction in many countries.  While the green roof industry is growing in popularity, the industry is still young with many areas needing advancement.

The major barriers to green roof expansion in the Middle East include a lack of governmental support, high installation costs, lack of awareness and education about green roofs, and limited data quantifying green roof benefits.  However, with proper support these barriers can be easily overcome through research and innovation in design by the green roof industry. 

إحراق الغاز وهدره في العراق: قضية ملتهبة

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منذ أن بدأ إنتاج النفط الخام في القرن التاسع عشر كان حرق الغاز وهدره متلازمان معه حيث وجدت الشركات المستخرجة للنفط  بل وبعض الحكومات ايضا، أن الغاز المصاحب هو مصدر إزعاج وانه من الضروري التخلص منه او اتلافه بطريقة او باخرى إذا كان  لإنتاج النفط الخام ان يستمرم ويزيد إنتاجه. لكن قيمة الغاز كمصدر للطاقة وفوائده البيئية بدأت تتحق تدريجيًا ، وأدخلت بعض الحكومات أنظمة للحد من حرق الغاز إلى الحد الأدنى. ومع ذلك ، لا تزال المشكلة قائمة لدينا ، وتشير تقديرات البنك الدولي والذي اسس المبادرة العالمية للحد من حرق الغاز إلى أن حرق الغاز في عام 2017 كان عند مستوى 140 مليار متر مكعب.

 لقد انشا البنك الدولي هذه المبادرة بهدف الوصول إلى انهاء  أي حريق روتيني بحلول عام 2030 وقد بذلت البلدان العربية ، باستثناء العراق ، كأكبر منتجي للنفط الخام ، جهودًا كبيرة للحد من حرق الغاز واستخدام الفائض الناتج عن ذلك  لتوليد الطاقة وانتاج المواد الخام لصناعة الأسمدة والبتروكيماويات. في عام 2013 ، كان إنتاجهم من النفط الخام يقترب من 24 مليون برميل يوميا وحرق الغاز عند 21.8 مليار متر مكعب. وبحلول عام 2017 ، بلغ إنتاج النفط الخام أكثر من 26 مليون برميل يوميا ، وزاد حرق الغاز إلى 25.5 مليار متر مكعب. وجاءت معظم الزيادة في اشتعال الغاز من العراق حيث ارتفع إنتاج النفط في تلك الفترة من 3.0 إلى 4.5 مليون برميل يوميا ، في حين ارتفع معدل حرق الغاز من 13.3 إلى 17.8 مليار متر مكعب. ويتعين على العراق أن يتعلم من جيرانه الشروع في برنامج للتخفيض في إشعال النار إذا أراد الوفاء بوعد وزير النفط العراقي بالتوصل إلى انهار صارم للحرق بحلول عام 2021 ، وهو وعد متفائل للغاية غير مدعم باي  إجراء حازم على الأرض.

وتشير التقارير إلى أن العراق يتلف حوالي 62 في المائة من إنتاجه من الغاز ، أي ما يعادل 196000 برميل من النفط الخام يومياً. فاذا كان سعر برميل النفط 70 دولار ، فإن المورد المهدر يساوي ما يقرب من 45 مليار دولار ، وهو ما كان كافياً لبناء صناعة غاز جديدة بالكامل.لقد ارتفع إنتاج واستخدام الغاز في العراق في الآونة الأخيرة إلى 29.4 و 13.8 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً على التوالي ، مما يعني أن حرق الغاز قد ارتفع أيضًا إلى 15.9 مليار متر مكعب. وهذا يعادل حوالي 260،000 ألف برميل في اليوم أو خسارة تبلغ حوالي 20 مليون دولار في اليوم. ولسد الحاجة من الغاز في محطات الطاقة ، لجأ العراق إلى استيراده من إيران بدلاً من زيادة القدرة على المعالجة وزيادة شبكة النقل والتوزيع.

قد تصل إمكانات الاتفاقات مع إيران في نهاية المطاف إلى استيراد أكثر من 18 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً بتكلفة تقدر بـ10.56 دولار لكل مليون وحدة حرارية بريطانية ، وهو سعر أعلى بكثير من نظيره في الأسواق الدولية. وبما أنه من المتوقع أن يزداد إنتاج العراق من النفط الخام ، فسوف يتبع ذلك إنتاج الغاز بالتناسب ، وإذا لم تتم زيادة المعالجة والاستخدام ، سيزداد حرق الغاز أيضا.

نفذت شركة غاز الجنوب وشركة البصرة للغاز في الآونة الأخيرة بعض الإجراءات لاستعادة الغاز المشتعل في حقول النفط الجنوبية في العراق. إذا حكمنا من خلال حجم ونتائج هذه المشاريع يصبح من الواضح.

حجم هذه القضية. وهذا يعني أنه ما لم يتم التوقيع على المزيد من المشاريع والتعجيل بها ، فإن العراق سيواصل حرق الغاز. وهي تحتاج على الأقل إلى طاقة معالجة إضافية تبلغ حوالي 10 مليار متر مكعب سنوياً مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار إنتاجها المتوقع من النفط. إن الاستخدام الفعال للغاز في العراق سيخلق فرص عمل ، وزيادة في الإيرادات ، وتطوير صناعات أخرى ، والأهم من ذلك تقليل الانبعاثات الضارة ، وأخيرا مساعدة البيئة.

5 Aspects to Consider Before Ordering a Solar Panel System for Your Commercial Building

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Society and technology have truly come a long way. From fixed fires in the hearth to gas and electric lighting, it makes sense to want to upgrade your business with a commercial solar energy system.

However, like with any early adoption, it pays to conduct a thorough evaluation. In fact, it’s likely the only way to determine the best process to incorporate solar technology with your commercial building.

commercial solar energy system

A rooftop solar power project in Abu Dhabi

1. Solar Technology

When considering a solar energy system, it’s important to differentiate between solar technologies and solar power systems.

Solar technology has two dominating categories — solar thermal power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV). When you see residential homes and commercial buildings with solar panels, it’s likely using PV. On the other hand, CSP, which uses mirrors and heat, is typically found in large power plants.

2. Solar Cells

Most people don’t realize that it’s not the solar panels that convert energy. Rather, it’s the solar cells contained in arrays that make up a solar panel.

Arrays are thousands of individual solar cells grouped together. Currently, there are about 24 unique types of solar cells that can be broadly categorized into three groups.

1. Crystalline Silicon

The majority of PV cells are crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers. They come from lab-grown ingots, which take approximately a month to grow fully and can form into single or multiple crystals.

From these large ingots, the single crystals are used for monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si) cells and solar panels. At the same time, the polycrystalline cells and solar panels (poly c-Si) use the multi-crystals.

Monocrystalline cells have a distinctive color and are cylindrical. They provide the most efficient energy conversion, but cutting the cells to shape can be somewhat wasteful.

On the other hand, polycrystalline cells don’t go to waste because they’re melted and poured into the arrays. However, this process diminishes some of its effectiveness.

types of solar cells

2. Thin Film

Thin-film solar cells are also PV cells but are about 100 times thinner than c-Si. These use amorphous silicon (a-Si). However, they’re not limited to a-Si. They can also be made from organic PV, copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or cadmium-telluride (Cd-Te).

They’re by far the cheapest and most flexible option because they can be laminated onto various surfaces. These surfaces include glass, skylights and roofing tiles. However, the benefit of flexibility means decreased levels of efficiency compared to c-Si cells.

3. Third Generation

Third-generation cells are the latest and greatest in solar cell technology. These solar cells pick, choose and combine the best qualities of c-Si and thin-film cells. The end result is a sustainable product that’s efficient, practical and cheaper to produce.

3. Types of Solar Energy System

There are three types of systems that dominate the industry. Depending on your building’s location and usage requirements, one type will be better suited than another.

1. Grid-Tied Solar Energy System and Power Outages

First, you have a grid-tied solar system that connects to the local power grid. This system is excellent for those in cloudy places who worry about not having enough electricity or suffer from power outages.

You save money on your energy bills by first using up all your converted energy from the sun and can then tap into the grid on an as-needed basis.

Another benefit is net metering. This is when your system produces excess energy and sends it back to the grid in return for credits on the next electricity bill. However, not every state or municipality offers net metering, in which case a hybrid system may be more advantageous.

Being tied to the grid also means that these systems require less equipment, which reduces the overall cost. If the upfront costs are a deterrent, consider calculating how much a grid-tied system would be and how much you could save in the long run.

Off Grid House

2. Off-Grid Solar Energy System and Battery Storage

These systems are best for commercial buildings that use some means to be completely energy independent. Off-grid systems can be more expensive because they require larger batteries and other materials.

They work best with smaller commercial buildings designed to conserve energy in any way possible. For example, a solar panel generator and energy-efficient windows are extra measures you can take.

However, off-grid systems aren’t an end-all-be-all to your remote commercial building. That’s because the batteries have limited storage capacity that can get quickly used up.

3. Hybrid

Finally, there’s a hybrid system which is a combination of the other two. They’re connected to the grid but also come with extra battery storage.

Hybrid systems may prove the most beneficial if you find your commercial building uses a lot of power. The system first uses the energy stored in batteries and then calls on the grid when demand exceeds solar energy production. As an added benefit, hybrid system owners can take advantage of net metering.

4. Does Your Commercial Building Require Battery Storage?

It may seem like the obvious answer is to get a solar system with battery energy storage, but it’s not necessary in some cases. For example, battery storage has minimal financial benefit if you have a grid-tied system in an area that offers net metering.

On the other hand, commercial buildings prone to constant blackouts will certainly benefit from a hybrid system. That way, you have energy stored for blackout conditions and net metering to assist with monthly costs.

5. DIY or Professional Installation?

While the commercial solar panel cost isn’t cheap, it’s never recommended to install it yourself. More often than not, the DIY installation ends up costing more than hiring a professional.

Installing solar panels comes with risks easily overlooked that can cause significant issues down the line. For example, incorrectly connecting a single wire can lead to electrocution, fires or your panels not working at all.

Without adequate roofing knowledge, a DIYer can accidentally damage the roof and cause leaks. Additionally, many solar panels require a licensed professional to install for the warranty to be valid.

solar panels maintenance

By taking the chance and doing it yourself, you run the risk of voiding your warranty and missing out on compensation if anything goes wrong. However, if you’re adamant about self-installation, double-check for building permits and regulations.

The last thing you want is to complete a perfect job, only to have your local authorities come and tell you to take it down within a week.

Ordering a Solar Panel System for Your Commercial Building

As you can tell, a lot goes into solar panels and determining which type is best for your commercial building. However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from making your building eco-friendly.

The most efficient way to determine the best system is to shop around. Your local companies can present valuable insight into any specific incentives offered by your state.

مشاكل بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية المستعملة

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تستخدم بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية بشكل كبير في جميع أنحاء العالم . إذ تعد بمثابة مصدر للطاقة لمجموعة واسعة من المعدات والأجهزة المستخدمة في المنزل، و في التجارة والصناعة. وتستخدم على نطاق واسع في جميع وسائل النقل الحديثة بما في ذلك السيارات والشاحنات والحافلات والقوارب والقطارات وأنظمة النقل الجماعي السريع والمركبات الترفيهية الخ. كما أنها توفر، في حالات انقطاع الطاقة الكهربائية، طاقة الطوارئ  للعمليات الحرجة مثل تلك المتعلقة بأبراج مراقبة حركة الطيران والمستشفيات ونقاط عبور السكك الحديدية والمنشآت العسكرية، والغواصات، وأنظمة الأسلحة. وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن جميع بطاريات السيارات و 95 في المئة من البطاريات الصناعية هي خلايا رصاص ثانوية حمضية.

الآثار الضارة الناجمة عن بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية

تحتوي بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية على حامض الكبريتيك وكميات كبيرة من الرصاص، ويعتبرحامض الكبريتيك مادة آكالة قوية وأيضا حاملة جيدة للرصاص وجزيئات الرصاص القابلة للذوبان، أما بخصوص الرصاص فهو معدن شديد السمية، ينتج عنه مجموعة من الآثار الصحية الضارة  خاصة لدى الأطفال الصغار. هذا و قد يسبب التعرض للمستويات المفرطة من الرصاص ضررا  لخلايا المخ والكلي، وضعفا في السمع، كما يؤدي إلى عدة مشاكل مصاحبة أخرى. في المتوسط،  تحتوي كل السيارات المصنعة على ما يقرب من 12 كيلوغراماً من الرصاص. و يستخدم حوالي 96٪ من الرصاص في بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية، في حين  تستخدم 4٪ المتبقية في تطبيقات أخرى بما في ذلك أثقال موازنة العجلات ، الطلا ء ات الواقية ومخمدات الاهتزاز.

جمع بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية

يعد المرور عبر  تاجر التجزئة للبطاريات أكثر الوسائل شيوعا لجمع بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية وأكثرها فعالية ،  حيث يتم إعطاء  العميل خصما على سعر شرائه للبطارية الجديدة مقابل إرجاعه للبطارية المستعملة. ويوجد في بعض الدول إيداع  يُدفعُ عند شراء بطارية جديدة، ويتم إرجاعه فقط إلى العميل عندما يتم إرجاع البطارية إلى تاجر التجزئة لإعادة التدوير.

في عدة مناطق من العالم، يتم عرض بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية المجددة  للبيع، ففي جزر الكاريبي ، تزدهر هناك تجارة السيارات المستعملة ويتم استيراد الآلاف من السيارات المستعملة اليابانية كل عام بغرض تفكيكها إلى قطع غيار، وتحتوي العديد من هذه المركبات على بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية، والتي يتم إزالتها من السيارة وشحنها إلى فنزويلا لإعادة التدوير.

وهناك أيضا آلية جمع غير رسمية  تتم عبر جامعي الخرق الذين يبحثون عن المواد المهملة التي يمكن إعادة استخدامها أو تدويرها، و يقوم جامعو الخرق بالتنقيب في مقالب النفايات ، و فك المركبات  المتروكة وحطام السفن وحتى جمع البطاريات التي تم استخدامها للطاقة الاحتياطية في المنازل.

إعادة تدوير بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية

يعتبر الرصاص من المعادن  شديدة السمية، لذا فبمجرد تعطل بطارية الرصاص الحمضية، فإنه يصبح من الضروري التأكد من جمعها على نحو سليم و إعادة تدويرها بطريقة صديقة للبيئة. و تجدر الإشارة إلى أن التخلص، بشكل غير صحيح، من بطارية واحدة  فقط داخل نظام جمع النفايات الصلبة البلدية و عدم إزالتها قبل الدخول إلى منشأة استرداد الموارد للنفايات البلدية الصلبة المختلطة، من شأنه أن يلوث 25 طنا من النفايات البلدية الصلبة ويمنع استعادة الثروات العضوية الموجودة داخل هذه النفايات بسبب ارتفاع مستوى الرصاص بها.

و تكمن أهمية إعادة تدوير بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية بطريقة سليمة بيئيا، في كونها  تحول دون وصول البطاريات إلى تيار النفايات الموجهة للتخلص النهائي. هذا ويمكن أن ينتج عن وضع تلك البطاريات في مكبات النفايات غير المبطنة، ترشح الرصاص إلى المياه الجوفية وبالتالي تلويثها.  و تمنع إعادة التدوير أيضا انبعاث الرصاص في البيئة وتجنب هدر الطاقة المرتبطة بإنتاج الرصاص من الموارد الطبيعية.

و يمكن أن يكون الحصول على الرصاص الثانوي من  بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية المستعملة عامل جذب اقتصادي، وهذا يتوقف، بطبيعة الحال، على سعر السوق. و يعد الحصول على الرصاص انطلاقا من استرداده من البطاريات أسهل من إنتاج الرصاص الأولي من المعدن الخام، بل ويتطلب طاقة أقل بكثير. و تقلل إعادة التدوير ، إذا أنجزت بطريقة مسؤولة بيئيا واجتماعيا ،أيضا من تبدد الرصاص في البيئة وتحافظ على الموارد المعدنية للمستقبل.

إلا أنه ينبغي الإشارة إلى أن إعادة تدوير البطاريات الحمضية المستعملة ليست بالعملية البسيطة التي يمكن القيام بها في المؤسسات الصغيرة، في الواقع ، تعتبر إعادة تدوير بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية واحدة من أسوأ الصناعات تلويثا للبيئة في جميع أنحاء العالم . لهذا يجب أن تؤخذ بعض التدابيرالرقابية لمنع التأثيرات السلبية على الناس و البيئة . ومع الارتفاع الهائل في استهلاك بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية، فإنه من الضروري أن تضع كل دول الشرق الأوسط استراتيجية ناجعة لمعالجة مشكلة بطاريات الرصاص الحمضية المستعملة.

ترجمة

مها بنت خميس السليطي حاصلة على بكالوريوس العلوم في الهندسة الكهربائية والحاسوب من جامعة تكساس أي أند إم في قطر وهي محلل بحوث أول في قسم البحوث والتنمية في مؤسسة قطر، وتعمل مع فريق بحوث علوم البيئة والكيمياء في معهد قطر لبحوث البيئة والطاقة.

 

Alternative Energy Prospects in Morocco

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Morocco, being the largest energy importer in North Africa, is making concerted efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country currently imports 95% of its energy needs which creates strong dependence on foreign energy imports. Renewable energy is an attractive proposition as Morocco has almost complete dependence on imported energy carriers. Morocco is already spending over US$3 billion a year on fuel and electricity imports and is experiencing power demand growth of 6.5 per cent a year. Morocco is investing heavily in the power sector by building new power plants such as expansion of coal power plant in JorfLasfer and establishment new coal power plant near Safi.

According to the Moroccan Ministry of Energy and Mining, the total installed capacity of renewable energy (excluding hydropower) was approximately 300MW in 2011. The Moroccan Government has already achieved its target of supplying around 8% of total primary energy from renewables by 2012 which includes energy generation, conversion and distribution. Morocco is planning USD13 billion expansion of wind, solar and hydroelectric power generation capacity which would catapult the share of renewables in the energy mix to 42% by the year 2020, with solar, wind and hydro each contributing 14%. 

Wind Energy

The technical potential of wind energy in Morocco is estimated to be 25 GW. This is the equivalent to 5 times the current installed power capacity in Morocco, and reflects the huge potential in this clean energy source. Morocco has already installed almost 300 MW wind turbines and other projects are being implemented. At the same time, Morocco launched a wind energy plan consisting in the installation of 2000 MW by 2020. Many experts state that Morocco will install total capacities beyond this plan. In fact, wind energy is already cost competitive with respect to conventional energy resources, and due to the technological progress, the cost is even being reduced significantly. Most of the already implemented projects and those being implemented or planned, are developed by public organisations or within the framework of agreements with public organisations.

Solar Energy

The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) estimated the potential of solar energy in Morocco to be equivalent to 1500 times the national consumption of electricity. Morocco has invested in solar home systems (SHS) to electrify households in the rural areas. Morocco has launched one of the world’s largest and most ambitious solar energy plan with investment of USD 9billion. The Ain Beni Mather Integrated Solar Thermal Combined Cycle Power Station is one of the most promising solar power projects in Africa.  The plant combines solar power and thermal power, and is expected to reach production capacity of 250MW by the end of 2012. y building mega-scale solar power projects at five location — Laayoune (Sahara), Boujdour (Western Sahara), Tarfaya (south of Agadir), Ain Beni Mathar (center) and Ouarzazate — with modern solar thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated solar power mechanisms.

Hydropower

Morocco is planning to add a total of 2 GW new hydropower capacities, consisting mainly in small and medium stations. This plan should be achieved by 2020, and combined with 2 GW solar energy and 2 GW wind energy capacities would, add a total 6GW renewable energy capacities, which will supply 42% of the Moroccan electricity in 2020. 

Biomass Energy

Unfortunately there is no national strategy to exploit biomass energy in Morocco. However, there are many potential projects which could promote biomass energy sector in the country, such as waste-to-energy, biofuels and biogas from abundant feedstock like solid wastes, crop wastes, industrial wastes etc. The agronomic research has demonstrated the adaptability of new energetic plants to the arid zones. These plants such as Jatropha urcas, could be cultivated in the arid zone in Morocco, and be exploited for biofuels production and as a green barrier against desertification. Like solar and wind, the biomass energy sector also requires support and investment from the government and private sector.

Conclusions

Morocco is endowed with tremendous alternative energy resources which can be exploited to meet national energy requirements as well as export of surplus power to neighbouring countries. Due to its geographical position, Morocco could be a hub for renewable energy exchange between the European Union and North Africa. Renewable energy sector can create good employment opportunities and can also strengthen country’s economy. However, the government should liberalize renewable energy market, encourage public-private partnership and create mass environmental awareness to increase the share of renewable in the national energy mix.

The Current State of the Solar Industry

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Solar-Saudi-ArabiaIt is projected that in the near future, solar power might actually overtake other sources of electricity generation. Notably, a lot of concerns has been raised concerning the defects that are brought about by fossil fuels. These encroaching dangers that negatively work against other fossil fuels have led to the rejuvenation of the solar energy industry. The solar industry is now working on their policies to come up with a more realistic and achievable form that will see the industry emerge the best energy provider in the whole world. All this is achievable when the environment and the investors are willing to embrace

According to the report on the US solar energy policy, they are now inventing the best policies that will see the solar energy integrated into almost all the US electricity systems. It will also design the most efficient and convenient ways to supply solar energy.

New solar technologies will be built to fit the energy requirement since the sufficiency is the key here. All this seems to be realizable since a serious climate concerns has been raised and it is now clear that new ways and new power systems need to be embraced to mitigate the climate change that are attributed to fossil fuels.

Among the best kinds of solar energy systems that will likely be embraced are the photovoltaic, solar thermal and concentrated solar power (CSP). The solar industries are now aligning themselves in what they are best in and that is why new gadgets that utilize the solar power are now injected into the market. You will find all kinds ranging from the cheapest and less efficient to the superior and the most expensive solar panels.

It is now possible to get a solar powered helmet, a solar-powered water pump, the D-light solar and even other complex provisions like those installed in the big restaurants. Batteries also will utilize this solar power and actually, it has prevented be the most efficient and convenient form of power with less environmental hazards.

“Solar energy presents an opportunity for property owners across the UK but there is a lot of uncertainty over what the benefits are in real terms and what the figures really mean for householders.” Alastair Kay, Green Business Watch

Solar energy is undoubtedly the cheapest and the most convenient source of renewable power. It is actually the most affordable and it only requires the initial cost and the rest will be naturally supplied by the sun, this explains its relatively high uptake compared with some other newer energy technologies.

The major concerns on the environmental conservation and health concerns also add a more realistic view of the possibility of the resurrection of the solar power again. Though major setbacks have been previously observed in the industry, especially after the election of the US president Donald Trump who had a different opinion about climate change, and that is why only 2 % of the US uses solar power.

Despite this small setback, the current state of the solar energy industry seems to be appealing. It is actually promising and the industry should invent more attractive policies that will see it prosper. The need of the house is to develop more realistic and powerful solar inventions which may allow even larger industries to use solar energy in their day-to-day operations.

How is Crumb Rubber Produced and What are Its Uses

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More than 1 billion tires are discarded around the world every year. Disposal of waste tires is a challenging task because tires have a long life and are non-biodegradable. The traditional method of tire waste management is stockpiling or illegally dumping or landfilling, all of which are short-term solution.

Crumb rubber is a term used for recycled rubber from automotive and truck scrap tires. The two major technologies for producing crumb rubber are ambient mechanical grinding and cryogenic grinding. Of the two processes, cryogenic process is more expensive but it produces smoother and smaller crumbs.

how is crumb rubber produced

Ambient Mechanical Grinding

In ambient mechanical grinding process, the breaking up of a scrap tire happens at or above normal room temperature. Ambient grinding is a multi-step technology and uses whole or pre-treated car or truck tires in the form of shred or chips, or sidewalls or treads. The rubbers, metals and textiles are sequentially separated out. Tires are passed through a tire shredder, which breaks the tires into chips.

The chips are fed into a granulator that breaks them into small pieces while removing steel and fiber in the process. Any remaining steel is removed magnetically and fiber through a combination of shaking screens and wind sifters. Finer rubber particles can be obtained through further grinding in secondary granulators and high-speed rotary mills.

Ambient grinding is the production process used by the majority of crumb producers. The machines most commonly used for fine grinding in ambient plants are:

  • Secondary granulators
  • High speed rotary mills
  • Extruders or screw presses
  • Cracker mills

Cryogenic Grinding

Cryogenic grinding refers to the grinding of scrap tires at temperatures near minus 80oC using liquid nitrogen or commercial refrigerants. Cryogenic processing generally uses pre-treated car or truck tires as feedstock, most often in the form of chips or ambiently produced granulate.

Processing of scrap tires takes place at very low temperature using liquid nitrogen or commercial refrigerants to embrittle the rubber. It can be a four-phase system which includes initial size reduction, cooling, separation, and milling. The material enters a freezing chamber where liquid nitrogen is used to cool it from –80 to –120 °C, below the point where rubber ceases to behave as a flexible material and can be easily crushed and broken.

recycling of scrap tires

Because of its brittle state, fibres and metal are easily separated out in a hammer mill. The granulate then passes through a series of magnetic screens and sifting stations to remove the last vestiges of impurities. This process requires less energy than others and produces rubber crumb of much finer quality.

Uses of Crumb Rubber

Both ambient and cryogenic processing can be repeated to produce finer particles. Increasingly, the two with their attendant technologies, are combined into one continuous system in order to benefit from the advantages and characteristics of each and to reduce overall costs.

The ambient system is generally used for the initial size reduction phases. The cryogenic system is used to further reduce the material in size and then to remove the metals and textiles. The outputs from either or both systems can be used directly or as feedstock for further processing.

Rubber crumb is sold as feedstock for chemical devulcanization or pyrolysis processes, added to asphalt for highway paving and pavement sealers, or used for the production of a large number of recycled rubber-containing products.

Some of the major applications of crumb rubber are as follows:

1. Sport Surfaces

  • Kindergarten Playgrounds and Recreation Areas
  • School Sports Areas
  • Athletic Tracks
  • Tennis and Basketball Courts

2. Automotive Industry

  • Bumpers
  • Splash Guards and Fenders
  • Floor Mats for Cars and Trucks
  • Floor Liners for Trucks and Vans

3. Construction

  • Hospital, Industrial, and Bathroom Flooring
  • Floor Tile
  • Foundation Waterproofing
  • Dam, Silo, and Roof Liners

4. Geotechnical/Asphalt Applications

  • Rubberized Asphalt for Roads and Driveways
  • Drainage Pipes
  • Soil Conditioner
  • Porous Irrigation Pipes
  • Road Building and Repair

5. Adhesives and Sealants

  • Adhesives and Sealing Compounds
  • Textured and Non-Slip Paints
  • Roof Coating and Waterproofing

6. Shock Absorption and Safety Products

  • Shock Absorbing Pads for Rails and Machinery
  • Sound Barriers for Highways
  • Abrasion Lining in Mining Equipment

7. Rubber and Plastic Products

  • Pipe Insulation and Lining
  • Garbage Cans
  • Shoe Soles and Heels
  • Wire and Cable Insulation

5 Tips On How To Successfully Trade On Forex

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So you have finally decided to try your hand in trading Forex. Although it seems quite simple, a little help drafted from the professionals’ experience is always welcome. Here is how to start trading Forex on the right foot and keep your trading successful.

1. Always go for regulated brokerage

There are so many offers today when it comes to brokerage services. Although you may have stumbled upon the one that exactly matches what you need, you need to be careful. Always check if the broker is not on the blacklist. Some brokers, at some point, fail to comply with the best business practices. And therefore some are put on these lists by Financial authorities. Your duty is to be cautious if you don’t want to fall into the hands of some scammers.

How To Successfully Trade On Forex

2. Carefully choose the currency pairs

As you already know, the core feature of the Forex market is its volatility. The prices change and are correlated. Prices are also correlated with the other markets, primarily commodities.

When you start trading on Forex, don’t go straight for the exotic pairs but choose those from more stable countries and economies. At one point, you may switch to exotic pairs, but just once, you learn the ropes of the most prominent currencies.

3. Have a trading plan at hand

You cannot trade out of the blue just randomly opening positions for various amounts and various pairs at a time. You must have a strict trading plan on when, why and how you invest the money. The first rule is not to trade with the money you need for other everyday expenses. Also, you should try to start two currency pairs for the sake of diversification and coverage of losses, just in case.

Always bear in mind how much you want to play with during one trading session, and make sure to set the limits regarding stop loss and taking a profit. Also, it’s advisable to use a Forex compounding calculator to always know where you are with your investment.

4. Implement compounding strategy

All the profits you make use for the other investments. It’s a very good strategy that can bring you decent profits in the long term. This is one of the crucial strategies in finance and is similar to a snowball effect.

5. Know you investments

Before investing any money, you need to thoroughly understand the assets you are investing in. When we talk about the Forex, there is a good reason you will have to deal with the fundamental analysis on other markets such as commodities. This is because some currency prices are linked to the prices of gold, copper, iron ore etc.

Finally, do yourself a favour and don’t start trading without tapping free education resources. Just armoured with the appropriate first-hand knowledge, you will be able to get the edge on the market.

In Conclusion

Maybe many of you think that Forex is very complicated. The truth is somewhere in the middle. It all depends on your initial approach and the seriousness and dedication to achieving the primary goal- making money.

Recommended Resource: How to Trade CFDs

4 Tips on How to Find an Eco-Friendly Portable Generator

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Everything we use now depends on electricity, and with the increasing demands on power, and as technology continues to advance, seeking eco-friendly solutions to our day-to-day challenges is quickly gaining popularity. As mindful individuals, we all have a responsibility towards the environment, and should always opt for the eco-friendly choice whenever available.

Practicality, on the other hand, is not something to be compromised. Generators play an important role in most locations, and portable ones are now all the rage since they are a convenient, affordable way to fulfill the requirements of any outdoor activity. When the lights go out, an eco-friendly portable generator can save the day by fulfilling basic household energy needs in addition to protecting the environment.

green-portable-generator

In this article, we list the most important attributes to look for when searching for an eco-friendly portable generator.

1. Running Watts

Running watts (also known as rated or continuous watts) refers to the continuous power a generator can supply. You can use the running watts to know the maximum amount of load you can connect to the generator.

To figure out how many running watts you need from your generator, add the total number of watts your essential devices use per hour, and multiply it by how many hours, or fractions of hours, you’ll need to use them daily.

2. Starting Watts

Starting watts (also known as surge watts) is essentially the momentary boost of power needed for two to three seconds to start motor-driven appliances like a refrigerator or circular saw. This is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.

3. Weight

It goes without saying that when you are on the move, it’s best to pack the lightweight version of everything. The heavier the device, the less convenient it would be. Your generator should be mobile and easy to carry and store. You can check out this handy review of the top ten portable generators through this link. Weight, however, should not necessarily be a deal breaker, that’s why a thorough comparison of all the other factors should help you decide.

4. Estimated Runtime

Just like your phone battery, it helps to know how long one charge can serve you. It’s good to know that estimated lead times for each generator are based on a number of different requirements, according to the appliances you use them for.

Power On

It takes more than a price comparison and reading portable generator reviews to make the best choice. Since everyone’s needs are different, you must always take your requirements into consideration. Ask the right questions before deciding; is it a light generator you need? What are the devices you will be connecting, as they will determine the running watts and starting watts? How long will you need it for? Is it just for blackout emergencies, or hours at an outdoor barbeque-and-picnic?

To be sure you are making the right purchase, read the reviews and expand on what you’ve learned here, and talk to people who own portable generators, listen to their input and lessons learned.

Energy Conservation in Bahrain

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Bahrain has one of the highest energy consumption rates in the world. The country uses almost three times more energy per person than the world average. Based on 2014 statistics, the country consumes 11,500 kWh of energy per capita compared with the global average of 3,030 kWh. The country is witnessing high population growth rate, rapid urbanization, industrialization and commercialization with more visitors coming in, causing fast growing domestic energy demand and is posing a major challenge for energy security.

The Government is aware of this challenging task and is continuously planning and implementing projects to enhance the energy production to meet with the growing demand. The issue of efficient use of energy, its conservation and sustainability, use of renewable and non-renewable resources is becoming more important to us. The increasing temperatures and warming on the other hand are also causing more need of air-conditioning and use of electrical appliances along with water usage for domestic and industrial purposes. This phenomenon is continuing in Bahrain and other GCC countries since past two decades with high annual electricity and water consumption rates compared with the rest of the world.

Bahrain’s energy requirement is forecast to more than double from the current energy use. The peak system demand will rise from 3,441 MW to around 8,000 MW. While the concerned authorities are planning for induction of more sustainable renewable energy initiatives, we need to understand the energy consumption scenario in terms of costs. With the prices of electricity and water going up again from March 2017 again, it is imperative that we as consumers need to think and adopt small actions and utilize practices that can conserve energy and ultimately cost.

The country has already embarked on the Energy Efficiency Implementation Program to address the challenge of curbing energy demand in the country over the next years. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) have already been endorsed. The NREAP aims to achieve long-term sustainability for the energy sector by proposing to increase the share of renewable energy to 5 percent by 2020 and 10 percent by 2030.

Per capita energy consumption in Bahrain is among the highest worldwide

Per capita energy conservation in Bahrain is among the highest worldwide

As individuals, we need to audit how much energy we are using and how we can minimize our usage and conserve it. Whenever we save energy, we not only save money, but also reduce the demand for such fossil fuels as coal, oil, and natural gas. Less burning of fossil fuels also means lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary contributor to global warming, and other pollutants. Energy needs to be conserved not only to cut costs but also to preserve the resources for longer use.

Here are few energy conservation tips we need to follow and adopt:

  • Turning off the lights, electrical and electronic gadgets when not in use.
  • Utilizing energy efficient appliances like LED lights, air conditioners, freezers and washing machines.
  • Service, clean or replace AC filters as recommended.
  • Utilizing normal water for washing machine. Use washing machine and dish washer only when the load is full. Avoid using the dryer with long cycles.
  • Select the most energy-efficient models when replacing your old appliances.
  • Buy the product that is sized to your actual needs and not the largest one available.
  • Turn off AC in unoccupied rooms and try to keep the room cool by keeping the curtains.
  • Make maximum use of sunlight during the day.
  • Water heaters/ Geysers consume a lot of energy. Use them to heat only the amount of water that is required.
  • Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched off.
  • Allow hot food to cool off before putting it in the refrigerator

Save Dead Sea from Extinction

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dead-sea-biodiversityThe news headlines read that the Dead Sea is dying so fast that it could totally disappear by the middle of this century. With the waters dying up, the exposed land is cracked and salt encrusted. Sinkholes are appearing as well and adding to the level of natural destruction. The rate of this process is being monitored by measuring the rate at which the water line is retreating. It is presently receding at the rate of one meter each year.

The Dead Sea region is of great importance to three main religious groups: Jews, Muslims and Christians. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in this region. It is believed that Jesus was baptized in the river feeding into the Dead Sea. And today its of importance for agricultural purposes, and especially for tourism as well as being the home for both Jordanians and Israeli people.

red-sea-dead-sea-agreement

The consequences of this drying up of the saline waters are drastic. The tourist industry in the area will totally disappear. The sinkholes are swallowing up roadways and buildings as well as causing long term damage in the natural environment. This is not a recent concern. The various authorities in Jordan have been deliberating over the situation for the past 20 years.

To date, more than 6,000 sinkholes have appeared in the area, both on the Jordanian and the Israeli side. In fact, Israel has already closed resorts in the area and sections of Highway 90 have already disappeared due to the sinkholes.

Depletion of Dead Sea

The major reason for depletion of Dead Sea include human activities such as damming the river upstream and aggressive mining.  Syrians had down on the Yarmouk River and the diverting of the natural river flow by the Israelis. In addition,  the rainfall rate in the ten-year period from 2004-2013 has been below the long term normal rainfall. Other hydrological data is also disappointing.

The Dead Sea also received replenishment from groundwater but these waters are also diminishing.  The Disi aquifer that feeds into the Dead Sea is nearing exhaustion. It has a possible expected life span of about 30 years. The surface Dead Sea waters are also evaporating at a significant rate that is increasing due to warmer temperatures. This is another impact of global climate change. The temperatures are also predicted to increase over the coming years. The increment could be in the range of 5-11 degrees centigrade while rainfall is expected to decrease by a possible 30 percent.

In addition to hydro- and meteorological predictions, these is aggressive mining for minerals in the area. The salt waters are siphoned off from the Dead Sea and deposited in evaporation pans. The waters are then naturally evaporated leaving minerals such as bromine and potash. It is estimated that over 60 billion gallons are pumped out of the sea every year.

The retreating shoreline is exposing saline lands unsuitable for agriculture or any other use. Other farms in the area are also going out of business because of the extent of change in the natural climate of the area has become far less humid meaning the farmers need to locate other sources of moisture to irrigate their crops. This is a major challenge in a water scarce part of the globe.

Red Sea – Dead Sea Project

One suggested remedial action is to build a desalination plant in southern Jordan along the Red Sea and deposit the brine residue (via a pumping pipeline) into the Dead Sea. A desalination plant is an expensive project, and this proposal is an even more expensive solution. The projected cost is in the range of US$1.5 billion.

The interest and investment in the Red Sea – Dead Sea project will help to alleviate some of the water issues in the region. First and foremost, the issue of water availability in a water scarce region. This is a vital resource for the growing population and the need to continue producing foods for local needs and for the international export market. Such a project as this water initiative will also impact the political and social relationships between Jordan and Israel, as well as the State of Palestine. The new collaborations will strength the 1994 Peace Treaty signed between Jordan and Israel.

The project does have complications and requires focused understanding and anticipated impact of bring in waters from the Red Sea and adding the resource to the Dead Sea which has a very distinct set of water conditions and characteristics. If excessive amounts  of water are introduced it could cause such changes as flourishing the growth of algae, adding gypsum to the natural composition of the waters which could cause the waters to turn a milky colour and cause crystallization on the surface waters.

The project has a high priced tag with two-thirds of the costing needing to be covered by the private sector and the other third to be covered by both Jordan and Israel through a variety of funding resources from local and international bodies. The project is nearing the point of opening up for bidders and tenders. Therefore, the project could start by 2021 and would take 3-4 years for completion. As with any significant project, there is also heavy criticism that the project will fall far short of the quantity of waters needed to stabilize the levels of the Dead Sea as well as support agriculture in the region.

Conclusion

The future of a very unique region is being held in a very precarious situation as scientists, agriculturalists, tourists, developers and politicians strive to identify the best action to sustain the local environment.