Climate Change Impacts in Kuwait

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Kuwait is facing a wide range of climate change challenges including sea level rise, water scarcity, desertification and loss of biodiversity. Kuwait is characterized by high temperature, high humidity and arid lands resulting in seriously degraded soil and land damage in addition to salt intrusion in the aquifers affecting the small scale agricultural lands thus enhancing the food security threat in the region. Since 1975, Kuwait has experienced 1.50C to 20C increase in temperature, which is significantly higher than the global average.

In recent years, there has been a sharp change in rainfall pattern in Kuwait which may be attributed to climate change impacts. In addition, there has been marked increase in dust storms in last few decades which are noticeable signs of change in climatic conditions in Kuwait and neighbouring nations. Keep reading to know how climate change is impacting Kuwait:

climate change impacts in kuwait

The Rise in Sea Level

One of the main climate change impacts is sea level rise on coastal areas of all Arabian Gulf states. Kuwait is highly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise as it could lead to severe impacts on industrial and socio-economic development.

Climate change-induced sea level rise may lead to flooding of low-lying urban infrastructure, inundation of coastal ecosystems and deterioration of groundwater quality. Inundation will severely affect cities, roads, agricultural areas, as well as beaches and salt marshes across Kuwait. Among the most vulnerable sites in Kuwait are Bubyan Island, Qaruh Island and Al-Khiran which are in real danger of disappearance on account of any potential sea level rise.

Water Availability

Continued use of non-renewable water is major factor in depleting groundwater reserves in Kuwait and put it a serious risk of climate change impacts. Being a highly water-scarce country, Kuwait is heavily dependent on desalinated water and fresh groundwater to meet drinking water needs.

On a per capita basis, Kuwait has one of the highest per capita water consumption worldwide, apart from having world’s highest per capita production of desalinated water. Water resource management is huge challenge for Kuwait as its per capita natural water availability is lowest in the world. With climate change, it is expected that balancing water supply and water demand will become an even greater challenge.

Threats to Biodiversity

Kuwait is endowed with rich biodiversity of terrestrial flora and fauna, however the potential loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity due to climate change is a major concern in Kuwait. Desert areas contain many species of annuals, which make up about 90% of plant species of Kuwait.

Kuwait is also endowed with rich marine biodiversity. Many endemic species can be found including crabs, which are found on biota-rich inter-tidal Sabkha zones. An increase in seawater temperature will affect the reproduction period of fish and shrimp and may result in large-scale migration of fish to other areas which will have serious repercussions for the fish industry in Kuwait and neighbouring countries. Erratic rainfall and sand encroachment may lead to loss in plant cover thereby causing runoff and flooding.

The Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture production is directly dependent on climate change and weather. The possible changes in temperature, precipitation and CO2 concentration are expected to significant impact on crop growth. The potential of agricultural development in Kuwait is very limited, as less than 1% of the land area is considered arable.

desertification in mena

Moreover, only a portion of arable land area is actually cultivated due to a hyper-arid climate, water scarcity, poor soils, and lack of technical skills. Because of the nature of the terrain and water scarcity, it is quite difficult to put new land into agricultural production. Interestingly, agriculture consumes around one-third of groundwater but account for less than 5 percent of the GDP.

Conclusion

Kuwait is both physically and biologically threatened by the climate change phenomenon. Over the next few decades, Kuwait could be potentially facing serious impacts of global warming in the form of floods, droughts, depletion of aquifers, inundation of coastal areas, frequent sandstorms, loss of biodiversity, significant damage to ecosystem, threat to agricultural production and outbreak of diseases.

There is an urgent need to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, adopt renewable energy systems and prepare a strong framework for socio-economic development which may be sustainable in the long-run.

The Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Wastes

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Anaerobic digestion is a biological process which stabilizes organic waste in the absence of air and transforms it into energy-rich biogas and biofertilizer. It is a reliable technology for the treatment of wet, organic waste. Organic waste from various sources is biochemically degraded in highly controlled, oxygen-free conditions circumstances resulting in the production of biogas which can be used to produce both electricity and heat. Almost any organic material can be processed with anaerobic digestion.

schematic of anaerobic digestion technology

Anaerobic digestion is particularly suited to wet organic material and is commonly used for effluent and sewage treatment. This includes biodegradable waste materials such as waste paper, grass clippings, leftover food, sewage and animal waste. The exception to this is woody wastes that are largely unaffected by digestion as most anaerobic microorganisms are unable to degrade lignin.

There are many advantages associated with anaerobic digestion technology which may be classified into three groups viz. environment, energy and economic:

Environmental Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

  • Elimination of malodorous compounds.
  • Reduction of pathogens.
  • Deactivation of weed seeds.
  • Production of sanitized compost.
  • Decrease in GHGs emission.
  • Reduced dependence on inorganic fertilizers by capture and reuse of nutrients.
  • Promotion of carbon sequestration
  • Beneficial reuse of recycled water
  • Protection of groundwater and surface water resources.
  • Improved social acceptance

Biogas_Working-Principle

Energy Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

  • Anaerobic digestion is a net energy-producing process.
  • A biogas facility generates high-quality renewable fuel.
  • Surplus energy as electricity and heat is produced during anaerobic digestion of biomass.
  • Anaerobic digestion reduces reliance on energy imports.
  • Biogas facility contributes to decentralized, distributed power systems.
  • Biogas is a rich source of electricity, heat, and transportation fuel.

Economic Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

  • Anaerobic digestion transforms waste liabilities into new profit centers.
  • The time devoted to moving, handling and processing manure is minimized.
  • Anaerobic digestion adds value to negative value feedstock.
  • Revenues can be generated from processing of waste (tipping fees), sale of soil amendment, carbon credits and sale of power.
  • Anaerobic digestion plants increases self-sufficiency and foster sustainable development.

modern anaerobic digestion plant

Many industries produce liquid and solid wastes that are suitable for anaerobic digestion, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, paper manufacturing and tannery industries. Some of the wastes might be difficult to digest as a sole substrate, but they can be biochemically degraded in combination with manure or sewage sludge or poultry litter. The combined digestion of different wastes is called co-digestion.

The relevance of anaerobic digestion technology lies in the fact that it makes the best possible utilization of industrial organic waste as a renewable source of clean energy. Diversion of industrial organic waste from landfill sites and taking it to waste management plants which can turn it into clean fuel and biofertilizer will ensure that it is treated in such a way that it becomes a useful product instead of a harmful one.

Build Your Tiny Home From Recycled Materials

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People are turning to tiny living in order to save money. Living simply is about getting back to the earth, leaving a smaller footprint on the planet, and also, for many people, about being frugal. Why create a mountain of debt when you can build a home from recycled materials that can be found for free?

Building your tiny home from recycled materials is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, when you learn what to look for, it’s actually not hard to find the materials and put your imagination to work.

home-from-recycled-materials

Image Source: https://tinylivinglife.com/2019/05/how-much-do-tiny-houses-cost-are-they-worth-the-investment/

What Materials Do You Need?

Most small homes need wood unless you’ve got other ideas. Earthships, for example, are made from used tires that are filled with rammed earth. These are fantastic because they are their own insulation and dirt is free if you’ve got enough property. The tires can be picked up all over the place. People toss them in ditches, in the woods, and dump them in ways that other people are left seeking others to come and get them. You could be that person.

Pallets make great finished floors, walls, decks, furniture, and outbuildings. They are often given away free from industrial plants that don’t want them after receiving their materials on them. They’ll be tossed in huge piles behind businesses and companies that consider them trash.

You know what they say about one man’s trashing being another man’s treasure. Sure, disassembling pallets takes some time, a crowbar, a saw, and a lot of muscle, but it’s free wood and nails. If you are careful, you can save enough nails that you don’t even have to buy them to build your little home.

Places to Find Goodies

Feed stores tend to throw out pallets. Large manufacturers will toss all sorts of pallets in odd sizes and crates too. Quarries that sell rocks have crates that are made from wood and the frames can be used to fashion all sorts of things, such as chicken coops, watering troughs for livestock, small fish ponds with a plastic liner, and a thousand other things.

Tiny-Homes-Salvaged-Material

Image Source: https://tinylivinglife.com/2019/05/how-much-do-tiny-houses-cost-are-they-worth-the-investment/

Old windows are being sold on Craigslist and if you roam that site, look at the “free” section. You can roam around on your day off and pick up all sorts of things that people are just getting rid of. Sometimes you’ll score items that are like brand new.

Look for places that are seeking construction clean-up crews or inquire with insurance companies for jobs cleaning up wreckage after fires, tornadoes, etc. I was lucky to come across a couple of people who had old mobile homes that weren’t worth anything and would cost them a mint to move. They allowed them to be demolished on the property and then burned what wasn’t able to be used.

The aluminum side, wood paneling on the interior walls, insulation, light fixtures, kitchen sink, bathroom fixtures, hot water heater, stove, and more were all salvaged material that could be used. FREE. Old campers are also a great source for axles, a frame that you can strip it down to and create a whole new house on.

The appliances, plumbing, and fixtures are often salvageable materials. This can cost you little to nothing. I’ve seen old campers that are basically junk to others that you can pick up for a hundred bucks and strip $1000 worth of goodies out of. Aluminum siding can be used as roofing material or sold for extra money. The same goes for any copper wiring that you don’t want.

All that is required to find cheap materials for your tiny home building project is to think outside the box and scan through the things that other people consider garbage. This applies to homesteading, prepping, and tiny home building and living. Think outside the box and constantly be on the lookout for new ideas. Join groups, message boards, and use apps like Pinterest for ideas.

Artisanal Dyeing and Tanning in Algeria and Mali: Craftsmanship, Gender, and Nature-Based Solutions

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Across North and West Africa, artisanal dyeing and tanning remain deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping local economies, cultural identities, and social relations. In Algeria and Mali, these practices are not marginal activities but living traditions that connect generations, sustain households, and contribute to regional markets. From hand-dyed textiles to traditionally tanned leather goods, color and craftsmanship carry meaning far beyond aesthetics. Yet behind this richness lies a less visible reality: the growing pressure that artisanal production places on water resources and ecosystems, particularly through the discharge of untreated wastewater.

leather tanning facility in North Africa

In both countries, artisanal dyeing and tanning are typically carried out in small workshops or household settings, often clustered in specific neighborhoods or craft districts. These activities rely on repeated washing, soaking, and rinsing processes that generate wastewater containing dyes, organic matter, salts, and sometimes heavy metals. Whether the dyes are derived from plants such as indigo or supplemented by synthetic compounds, the resulting effluents are frequently discharged directly into open drains, rivers, or onto surrounding soils. In contexts where sanitation infrastructure is limited or absent, this practice contributes to visible water pollution and long-term environmental degradation [1,2].

The environmental implications of such wastewater are well documented. Colored effluents reduce light penetration in surface waters, disrupting photosynthesis and aquatic food chains, while high organic loads consume dissolved oxygen during degradation processes, leading to hypoxic conditions harmful to aquatic organisms [3]. In tanning activities, chromium compounds and other chemicals may persist in sediments and soils, posing risks to ecosystems and human health [4]. Although comprehensive national monitoring remains limited in Algeria and Mali, localized studies and field observations consistently point to deteriorating water quality in areas hosting clusters of artisanal dyeing and tanning workshops [5,6].

These environmental challenges are closely intertwined with social and gender dimensions. Women play a central role in artisanal dyeing in both Algeria and Mali, particularly in textile preparation, dye extraction, fabric treatment, and finishing. In Mali, women-led cooperatives practicing indigo dyeing are recognized for preserving ancestral knowledge and generating household income, while in Algeria women are heavily involved in small-scale textile and leather finishing activities, often in informal settings [7]. This centrality exposes women disproportionately to contaminated water and chemical substances, frequently without adequate protective equipment. At the same time, women possess detailed knowledge of materials, plants, and production processes, making them key actors in the transition toward safer and more sustainable practices [8].

Despite their importance, women artisans often face structural constraints that limit their capacity to adopt cleaner production methods. These include restricted access to finance, limited technical training, weak integration into formal markets, and minimal involvement in environmental decision-making. Studies on gender and environmental governance in North and West Africa show that addressing pollution without tackling these inequalities reduces the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions [9]. Improving wastewater management in artisanal sectors therefore requires approaches that integrate environmental objectives with gender empowerment.

Beyond environmental and health pressures, artisanal dyeing and tanning in Mali is increasingly affected by economic instability l rooted in global market dynamics. Local craft products now compete with large volumes of low-cost, industrially manufactured textiles imported from Asia and Europe, which flood domestic and regional markets and undercut artisanal prices [17].This imported merchandise, often produced under economies of scale and weaker environmental constraints, erode the economic viability of traditional crafts.

As a result, artisans, particularly women operating in informal settings, are compelled to intensify production, reduce margins, and compromise environmentally safer practices  to remain competitive. This economic pressure indirectly exacerbates water pollution and undermines health of the living systems, as cost-saving strategies frequently translate into increased reliance on synthetic dyes, reduced water reuse, and the absence of wastewater treatment measures.

Regional dialogue and field-based initiatives confirm this linkage between market vulnerability and environmental performance. Discussions during the Mali Symposium on Applied Sciences, MSAS 2024, highlighted how globalized trade and insufficient protection of localtvalue chains contribute to the fragility of artisanal livelihoods while simultaneously amplifying environmental risks in craft-intensive urban areas [17]. Similarly, real-world experiences documented under the Via Water program in Bamako show that artisans with improved market access, cooperative organization, and institutional support are more likely to adopt cleaner dyeing techniques and participate in collective wastewater management solutions [18]. These examples demonstrate that environmental  threats in artisanal dyeing are often associated with broader issues of market access, fair competition, and economic resilience.

Conventional wastewater treatment technologies commonly used in industrial contexts are rarely adapted to artisanal production systems in Algeria and Mali. Such systems demand significant capital investment, technical expertise, and reliable energy supply, all of which are often beyond the reach of small workshops operating informally or semi-informally. As a result, untreated discharge remains the default option, reinforcing a cycle of environmental degradation and social vulnerability [10].

wastewater treatment plant

In this context, nature-based solutions have gained increasing attention as viable alternatives. These approaches use natural processes involving plants, soils, and microorganisms to treat wastewater in a decentralized and low-cost manner. Constructed wetlands, phytoremediation systems, and vegetated filtration channels can be integrated into artisanal landscapes, offering treatment options that are accessible, flexible, and environmentally compatible [11]. Their relevance is particularly strong in regions facing water scarcity and climate variability, where conventional infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

In Mali, a pilot initiative in the Segou region illustrates the potential of nature-based solutions for artisanal dyeing wastewater. A cluster of women-led dyeing workshops was discharging effluents into a small irrigation channel used downstream for agriculture. With support from local researchers and non-governmental organizations, a constructed wetland system was established using locally available materials and native plant species. Monitoring over several months showed a reduction in visible coloration, suspended solids, and organic pollution in the treated water [12].

Equally important was the participatory approach adopted, which involved women artisans in system design, plant maintenance, and basic water quality observation. This fostered a sense of ownership and strengthened awareness of the link between craft activities, water protection, and community health. Furthermore, a study presented at MSAS 2024 outlined how protein extracts from the Moringa Oleifera seeds could decontaminate artisanal dyeing effluents after significant removal of toxic pollutants, color, and turbidity via coagulation-decantation 17].

A comparable experience can be observed in northwestern Algeria, particularly in the Tlemcen region, where artisanal tanning activities have historically contributed to localized soil and water contamination. A pilot phytoremediation project, implemented through collaboration between a university research team and local artisan associations, introduced vegetated buffer zones along drainage pathways receiving tannery effluents. Species such as vetiver grass and sunflower were selected for their tolerance to contaminated water and their capacity to absorb or stabilize pollutants [13]. Preliminary assessments indicated improvements in water clarity and sediment retention, while the vegetated areas also enhanced the visual quality of the craft district. Training activities associated with the project targeted young artisans, including women, linking environmental management with skills development and employability.

These experiences demonstrate several advantages of nature-based solutions in artisanal contexts. They generally require lower investment and maintenance costs than conventional systems and can be adapted to seasonal variations in production and water flow. Their reliance on local materials and ecological processes increases cultural acceptance and long-term sustainability. Moreover, when implemented through participatory approaches, they contribute to social cohesion and women’s empowerment, reinforcing the link between environmental protection and inclusive development [14].

However, nature-based solutions are not without limitations. Their treatment efficiency depends on appropriate design, regular maintenance, and sufficient land availability. They may not remove all pollutants to levels suitable for unrestricted water reuse, particularly in cases involving heavy metals or persistent chemicals. Long-term monitoring is therefore essential to ensure environmental safety and to guide adaptive management. These challenges highlight the importance of institutional support, technical guidance, and integration into broader water and environmental policies [15].

At the national level, artisanal wastewater management remains insufficiently addressed in both Algeria and Mali, despite its cumulative environmental impact. Industrial pollution often receives greater regulatory attention, while small-scale activities are overlooked due to their informal nature. Recognizing the combined environmental and economic vulnerability of artisanal sectors opens opportunities for more integrated policies that link decentralized treatment solutions with market support mechanisms, gender-sensitive capacity building, and protection of local value chains. Such approaches can encourage collaboration between artisans, researchers, municipalities, and development partners [16].

Conclusion

The future of artisanal dyeing and tanning in Algeria and Mali depends on the ability to reconcile cultural heritage with environmental sustainability. Protecting water resources does not require abandoning tradition, but rather adapting practices through locally grounded innovation. By embracing nature-based solutions and placing women artisans at the center of change, communities can preserve the colors that define their identity while safeguarding the waters that sustain them. This convergence of craftsmanship, gender equity, and ecological restoration offers a compelling pathway toward a just and resilient transition.

References

[1] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2020. Wastewater: The Untapped Resource. UNEP, Nairobi.

[2] World Bank, 2019. Water Pollution from Small-Scale Industrial Activities in Developing Countries. World Bank Group, Washington DC.

[3] Metcalf & Eddy, 2014. Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill Education, New York.

[4] United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), 2018. Environmental Management in the Leather Industry. UNIDO, Vienna.

[5] Bencheikh-Lehocine, M., Kherici, N., Bouzid-Lagha, S., 2022. Assessment of water quality impacts from artisanal and small-scale activities in northern Algeria. Journal of Environmental Management 310, 114760.

[6] Djibo, S., Traoré, M., Coulibaly, A., 2023. Environmental impacts of artisanal dyeing activities on surface water quality in Mali. Water Journal of West Africa 8(1), 22–38.

[7] UNESCO, 2017. Traditional Knowledge and Artisanal Crafts in Africa. UNESCO Publishing, Paris.

[8] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2021. Gender, Water and Small-Scale Enterprises in Africa. FAO, Rome.

[9] Meinzen-Dick, R., Kovarik, C., Quisumbing, A.R., 2019. Gender and sustainability. World Development 123, 104623.

[10] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2020. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems. OECD Publishing, Paris.

[11] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 2020. Nature-based Solutions for Water Management. IUCN, Gland.

[12] Green Mali Futures, 2022. Community Constructed Wetlands for Artisanal Dyeing Wastewater Treatment in Segou Region. Project Technical Report, Bamako.

[13] El-Khoudary, H., Benali, A., Zerrouki, M., 2024. Phytoremediation of tannery effluents using native plant species in northwestern Algeria. Environmental Innovations in the Maghreb. Tlemcen University Press, Tlemcen.

[14] UN Women, 2022. Women, Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods. United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, New York.

[15] Vymazal, J., 2018. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: An overview. Water 10(1), 1–17.

[16] African Development Bank (AfDB), 2021. Inclusive Water Governance in Africa. AfDB, Abidjan.

[17] Malian Society of Applied Sciences (MSAS). Proceedings  du 14e Symposium Malien sur les Sciences Appliquées, 2024

[18] Wouters T, Figuères C. Artisanal dyeing in Bamako, Mali. Via Water / Aqua for All; 2016. https://aquaforall.org/viawater/news/artisanal-dyeing-in-bamako-mali.html

Water Management in the United Arab Emirates: Key Statistics

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The United Arab Emirates is among the top water-scarce countries in the world. However, the country has one of the world’s highest per capita water consumption of 550 liters per day. The country is experiencing a rapid increase in population which has in turn resulted in huge demand for water. In 2021, the total water consumption in UAE was 1754.5 million m3 (MCM) with the residential sector accounting for 981.4 MCM and the commercial sector 378.5 MCM.

water management in uae

Spray irrigation has higher efficiency than traditional methods.

Water consumption in UAE is primarily divided among three sectors:

  • Private households
  • Agriculture
  • Industries

Household Sector

This sector accounts for about 18% of total water consumption in the UAE. One of the largest contributors to water consumption is the use of air conditioning systems which is in widespread use because of high temperatures almost throughout the year. An air-conditioning system not only consumes vast amounts of energy, but also uses large quantity of water via chilled water pumps.

In addition, the country has the world’s highest per capita consumption of bottled water of 285 liters per year. The water used to fill the bottles is mainly desalinated water, which costs approximately 11.8 billion AED annually. In addition, it takes around 3 liters of water in order to make 1 liter of bottled water.

Water misuse is another important factor in slow progress of water management initiatives. An example of misuse is garden or landscape irrigation through spray irrigation which consumes about 12 to 15 liters of water per m2 every day. Some of the urgent steps for promoting water conservation in private households include:

  • Introduction of new tariff system based on a water meter.
  • Mass awareness on water conservation measures.
  • Introduction of new methods of irrigation, such as subsurface drip irrigation.
  • Supply of safe drinking water through taps

Agricultural Sector

Agricultural sector is responsible for two-thirds of all water consumption in the Emirates. Rapid population growth has led to a surge in food demand, which has resulted in additional stress on water resources. One of the largest contributors to water wastage is low irrigation efficiency. As mentioned above, it takes about 12-15 liters to water 1 m2 of land daily, 30 percent of which is lost to evaporation while using traditional irrigation methods, such as spray irrigation.

United Arab Emirates has taken crucial steps to battle this crisis. The government has introduced new irrigation techniques that are more efficient, such as drip irrigation, which use 35% less water than traditional systems. The country has also moved away from crops that are water-intensive, and is also experimenting with use of wastewater for irrigation. A change to less water-intensive crops coupled with a change in irrigation techniques would dramatically decrease the amount of water used in this sector.

seawater desalination plant in middle east

Industrial Sector

Industries consume around 9 percent of all water consumption in the country. Most of the water is used to cool and clean impurities from machinery, which is then transformed into run-offs causing pollution in nearby environments. The wastewater produced is not lost and can be used for irrigation.

The government has taken steps into utilizing industrial wastewater. For example, in Abu Dhabi, a total of 600 million m3 of treated wastewater is produced a year, but only 352 million m3 is used for landscaping and district cooling. Industrial wastewater will need to play a more prominent role in all three sectors if the country is to move forward.

The Way Forward

Water management in the United Arab Emirates can be improved through a variety of measures. The government has made sufficient arrangements for supply of clean and drinkable tap water from desalination plants.

However, on its journey to households, the water is contaminated in two ways: The first is through old and rusted pipes. Water flowing through ageing pipelines would become contaminated with bacteria, which makes it undrinkable. The second is through storage tanks. Dead birds, rats, insects and metals can be found in storage tanks, which would eventually cause water to become harmful. This happens because storage tank cleaning, which has to be done approximately every 6 months, is left to the owner of the property. Because there is no law enforcing it, most landlords are not too keen to spend money on it or simply forget to clean them.

To resolve this problem, the government should consider the following:

  • Replace old pipelines to stop water contamination.
  • Enforce a law requiring landlords to clean storage tanks.
  • Hire professionals to assist in tank cleaning.
  • Hire experts to carry out surprise inspections.
  • Incentivize people to use tap water by increasing bottled water prices.
  • Educate people about the benefits of consuming tap water.
  • Water partnerships at local, regional and global levels.

UAE has introduced drip irrigation as a means to conserve water, however its widespread use is yet to pick up. The government should make it mandatory for farm owners to use drip irrigation which could save upto 8 litres of water per m2 every day. Following initiatives are required on the part of the government to promote drip irrigation in the Emirates.

  • Motivate farmers to install drip irrigation systems.
  • Provide subsidy for installation of drip irrigation systems.
  • Educate farmers on how to operate and maintain drip irrigation systems.
  • Educate farmers and the general public about long-term effects of water scarcity on agriculture.

In a country where water might one day become more expensive than oil, one cannot ignore the fact that a big crisis is looming ahead. United Arab Emirates is one of the largest consumers of water per capita globally, but is also one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. The management of water is essential due to increasing population, growing industrialization and dwindling natural water resources.

The biggest challenge for the UAE is not finding different water sources, but decreasing the demand for it and minimizing water losses. There are currently 100,000 hectares of cultivated land in the UAE and huge amount of water can be saved by making use of basic water conservation measures. Implementation of effective policies, legislations and public support is key to success of water conservation programs in the country.

Reed as a Sustainable Building Material: Historical Perspectives

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Historically, reeds have been used to build homes, boats, baskets, mats and other items in different parts of the world. Recent research in Europe and Egypt is confirming the value of reed as an environmentally-friendly building material. They can be used for insulation in new and retrofit applications, replacing flammable energy-intensive materials.

History of Reed Houses

The reed structures of the Arab al-Ahwār (Ma’dan) in the Middle East demonstrate what can be done. Their buildings are constructed using only reed bundles in arches to frame the building.

reed house construction

Guest houses (mudhif) were typically 6 meters (18 feet) long and 3 meters (9 feet) tall. They could be constructed in a couple of days and served as community hubs for meetings, weddings, and funerals. They could also be taken apart and moved, Standard family homes (bayt) were constructed much the same way but smaller. Reed structures (sitra) were used to shelter livestock.

In North America the Bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus, formerly Scirpus californicus) was an essential building material. This species can be found along the Pacific Coast and inland waters from British Columbia to Patagonia. Bulrush forms dense thickets at water’s edge and in shallow water. The triangular-shaped round stem can be very tall (4 m, 12 feet+). The stems are full of a foam like matrix that holds air to enable the reed to float and grow in water. The stems are resistant to decay.

California bulrush was widely used, but other species of bulrush were used as well. The common name for S. californicus in California, Mexico, and parts of Central America was tule. Also known as totora in Peru, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Native tribes and tribelets had their own names for tules. In other countries around the world similar reeds and rushes were used.

Tule houses were a common site in California before the European invasion. They could be easily built and were well insulated (0.06 WmK). With thick thatch or multilayer mats people would be warm in winter and cool in summer. The tule homes in California were often constructed by setting vertical willow poles in the ground, and then bending them over to join at the peak. This created arches.

Different methods were used to add the tules. Multiple layers of tule mats might be placed on top of the frame, while others essentially wove the house by tying or folding individual tules on cross members.

tule houseThe domed, cone or half-cylindrical structures in California came in many sizes. Some were even portable. The largest typically belonged to a chief and/or were used for community gatherings. In some areas large houses sheltered several families. The Yokuts, inhabiting the “Valle de los Tulares” (Valley of the Tules), were the masters of tule use, building large dwellings, tule canoes, mats, baskets, clothing, hunting decoys and other items. Reed houses of the Ainu in Hokkaido (Japan) were also very well insulated. They were waterproof, shed snow and, with wall and roof thickness as much as 0.3 meters, warm in winter.

reed house in japanReed dwellings required many stems. A reed based village would require thousands of stems every year. The harvest cleared the river banks by the villages, making it easier to get drinking water and to launch tule boats. This also reduced fire risk. Collecting and drying the tules would likely have been a group task that provided time to talk and gossip.

Tules also provided a reliable source of food. The nutritious roots (rhizomes), young shoots, and seeds of many reeds are edible. The rhizomes of California Bulrush and others are rich in starch and sugar, and can be eaten raw or cooked, while the young shoots and tender base of the stem can be eaten raw or cooked. The rhizomes can be dried and pounded into a flour.

Wade in if you want rhizomes to eat or stems to build. Stems can also be collected from a boat. It is desirable to maintain quality by stacking stems and bundles of stems carefully. Tie the ends and the middle of a tule bundle and carry them butt end forward. Once cut the tules are dried. Stems shrink as they dry.

reed gathering in iraq

Tule Boats

A simple tule boat could be made very quickly. Tule boats were used all over. Bulrushes and Hardstem Bulrushes (Schoenoplectus acutus) were used for boats on rivers, lakes and the ocean. Native artisans quickly made tule boats (he called them flag canoes) to help Jedediah Smith’s trapping party (1827) cross sloughs and rivers in California. More carefully constructed tule boats were used by tribes offshore. Lovely tule boats are still used today in Peru to fish off shore and entertain tourists.

tule boat

Tule Floating Homesteads

Taking it all a step further, consider the floating islands of reeds that support tule homes and gardens on Lake Titicaca in South America. Similar artificial islands are made from layered reeds, rushes, and mud in the Middle East.

reed houses in a lakeFor more information and photographs

  1. Wilfred Thesiger. 1964. The Marsh Arabs.
  2. Juan Fernando Hidalgo-Cordero, Justo García-Navarro. 2018. Totora (Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják) and its potential as a construction material. Industrial Crops and Products. Volume 112. Pages 467-480.
  3. Naglaa M. Kortam, Morad Abdelkader, E. A. Darwish. 2025. The potential use of reed as cost-efficient thermal insulation wall claddings for residential energy retrofitting in Egypt. Ain Shams Engineering Journal. 16. 103803.

Water Conservation in Islamic Teachings

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Water occupies a pivotal role in Islam, and is recognized by Muslims as a blessing that “gives and sustains life, and purifies humankind and the earth”. The Arabic word for water, ma’a, is referenced exactly 63 times throughout the Holy Qur’an and is a recurring topic in many of the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).

water-conservation-islam

Water is not only praised for its life providing and sustaining properties, but it is essential in the daily life of a Muslim. A follower is required to complete ablution prior to the performance of the prayer, five times a day. This ritual cleansing before the prayer signifies the attainment of cleanliness and purification of the body and soul. According to a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira, no prayer is accepted without ablution (Sahih al Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 4).

The Holy Quran and the Hadith teach its followers principles of social justice and equity which extends into the practice of preserving earth’s natural resources, particularly water conservation. According to Islam, water is community resource and is a right for all humankind. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) highlights this in the following Hadith:

“Muslims have common share in three things: grass [pasture], water, and fire [fuel]” ( Musnad Vol. 2, Book 22 ).

The Holy Qur’an has set down the foundations of water conservation and demand management by making it known to humankind that earth’s water resources are finite in verse 23:18 of Surah Al Mu’minun (The Believers):

 “And We sent down from the sky water (rain) in (due) measure, and We gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, We are Able to take it away.”

Furthermore, God has instructed humankind not to be wasteful in the following verse: “O Children of Adam! Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for God loveth not the wasters” ( Surah al Araaf, The Heights 7:31 ).

Also Read: Qanats – A Sustainable Water Management Tool for Arid Lands

water-conservation-mosque

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

Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) exemplifies the “logical approach to sustainable water use” through the manner in which he performed the ritual ablution. The principle of water conservation is beautifully illustrated by the rule which says that while making ablutions (wudu) we should be abstemious in the use of water even if we have a river at our disposal. :

“Do not waste even if performing ablution on the bank of a fast flowing large river” (Al Thirmidhi).

The Prophet himself would perform ablution with just one mudd of water (equivalent to 2/3 of a liter), and take bath with one saa’ of water (equivalent to around 3 liters in modern volume measurements).

As per Islamic law (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 emphasis placed by Islam on sustainable utilization of water.

References:

  1. Naser I. Faruqui, Asit K. Biswas, and Murad J. Bino. (2001) Water Management in Islam, UN University Press
  2.  Abumoghli, I. (2015), Islamic Principles on Sustainable Development, EcoMENA <available on http://www.ecomena.org/islam-sustainable-development/>

Popular Methods for Plastic Wastes Collection

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Plastic consumption has grown at a tremendous rate over the past two decades as plastics now play an important role in all aspects of modern lifestyle. Collection and disposal of plastic waste has emerged as an important environmental challenge and its recycling is facing roadblocks due to their non-degradable nature. There are four basic ways in which communities can offer plastic waste collection services for plastic bottles and containers – curbside, drop-off, buy-back or deposit/refund programs.

Recycling_bins

Curbside Recycling

The first, and most widely accessible, collection method is curbside collection of recyclables. Curbside (or kerbside) collection is considered a low-risk strategy to reduce waste volumes and increase recycling rates. Materials are usually collected in large bins, colored bags or small open plastic tubs specifically designed for content.

Curbside recycling programs are generally the most convenient for community residents to participate in and yield high recovery rates as a result. Communities that provide curbside collection generally request residents to separate designated recyclables from their household garbage and to place them into special receptacles or bags, which are then set out at the curb for collection by municipal or municipally-contracted crews.

Drop-Off Recycling

In this method, containers for designated recyclable materials are placed at central collection locations throughout the community, such as parking lots, mosques, schools, malls or other civic associations. The containers are generally marked as to which recyclable material should be placed in them. Residents are requested to deliver their recyclables to the drop-off location, where recyclables are separated by material type into their respective collection containers.

Drop-off recycling programs are more suitable when residents are taking their garbage to a central waste collection facility or transfer station. Such programs suffer from low or unpredictable throughput.

Buy-Back Centers

Most buy-back recycling centers are operated by private companies and pay consumers for recyclable materials that are brought to them. Buy-back centers usually have purchasing specifications that require consumers to source separate recyclable materials brought for sale.

recycling-bin-dubai

These purchase specifications can greatly reduce contamination levels and allow the buy-back center to immediately begin processing the recyclables they purchase, while providing consumers with an economic incentive to comply with the specifications. Buy-back centers are similar to drop-off centers expect they pay waste generators for their items based on market values.

Deposit/Refund Programs

These programs requires collection of a monetary deposit purchase of a plastic container. When container is returned to an authorized redemption center, or to the original seller, the deposit is partly or fully refunded to the redeemer. These programs are familiar to anyone in the USA who has ever purchased a beverage in a can or bottle.

Green Hydrogen in Jordan: Aqaba as an Investment Gateway

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Europe is changing how it produces and uses energy. To reduce pollution, it needs clean fuels, especially for factories, shipping, and heavy industries. Green hydrogen is one of these fuels. This shift is creating new investment opportunities, and Jordan—especially Aqaba—can be part of this growing market. For investors from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Jordan offers a stable and realistic place to invest in green hydrogen projects that can supply Europe.

green hydrogen production plant

Many countries in the region want to export green hydrogen. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are developing very large projects, but these take time and require massive spending. Oman has a good renewable energy potential but still needs to build much of its infrastructure. Egypt is close to Europe, but investors often face complicated rules and financial risks. Jordan takes a different approach by focusing on smaller, clearer projects that can move faster.

Over the last ten years, Jordan has attracted more than USD 3 billion in private renewable energy investment. Companies such as Masdar and ACWA Power have already invested in Jordan, showing confidence in its legal system and investment climate.

Aqaba is central to this opportunity. It is Jordan’s only port and already trades directly with Europe. Aqaba operates as a special economic zone under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. This allows full foreign ownership, long-term land leases, tax incentives, and faster approvals, making it easier for international investors to operate.

Financing is another key advantage. Large green hydrogen projects often rely on international climate finance institutions. The Green Climate Fund supports projects that reduce emissions and follow strict environmental and social rules. It provides grants, low-cost loans, and risk-sharing tools, but requires strong governance, transparency, and sustainability standards. Similarly, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development invests in clean energy and infrastructure projects that meet clear legal, environmental, and procurement rules. Jordan already works closely with these institutions, which increases investor confidence and lowers financial risk.

green hydrogen production plant

Challenges remain. Green hydrogen needs strong infrastructure. The electricity grid must be expanded, ports need special equipment, and hydrogen production requires clean water. Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, so desalination projects are essential. These projects are planned, but investors still need clearer timelines and costs.

There are also regulatory gaps. Jordan is still developing specific laws for hydrogen, covering safety, water use, and exports. The government is working on a national framework to close these gaps and provide clarity.

For Saudi and UAE investors, Jordan and Aqaba offer safety, stability, and access to Europe. The opportunity is not only to invest, but to help build a new clean export sector supported by international finance and clear rules, benefiting both Jordan and the region.

سيارات تتحدث مع بعضها

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تعد تقنية السيارة “المتواصلة لاسلكيًا” إحدى التقنيات الحديثة اللاسلكية، التي تمنح السيارة (الصغيرة والكبيرة) بأن تتواصل لاسلكيًا مع بعضها بعضا بواسطة تقنية (كمبيوترية) متصلة بها، بإستطاعتها أن يستطلع (أوضاع) الطريق للسائق (لاسلكيا) قبل الوصول إلى الوجهة المطلوبة، مثال ذلك الطرق المغلقة أو المكتظة، وكذلك تقليل الأخطار المترتبة من تقلبات الظروف المناخية.  كما تهدف السيارات المتواصلة لاسلكيا؛ للاستفادة من الاتصالات اللاسلكية بين المركبات أثناء عملها، وكذلك البنية التحتية وأجهزة اتصال الركاب.

Connected Vehicles

هذا و تُعرّف إدارة النقل الأمريكية هذه التقنية الحديثة ” بأنها الحصول على جودة هواء أفضل عبر تقنية وسائل النقل الذكية” ويكون ذلك بالتنسيق مع مصانع السيارات وغيرها من القطاعات المبتكرة العامة والخاصة، وجميعها تتكاتف لتطوير البنية التحتية للاتصالات التقنية بين المركبة والأخرى، من جهة وبين المركبة والبنية التحتية من جهة أخرى، وتلك الجهود”المشتركة” تهدف إلى منع الحوادث المرورية قبل حدوثها. حيث يتم إرسال تلك المعلومات لاسلكيا لضبط حركة السيارات، وتجنب الاختناقات المرورية، وتحسين البيئة، وفي النهاية تمكن هذه التقنية من الحصول على معلومات وقتية عن طريق نظام الكميوتر المحمول داخل المركبات (كالسيارات، والشاحنات، والحافلات) والذي بدوره يقوم بتحليل المعلومات المتوفرة عن أحوال الطريق، وأيضاً التواصل مع أجهزة الشرطة عن طريق البنية التحتية.

المزايا المتعددة للنظام

ويعد الأثر البيئي أحد مزايا هذا النظام، حيث يحد من التلوث البيئي الناجم عن اكتظاظ الشوارع السريعة والفرعية، وكذلك التحكم في معلومات النقل البيئية الوقتية، واستخدامها لاستصدار معلومات ذات أثر نفعي لمساعدة وتسهيل الخيارات النقلية، ويظهر أن هذا النظام المبتكر يتمركز حول تحسين نوعية الهواء بتقليل إنبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة، وكذلك يتمتع بميزة التقليل من إستهلاك الوقود. هذا، وتسهم تقنية المركبات المتواصلة لاسلكيا في تلطيف “هجمة” المناخ المتقلب، والحصول على أهداف خفض انبعاثات الغازات الدفيئة.

ومن مزايا تقنية المركبات المتواصلة -أيضاً- سيحظى السائقون بمعلومات دقيقة عن الاختناقات المرورية وخلافها، والتي ستمكنهم من إعادة جدولة، أوتأخير، أو الغاء، أو تنظيم الرحلات الجماعية. وبهذا التنظيم المسبق يتفادى السائقون خطوط الاختناقات المرورية، واستخدام البدائل المتوفرة، وكذلك استخدام الممرات العامة، وإعادة جدولة رحلاتهم، بهدف حماية البيئة، وتقليل استهلاك الوقود.

هذه التقنية “الثورية” تسعى إلى تطوير القيادة “الصديقة للبيئة” والمدعمة بحزمة من التوصيات المرورية للسائقين؛ للتقليل من استهلاك الوقود، وكذلك ضبط مكابح المكائن مستقبلاُ، بدون تدخل السائقين.

قابلية إستخدام النظام في المملكة العربية السعودية

سيكون لنظام المركبات المتصلة دور في حل مشاكل النقل وتسهيل الحركة المرورية في مدن المملكة الرئيسة: مثل الرياض والدمام وجدة المكتظة بالحركة المرورية؛ وستمكن تطبيق هذه التقنية مستخدمي الطريق من اتخاذ القرارات الصائبة، والتمتع بممارسات مرورية متجانسة. إضافة الى ماتقدم فإن نظام المركبات المتواصلة لاسلكيا سيكون في متناول أيدي الناس عامة، وأداة مثالية للتخفيف من التأثيرات البيئية المتنامية في قطاع النقل. يضاف إلى ذلك، فإن نظام المركبات المتواصلة لاسلكيا يستند إلى معلومات تهتم بالسلامة والحركة، والتي بدورها ستسهم في إنقاذ حياة البشر؛ وتمنع الأضرار الناجمة عن الاختناقات المرورية أينما كانت!

How Can The Effects Of Climate Change Be Mitigated?

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Climate change will affect us all and it’s important to consider how climate change will have wide reaching consequences for generations to come.

This article investigates how the effects of climate change will affect all of us and what measures we can take to mitigate the effects of climate change.

climate change mitigation methods

What is climate change mitigation?

Climate change mitigation refers to actions taken to limit climate change by either reducing greenhouse gas emissions or removing those gases from the atmosphere.

Mitigation actions can include using new technologies and renewable energies, making existing equipment more energy efficient, and ensuring carbon sinks continue to absorb carbon and remain intact.

What are some strategies to mitigate climate change?

Climate change mitigation strategies include retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient; adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and small hydro; helping cities develop more sustainable transport such as bus rapid transit, electric vehicles, and biofuels; and promoting more sustainable uses of land and forests.

Celestial Green Ventures looks at the benefits and drawbacks for some of the solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

1. Retrofitting

Retrofitting can help to improve the energy efficiency of homes, reduce fuel bills and create comfortable even temperatures all year round as well as helping to eliminate draughts.

There are plenty of challenges when it comes to retrofitting. Whether it’s the social and income divide, or a lack of funds, policy, trust, and experts to carry out the work, it’s still an uphill struggle to bring retrofitting to the fore, regardless of any climate change commitments.

2. Renewable Energy

The main benefit of renewable energy is that renewable energy sources will not run out. Examples of renewable energy sources are solar power, wind power, bioenergy and hydroelectricity. The most important difference between renewables and fossil fuels, is that renewable energy sources provide an infinite source of energy.

renewable-energy-arabic

Why invest in renewable energy?

Renewable energy is reliable, as opposed to fossil fuels which are always subject to disputes and wars between countries.  Renewable energy is also environmentally friendly as they use natural sources for energy generation and can therefore be considered clean.

Although renewable energy technologies can cause some emissions, overall, they are minimal and certainly lower than generating traditional fossil fuels.

There are also the economic benefits too as renewable technologies can create many jobs. This is especially important in some poorer regions. In fact, this is an emerging job market that can empower people in many parts of the world.

Renewable energy can help reduce turmoil in global energy prices, therefore helping to make the global energy market more stable.

What are some of the challenges related to renewable energy?

Unfortunately, most natural forces are strongly dependent on the weather conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to utilise a mix of sustainable power sources, to maximise the production of power across multiple inputs.

Another challenge regarding renewables is the initial cost and investment required for implementing them is high. The initial cost for renewable energy solutions is disproportionately high and sometimes unaffordable, in comparison with how much energy would be produced.

3. Sustainable Travel

Transportation is one of the largest contributors to climate change. By choosing sustainable travel methods, you can significantly help in the mitigation of climate change. There are many benefits to sustainable transportation. Whether it be the benefits to your health, the Earth, the community or even financial benefits, sustainable travel can be better for them all.

Electric Vehicles Pros and Cons

Why is sustainable travel good for the planet?

Sustainable travel emits less pollution. Transportation accounts for nearly 24% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom. However, about 82% of those emissions come from personal vehicles. Buses and trains only account for a mere 6% of greenhouse gas emissions, making these modes of transportation much greener than cars and vans. Additionally, sustainable travel also promotes good health because it reduces emissions and air pollution.

A further benefit is that as people choose sustainable transportation over driving themselves, leading to a decrease in congestion and lower emissions. Celestial Green Ventures PLC recognises that the main disadvantage of implementing a sustainable travel infrastructure to any city or town is the initial cost and disruption.

4. Biofuels

Fuels that have been extracted from plants and crops are known as biofuels. Of these, the most commonly extracted and used one is Bioethanol or simply Ethanol and Biodiesel. It is blended with gasoline and can be used as an alternative fuel for your car. Plant-based fuels come from renewable sources, can be grown anywhere and have lower carbon emissions as compared to fossil fuels.

Biofuel is made from renewable resources and relatively less-flammable compared to fossil diesel. It has significantly better lubricating properties.

Etihad_Biofuels

Etihad Airways flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi in January 2012 was the first in the Middle East to be powered by sustainable biofuel.

Some things that biofuels are made out of include:

  •  Manure
  •  Waste from crops
  •  Other farming by-products
  •  Algae and plants grown specifically for biofuel.

Why are biofuels important in terms of economic security?

Economic security is also an interesting opportunity brought to light due to the increased demand for biofuels. Not every country has large reserves of crude oil.

For these countries that don’t have the natural crude oil resources, importing the oil puts a huge strain on the economy. If more people start shifting towards biofuels, a country can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Some of the disadvantages of using biofuels are that even with all the benefits associated with biofuels, they are quite expensive to produce in the current market. Biofuels also promote the use of fertilisers and consume vast amounts of water to produce the crops.

Growing these crops can also lead to other problems such as monocultures and potential food shortages. With the attractive yield for growing biofuel friendly crops this may sway farmers away from growing other crops we use for day to day food consumption.

What are some land-use strategies for mitigating climate change?

Nature-based solutions are recognised as being able to contribute significantly to the mitigation of climate change. Land use strategies include sustainable forestry practices, reforestation and avoided deforestation actions. These actions also help to conserve biodiversity within these areas which is a further positive consequence from implementing these mitigation actions.

What are some policies that will implement change?

The Paris Agreement is an example of policy change to help mitigate climate change and to avoid dangerous climate change. The agreement sets out the global framework for limiting global warming to well below 2° C and to limit the increase to 1.5° C. 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 agreeing to these targets. The expectation was that keeping to the Paris Agreement, the risks and impact of climate change would be significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Global warming is increasing day by day and it cannot be ignored. If we continue the current trajectory, our world will face undesirable consequences. It is now as important as ever to focus on the climate change mitigation and adaptation, both individually and collectively.

Everything You Need to Know About a Biorefinery

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A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and value-added chemicals from biomass. Biorefinery is analogous to today’s petroleum refinery, which produces multiple fuels and products from petroleum. By producing several products, a biorefinery takes advantage of the various components in biomass and their intermediates, therefore maximizing the value derived from the biomass feedstock.

what is a biorefinery

A biorefinery could, for example, produce one or several low-volume, but high-value, chemical products and a low-value, but high-volume liquid transportation fuel such as biodiesel or bioethanol. At the same time, it can generate electricity and process heat, through CHP technology, for its own use and perhaps enough for sale of electricity to the local utility.

The high value products increase profitability, the high-volume fuel helps meet energy needs, and the power production helps to lower energy costs and reduce GHG emissions from traditional power plant facilities.

Working of a Biorefinery

There are several platforms which can be used in a biorefinery with the major ones being the sugar platform and the thermochemical platform (also known as syngas platform).

Sugar platform biorefineries breaks down biomass into different types of component sugars for fermentation or other biological processing into various fuels and chemicals. On the other hand, thermochemical biorefineries transform biomass into synthesis gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) or pyrolysis oil.

biorefinery basics

Etihad Airways flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi in January 2012 was the first in the Middle East to be powered by sustainable biofuel.

The thermochemical biomass conversion process is complex, and uses components, configurations, and operating conditions that are more typical of petroleum refining. Biomass is converted into syngas, and syngas is converted into an ethanol-rich mixture.

However, syngas created from biomass contains contaminants such as tar and sulphur that interfere with the conversion of the syngas into products. These contaminants can be removed by tar-reforming catalysts and catalytic reforming processes. This not only cleans the syngas, it also creates more of it, improving process economics and ultimately cutting the cost of the resulting ethanol.

Biorefineries would help utilize the optimum potential of wastes and help solve the problems of waste management and greenhouse gas emissions. Each of these three components could be converted, through enzymatic/chemical treatments into either hydrogen or liquid fuels. The pre-treatment processes involved with these, generate products like paper-pulp, HFCS, solvents, acetate, resins, laminates, adhesives, flavour chemicals, activated carbon, fuel enhancers, undigested sugars etc. which generally remain untapped in the traditional processes.

biorefinery in MENA

Biorefinery Prospects in MENA

The MENA region has significant biomass energy potential in the form of municipal wastes, crop residues, industrial wastes etc. Around the region, pollution of air, water and soil from different waste streams continues to grow. The major biomass producing countries in MENA are Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Traditionally, biomass energy has been widely used in rural areas for domestic purposes in the MENA region, especially in Egypt, Yemen and Jordan.

The escalating prices of oil and natural gas, the resulting concern over energy-security, have led the MENA nations to explore alternative sources of energy.  Biorefinery offers a plausible solution for augmenting energy supply, obtaining clean energy and production of a wide range of chemicals from a host of waste material, apart from associated waste management benefits.