Positive outlook for Qatar (Environmental Econ: Doha)

A the 2012 Doha conference on climate change, topics of discussion were centered around lowering GHG emissions, adaptation, and the urgency that is needed to significantly decelerate the effects of climate change. The use of clean technologies and green development were at the forefront of discussion, acknowledging that short-term action must be taken to ensure a more sustainable future. Specific attention was given to Qatar and its need to address present and soon to be present issues regarding preservation of land, resources, and establishment of new mechanisms to establish greater independence with regard to food production and technologies to provide clean water through renewable resources.

As Qatar’s ecological environment is primarily desert, there are significant concerns surrounding sustainability of their water and food supplies. Currently, they are dependent on importation of more than 50% of their food supply. With out the ability to produce a significant portion of their food domestically, they will not be able to sustain life as is. As climate change is threatening various aspects of life in Qatar, it is imperative that issues such as domestic crop cultivation, use of renewable resources to process and provide fresh water, and land preservation, are addressed. In other words, environmental development is key.

In order to confront and adapt to climate change, Qatar must seek out resources that can provide long-term prosperity with regard to access to fresh water, food supply, and land/wild life preservation. Qatar is completely dependent on desalination of sea water as a source of fresh water. As climate change is and will continue to impact sea levels, Qatar must employ practices to adapt. In order to confront these inevitable changes, the Qatar National Food Security Program has established goals to utilize new technologies and water management practices that will allow them to grow a significant amount of their own food. They will also seek to reclaim land to preserve and utilize it efficiently with regard to food and the establishment of renewable technologies.

Currently, 22% of Qatar’s land has been established as “protected”. This ensures that any development on these designated areas must be done according to “green building codes” and is strictly enforced. These areas include those that are wildlife habitats, breeding grounds, and coastal environments. With regard to the use of renewable energies, Qatar will put in place desalination and air quality management systems that are powered by solar energy. By using solar energy to power these systems, Qatar is able to decrease their amount of green house gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to energy independence and sustainable energy use in the long-term. With the intent to reduce the emission of GHG’s and convert those GHG’s that are emitted into useful energy, Qatar is minimizing gas flarings that are common at drilling sites and utilizing techniques such as Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) to convert carbon for energy use. Qatar has devoted a substantial amount of funding to utilize CCS which has contributed to the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and has the ability to provide a significant amount of energy globally.

While nations such as Qatar are making headway in the employment of renewable technologies, GHG emission reduction, and energy independence, we, as a global community, have a long way to go. It is imperative that all nations understand the impact that our practices are having on the global community and that with out action, we will continue to contribute to the certain demise of planet earth. It is the acknowledgement of this truth that has and will allow us to take action and contribute to a sustainable future.

Source: “By Thinking Green, Qatar is finding ways to make progress in a sensitive way” DOHA 2012 UN Climate Change Conference. http://www.cop18.qa/en-us/aboutqatar/environment.aspx

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