Qatar has been at the forefront in the efforts to find lasting solutions to the myriad problems facing the world and mitigating climate change was one of the most prominent aspect of these issues.
Although the country’s geographical area is very small, the endeavours it makes to make the world more livable is big.
The country has been implementing several plans and actions to ensure its carbon footprint is reduced considerably, providing great support in the efforts to transform the environment to more serene, pure and pollution-free.
Recently, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani participated in the “Beautification of Qatar and our children plant a tree to plant a million trees” campaign. The Prime Minister joined several citizens in planting trees in support of the campaign to instill environmental values among people of all ages and encourage them to preserve the environment.
The Prime Minister joined children in planting trees at the 5/6 Park in the Onaiza area, which turned out to be an exceptional inspiration for the young generation and an example of how a country’s Prime Minister can be a role model for its future generation.
Qatar had recognised the perils posed by climate change decades ago and began taking tangible steps to mitigate the impact of pollution on the environment, which if left neglected can ring the death knell of this planet which we inhabit.
The country has enacted several legislations to control air, water and noise pollution from industries, means of transport, machines and even from home appliances such as air conditioners, light bulbs to name a few.
As part of creating awareness among the young people, Qatar’s environment campaigns turned to schools, which proved a great success in inculcating values of an environmentally friendly living among school children. The country is encouraging and promoting the use of electric vehicles by installing charging units, signing contracts for mass transport electric vehicles and planning to set a unique example by hosting the first-ever carbon neutral FIFA World Cup 2022.
The world still remembers Doha hosting the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP-18) from November 26 to December 8, 2012, the result of which was instrumental in implementing several actions by nations across the world and brought financial gains for the developing countries, through the amendments to the Kyoto Protocol. The leaders of Qatar ensure that what they speak is put into actual practice and they also actively participate in the activities to promote the causes they vouch for.
