In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Sustainable development has been identified as one of the top priorities in Qatar’s National Development Strategy.
Environmental Development is one of the four pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to manage rapid domestic expansion to ensure harmony between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
The country’s commitment to fighting climate change has been championed by none other than Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. H H the Amir yesterday, participated in the “Middle East Green Initiative Summit.” The Summit, hosted by the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz seeks to coordinate efforts to protect the environment, confront climate change, and develop a roadmap towards reducing carbon emissions in the region by more than (10%) of global contribution. It will also encourage planting 50 billion trees in the region, though the largest tree-planting programme globally. It will contribute to achieving 5% of the global target for afforestation.
According to World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Chief Petteri Taalas, CO2 is the most critical greenhouse gas. It has “major negative repercussions for our daily lives and well-being, for the state of our planet and the future of our children and grandchildren.” For Qatar, as a consumer and key producer of fossil fuels, these priorities can at times be conflicting, especially against a backdrop of increasing local and global demand for energy. A holistic and unified approach is essential to address environmental, economic, social, educational, and behavioural issues.
Hence, the appointment of H E Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, a new ministry announced after the recent Cabinet reshuffle, clearly shows Qatar’s ambitions towards sustainable development and promoting renewable energy.
Threatened by sea-level rise and the possibility of the various adverse effects of climate change on the region on agriculture, food, and water security, Qatar has taken several measures, and more are in line to be executed as the country marches on towards combating this phenomenon.
Through Kahramaa, Qatar plans to install solar panels atop many of the country’s 85 reservoirs. Qatar will have 25% electric public transportation by 2022 and 100% by 2030.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup host is also committed to organizing an environmental-friendly tournament and the first carbon-neutral tournament, embedded in building the World Cup stadiums and infrastructure associated with the tournament.
Qatar is also pledged financially and intellectually to several world bodies charged with climate change despite these domestic policies and projects.
