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Environment and development AL-BIA WAL-TANMIA Leading Arabic Environment Magazine

314 - May 2024
Editorial
Forum
Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary-General's Statement on COP29
Antonio Guterres
COP29 comes at the close of a brutal year – a year seared by record temperatures, and scarred by climate disaster, all as emissions continue to rise
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Global Climate Leaders
Global climate leaders want COP29 to succeed but call for urgent overhaul of the process
Global Climate Leaders
It has become clear that constructive, supportive ideas developed some time ago on the COP process have been misinterpreted in today’s context
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Mathis Wackernagel
MY OBSESSION WITH OVERSHOOT
Mathis Wackernagel
There is no other possible future than a regenerative one
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Najib Saab
After ‘Arab Spring Floods’: Do Not Use Climate Change as Excuse
Najib Saab
Will the spring floods that hit some Arab countries serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the inevitability of respecting its rules
more...
 
 
 
Meet the
 Editor-in-Chief Najib Saab 		 
 
Selected articles News
Natural disasters in the past 12 months have been the most costly and impactful stretch of extreme weather in America in 90 years 18/1/2025
Experts at AccuWeather say extreme weather events and disasters in the past 12 months have had the costliest and most widespread impacts that Americans have faced in nearly a century.    ...more
 
Arab-Israeli Environmental Cooperation: A Controversial Path to Peace Amid Ecocide 28/11/2024
On August 30, 2024, amid the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that Lebanon joined the Saudi-led Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), describing the step as crucial, especially for southern border towns and villages that are suffering significant environmental and agricultural damage. ...more
 
CO2 & Waste-Derived Bioplastics: Pioneering Sustainable Manufacturing 22/11/2024
As the world grapples with the environmental impact of traditional plastics, bioplastics derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) and waste materials present a promising solution. This emerging sustainable market seeks to address two critical global challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing waste. By converting CO2 and waste into useful bioplastics, scientists and companies are pioneering technologies that could revolutionize the way we produce and consume plastics. ...more
 
The blue-green sustainable proteins of seaweed may soon be on your plate 15/11/2024
The protein in sea lettuce, a type of seaweed, is a promising complement to both meat and other current alternative protein sources. Seaweed also contains many other important nutrients, and is grown without needing to be watered, fertilised or sprayed with insecticides. However, the proteins are often tightly bound, and their full potential has not yet been realised on our plates.  But now researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, have found a new way to extract these proteins three times more efficiently than before – and this progress paves the way for seaweed burgers and protein smoothies from the sea. ...more
 
Industry royally champions sustainable floriculture project led by Coventry University 9/10/2024
Coventry University is leading a project to reduce plastic, packaging and waste in the British cut-flower industry. ...more
 
Major boost in carbon capture and storage essential to reach 2°C climate target 27/9/2024
Large expansion of carbon capture and storage is necessary to fulfill the Paris Climate Agreement. Yet a new study led by Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden and University of Bergen, in Norway, shows that without major efforts, the technology will not expand fast enough to meet the 2°C target and even with major efforts it is unlikely to expand fast enough for the 1.5°C target. ...more
 
Europe’s deadly floods are glimpse of future climate 25/9/2024
Central Europe's devastating floods were made much worse by climate change and offer a stark glimpse of the future for the world's fastest-warming continent, scientists say. ...more
 
Which Countries Should Pay for International Climate Finance? 18/9/2024
The world needs trillions of dollars annually to combat climate change, but questions remain as to where that funding will come from. Most at stake are poorer countries that are the least protected — and hardest hit — from the increasing ravages of heat waves, storm surges and other extreme weather events exacerbated each year by climate change. Many of these countries lack the resources to undertake a rapid and just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy without external help. ...more
 
World’s strongest battery paves way for light, energy-efficient vehicles 12/9/2024
When cars, planes, ships or computers are built from a material that functions as both a battery and a load-bearing structure, the weight and energy consumption are radically reduced. A research group at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden is now presenting a world-leading advance in so-called massless energy storage – a structural battery that could halve the weight of a laptop, make the mobile phone as thin as a credit card or increase the driving range of an electric car by up to 70 percent on a single charge. ...more
 
A method that paves the way for improved fuel cell vehicles 14/8/2024
More efficient and longer-lasting fuel cells are essential for fuel cell-powered heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles to be an alternative to combustion fuelled counterparts. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed an innovative method to study and understand how parts of fuel cells degrade over time. This is an important step towards the improved performance of fuel cells and them becoming commercially successful. ...more
 
Empowering women – a key to both sustainable energy and gender justice 13/8/2024
Involving women in implementing solar energy technologies in developing countries not only has great climate impact. A new study published in Nature Energy and carried out by researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, shows that empowering women through energy care work can change unjust, gendered norms and long-lived injustices. ...more
 
Could Australia become a green hydrogen superpower? 9/8/2024
“If you remember being a kid and blowing up a balloon or into a milkshake, your cheeks got sore because there is an energy penalty associated with bubble formation.” ...more
 
New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal 15/5/2024
Coal phase-out is necessary to solve climate change, but can have negative impacts on workers and local communities dependent on coal for their livelihoods. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and Central European University in Austria have studied government plans for coal phase-out around the world and discovered that more than half of such plans include monetary compensation to affected parties. This planned compensation globally amounts to USD 200 billion, but it excludes China and India, the two largest users of coal that currently do not have phase-out plans. The study shows that if China and India decide to phase out coal as fast as needed to reach the Paris climate targets and pay similar compensation, it would cost upwards of USD 2 trillion. ...more
 
Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method 2/5/2024
Swedish researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have developed an AI method that improves the identification of toxic chemicals – based solely on knowledge of the molecular structure. The method can contribute to better control and understanding of the ever-growing number of chemicals used in society, and can also help reduce the amount of animal tests. ...more
 
High-precision diaphragm metering pump makes the “Electrolysis Made in Baden-Württemberg” system demonstrator fit for industrial application 14/4/2024
Effective decarbonization of German industry – and with it, the achievement of the climate targets with a secure energy supply at the same time – is unthinkable without the expansion of hydrogen technologies. Since they are a carbon-free energy source, they do not release any emissions during combustion. Hydrogen is also suitable as a storage medium to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energy production, since it can be produced via electrolysis using any power source. As part of the "Electrolysis Made in Baden-Württemberg" project, which was completed in 2023, the Baden-Württemberg Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) has now strengthened the region as a hydrogen location for the long term. With the participation of 40 companies, a scalable system demonstrator for alkaline pressure electrolysis with an output of 1 MWel was engineered. The pump specialist LEWA from Leonberg, Germany, also contributed to the success of the project: an ecoflow diaphragm metering pump with Ex motor feeds the water required for hydrogen production into the process. As of 2026, the system will continue to operate in the H2 GeNeSiS model region and feed hydrogen into the new pipeline along the Neckar River. ...more
 
Ammonia attracts the shipping industry, but researchers warn of its risks 5/2/2024
Switching to ammonia as a marine fuel, with the goal of decarbonisation, can instead create entirely new problems. This is shown in a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where researchers carried out life cycle analyses for batteries and for three electrofuels including ammonia. Eutrophication and acidification are some of the environmental problems that can be traced to the use of ammonia – as well as emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas. ...more
 
New law: Abu Dhabi residents can now seek reduction in environmental fines 21/1/2025
Residents facing environmental fines in Abu Dhabi now have an opportunity to reduce their penalties under certain conditions, thanks to a new regulation issued by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The regulation outlines reconciliation and appeal procedures for environmental administrative violations, fostering transparency and encouraging compliance. ...more
 
Trump withdraws from Paris climate agreement, again 21/1/2025
President Donald Trump once again withdrew the United States from the Paris climate deal on Monday, removing the world's biggest historic emitter from global efforts to fight climate change for the second time in a decade. ...more
 
EU plans ban on 'forever chemicals' in consumer products 21/1/2025
The European Commission intends to propose a ban on the use of PFAS, or "forever chemicals", in consumer products, with exemptions for essential industrial uses, the EU's environment chief told Reuters. ...more
 
High fertiliser use halves numbers of pollinators, world’s longest study finds 21/1/2025
Using high levels of common fertilisers on grassland halves pollinator numbers and drastically reduces the number of flowers, research from the world’s longest-running ecological experiment has found. ...more
 
40-year study suggests extreme droughts will become more frequent and severe 21/1/2025
Increasingly common since 1980, persistent multi-year droughts will continue to advance with the warming climate, warns a study from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL), with Professor Francesca Pellicciotti from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) participating. ...more
 
Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi Issues a New Soil Quality Regulation in The Emirate 20/1/2025
The Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the issuance of a new soil quality regulation in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The edict was created to ensure sustainable soil management and to preserve the soil’s basic functions and vital services as well as meet the requirements of current and future uses. The regulation also aims to reduce the damage caused by soil pollution. ...more
 
Planet-warming gas levels rose more than ever in 2024 20/1/2025
Levels of the most significant planet-warming gas in our atmosphere rose more quickly than ever previously recorded last year, scientists say, leaving a key global climate target hanging by a thread. ...more
 
Federal Reserve withdraws from global regulatory climate change group 20/1/2025
The U.S. Federal Reserve announced on Friday it had withdrawn from a global body of central banks and regulators devoted to exploring ways to police climate risk in the financial system. ...more
 
Portugal keen to create offshore wind cluster, could reach 10 gigawatts 20/1/2025
Portugal's government said on Friday it was keen to create a cluster of wind farms off its Atlantic Ocean coast that could eventually reach a total capacity of around 10 gigawatts (GW). ...more
 
Indonesia plans to offer carbon credit certificates to foreign buyers next week 20/1/2025
Indonesia plans to start offering carbon credit certificates to international buyers next week, the country's carbon exchange said, to raise funds to help efforts to achieve its carbon neutrality target. ...more
 
Global economy could face 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090 from climate shocks, say actuaries 17/1/2025
The global economy could face 50% loss in gross domestic product (GDP) between 2070 and 2090 from the catastrophic shocks of climate change unless immediate action by political leaders is taken to decarbonise and restore nature, according to a new report. ...more
 
EU auditors warn cities unlikely to meet tougher air, noise pollution targets 17/1/2025
European Union cities are unlikely to meet stricter air quality and noise pollution targets in the coming years, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) said on Wednesday, warning that both issues remain significant health threats. ...more
 
Climate ‘whiplash’ events increasing exponentially around world 17/1/2025
Climate “whiplash” between extremely wet and dry conditions, which spurred catastrophic fires in Los Angeles, is increasing exponentially around the world because of global heating, analysis has found. ...more
 
EU not ready to enforce pollution rules, airlines say 17/1/2025
Airlines have warned the European Union they cannot yet comply with pollution rules that came into force this month, because the EU has not yet launched its promised system to administer them, a document seen by Reuters showed. ...more
 
AI's Impact on the Environment, Explained 17/1/2025
Claims about AI's environmental cost circulated following the Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025. ...more
 
The future of business is green: Trends to grow in 2025 17/1/2025
The business landscape in 2025 is set to be shaped by rapid technological advances, heightened consumer awareness, and a growing demand for sustainability. Hostinger’s latest insights reveal that embracing environmentally friendly practices is no longer just a moral imperative—it’s becoming a critical strategy for success in the modern business world. ...more
 
UAE’s first ‘round the clock’ facility to produce 1GW clean energy 16/1/2025
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) on Tuesday announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ gigascale project, combining solar power and battery storage in Abu Dhabi. ...more
 
World’s record heat is worsening air pollution and health in Global South 16/1/2025
Humanity achieved a fateful milestone last year. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has officially declared 2024 the hottest year on record, and the first year in history with an average global temperature rising 1.5° Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial period — significantly increasing dangerous climate risks. ...more
 
Climate Investment Funds secures $500 million debut bond for clean energy transition 16/1/2025
The multilateral Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has issued a $500 million debut bond as part of a plan to diversify its funding sources and attract private sector investors to finance low carbon technologies in emerging markets, its CEO said on Tuesday. ...more
 
G20 financial stability watchdog urges broader adoption of climate transition plans 16/1/2025
There needs to be a broader and more standardised adoption of climate transition plans by firms, the G20's Financial Stability Board (FSB) said on Tuesday, for global authorities to better understand the risks facing the banking system. ...more
 
Impact Of Wind Energy On Climate, Recycling, And Jobs 16/1/2025
An international team of researchers has investigated the impact of wind energy on the environment, society, industry, and law. A total of 24 co-authors from scientific institutes in seven European countries were involved in the investigation, including a team from Jülich Systems Analysis. More than 400 individual studies were included in the analysis. The review paper was published in the renowned journal Joule and provides guidance for future studies and political decisions. ...more
 
Biden Trump-proofs $74bn in climate funding but $20bn remains vulnerable 15/1/2025
The Biden administration has raced to allocate $74bn of funding for climate initiatives before Donald Trump’s inauguration, leaving $20bn vulnerable to potential rollback by the incoming president, new figures reveal. ...more
 
Malaysia says EU deforestation law presents challenges, opportunities for palm industry 15/1/2025
The European Union's pending anti-deforestation law presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia's palm oil industry, Malaysia's deputy commodities minister told an industry conference on Tuesday. ...more
 
Canadian insured losses from 2024 weather events reach record C$8.5 billion 15/1/2025
Canada recorded insured losses of C$8.5 billion ($5.90 billion) in 2024, the largest annual sum ever recorded, following wildfires in Jasper, a hailstorm in Calgary and flooding in major cities, data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada released on Monday showed. ...more
 
Cost to clean up toxic PFAS pollution could top £1.6tn in UK and Europe 15/1/2025
The cost of cleaning up toxic forever chemical pollution could reach more than £1.6tn across the UK and Europe over a 20-year period, an annual bill of £84bn, research has found. ...more
 
CO2 from LA fires could make climate change even worse, experts warn 15/1/2025
The wildfires have the potential to create a 'vicious cycle' that exacerbates the impact of human-caused climate change. ...more
 
 
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