Sustainable development is one of the key pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims at judicious use of natural resources and environment safeguards even as the country progresses towards desirable global standards.
Many initiatives towards this have been undertaken by the government and implemented by various ministries and departments with the support of companies, both in the public and private sector, and other organisations.
One such recent initiative was the “Qatar Petroleum Environment Fair”, in which companies from the country’s oil and gas sector actively participated.
Held under the theme “Clean energy for a sustainable world”, the fair highlighted the need to preserve precious natural resources and safeguard environment for posterity.
Many programmes were held during the three-day fair, further raising the environmental awareness of people living in Qatar.
At the fair, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada emphasised on the need for such initiatives that would make a positive difference in the efforts towards achieving sustainable development.
By hosting the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Doha (COP18/CMP8), late last year, Qatar reiterated its commitment to QNV 2030 by providing clear principles for developing the country in an environmentally friendly way.
Qatar’s permanent constitution already makes this commitment, stating that “the state shall preserve the environment and its natural balance in order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for all generations.”
Qatar’s leadership has made it clear time and again that it is the country’s goal to transform it from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based one.
On a global scale, Qatar’s total carbon dioxide emissions are relatively modest; though its level of emissions is increasing as the country continues to develop.
Many experts often speak about the country having one the highest per-capita emissions in the world. Yet, this metric is misleading because it uses production-based emissions accounting. That is, according to a note at the COP18/CMP8, emissions associated with fossil fuels produced in but largely exported from Qatar are assigned to the state, rather than to the countries importing and using the products.
Qatar is determined to promote and safeguard the environment by tackling greenhouse gas emissions. This is by limiting emissions through a reduction in gas flaring, promoting carbon capture and storage, innovating and deploying renewable energy for desalination, electricity production and domestic use.
Residents have a crucial role in achieving Qatar’s goals on sustainable development. For, environment protection is the responsibility of one and all. Every unit of electricity and each drop of water conserved are precious savings indeed!
Let all of us here in Qatar lead by example for others to follow.
