As part of its activities in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), TRENDS Research and Advisory released its new book entitled: “Climate Change and Transboundary Challenges in the Middle East and Africa: New Convergences in Discourse and Policy.” The Center organized a panel discussion on the book, where a group of experts, researchers and authors of the book chapters participated in the event.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, stressed that COP28 represents a historic moment for the future of the Earth planet. The climate conference constitutes an important opportunity to achieve real progress in the efforts to address the climate crisis, and we must seize this opportunity.
Dr. Al-Ali explained that in line with the global agenda of building a sustainable future, Trends Research and Advisory issues this new book as part of its Environment and Sustainable Development Research Program. He indicated that the book consists of thirteen chapters written by renowned experts in the fields of climate change, resource management and energy transition, to highlight the most pressing global climate challenges.
This in-depth research work has provided multiple perspectives on the political, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian dimensions of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Middle East and Africa. This region is most vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change. Recognizing the interrelation between climate, security, and humans, the book uses an interdisciplinary approach of analysis that includes economics, natural and social sciences to provide a comprehensive explanation of the challenges that we have to address collectively.
Challenges are transient and collective action is required
Mr. Nasser Al-Ali, master of the ceremony, welcomed the participants and the audience. He explained the importance of the book and its comprehensive approach. The first session dealt with societal aspects of climate change and conflict dynamics. The session was moderated by researcher Abdulrahman Al Jeneibi, who pointed out that the panel discusses perspectives and ideas shall hopefully lead to greater sustainability and harmony in the Middle East and Africa.
Francis Thomas Aubee, an economist from the Gambia, stressed that the transboundary challenges facing Africa are interrelated, as a result of common historical reasons. He explained that continent is hard-hit by climate change.
He said that the African continent is less responsible for emissions and climate change than all other continents, but it is nevertheless affected by climate change more than others.
“Africa was rich in many precious metals, but the trade in those resources was not universal, and the vulnerable majority did not benefit from them.” Said Dr. Aubee.
Sultan Majid Al Ali, Director of the Global Barometer Department at Trends, said that the book assumes great importance, as it addresses the issue of climate change in the Middle East and Africa.
He said that the book carries an urgent call for action to confront climate change in the Middle East and Africa. He said that the authors succeeded in shedding light on the environmental challenges faced by these two regions, noting that it highlighted the complex relationship between climate change and challenges that transcend geographical boundaries in the Middle East and Africa. He said that this aspect highlights the geo-economic impact of climate change and the need for sound financial strategies.
Sultan Al-Ali stated that the demand for natural resources has increased significantly over time. High rates of water use have also led to a decline in ground water and rivers’ levels, leading to major confrontations and conflicts between states. There was no equal distribution of water resources in Africa at the geographical and seasonal levels.
Dr. Muhammad Farid Azzi, a senior researcher at TRENDS, said that the Global Barometer Department at Trends Research and Advisory carried an opinion poll on the attitudes of the Arab public towards climate change, in which 2,500 individuals from five Arab countries participated. He explained that the results of the survey revealed that 75% of the Arab public are interested in the repercussions of climate change, while 70% are aware of the consequences of climate change, including the scarcity of rain and the rise in temperature levels. The survey showed that 43% of the public is actively working to address the effects of climate change and 71% of the respondents expected COP28 to be a positive event.
Geo-economic impact of climate change
The second session focused on the geo-economic impact of climate change and financing strategies. It was moderated by researcher Rahaf Al-Khazraji, a member of the Youth Council at Trends Research and Advisory.
Dr. Matthew Goodwin, an expert at the Tony Blair Institute, said the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative is a partnership between African countries, international institutions and private investors that aims to produce 300 gigawatts of renewables by 2030.
He explained that carbon pricing mechanisms are still at the early stages of implementation in the region, and each country must choose the best approach that fits its circumstances to enable equitable financing and investment among the countries of the region.
He called for the need to organize financing and investment initiatives in partnership with governments, private sector institutions and international organizations, and to facilitate the development of public-private partnerships to meet the identified needs.
Dr. Jacinta Desilva, Director of Research at SEE Sustainablity City Institute in Dubai, said that as a result of rapid urbanization, population growth and economic development, the world's waste will increase by 70% over the next 30 years, reaching 3.40 billion tonnes of waste per year.
She added that waste-to-energy technology can contribute to the implementation of climate change mitigation plans in many countries because it is an essential part of the solution.
She stressed that waste-to-energy technology plays a dual role in the context of mitigating the effects of climate change, as it helps on the one hand to reduce the amount of waste thrown into landfills, and on the other hand, the energy generated by these processes can be used instead of fossil fuels, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Emre Hatiboglu, Research Fellow at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), noted that the financial, technological and institutional strengths of the GCC countries qualify them to lead the Middle East and North Africa region in facing the political and economic challenges on the transition towards a low-carbon future and increased reliance on renewable energy.
He said that the GCC countries have benefited from fossil fuel revenues to develop advanced expertise in various sectors, including carbon capture technology, production of value-added products, such as urea and methanol. He said that the entry of GCC countries into the emerging hydrogen sector enables them to play a leading role in shaping the global energy environment. This technological leadership goes beyond the energy sector to include cutting-edge areas such as fintech, the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence and robotics.
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