Abu Dhabi

Source: Mufakiru Alemarat

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri

As the world grapples with climate change; As one of the most important environmental issues at the national and global levels, scientists shed their light on industrial activities around the world. It is one of the main sectors contributing to carbon dioxide emissions. This made many developing countries under international pressure to assume greater responsibility in this context, especially with the spread of global emissions reports and the expansion of their monitoring networks.

The remarkable rise in the economic activities of Arab countries led to parallel increases in carbon emissions, with an increase of 192% in the past three decades. These indicators confirm the urgent need to review current energy policies, shift to sustainable practices, and be alert to global policies that may impose harmonization and compliance with the limits agreed upon in international agreements. Or facing taxes and even penalties, as many advocate.

The complex relationship between industrial activity and carbon emissions

The share of Arab countries in fossil carbon dioxide in 2021 amounted to more than two billion tons, which constitutes 5.45% of total global emissions, according to European Union statistics. What is striking here is the huge rise in the volume of emissions, which stood at 0.7 billion tons in 1990.

What interests us is the interaction between industrial growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, at the sectoral and national levels. This is a very complex matter, and requires a deeper understanding of the dynamics of this relationship in order to design effective and sustainable policies.

It will not be easy for Arab countries, with their diverse economic structures and energy production and consumption systems that tend to be unsustainable, to adopt action plans that guarantee targeted results. The task is complicated by many interlocking factors, which are all due to the great dependence of Arab economies on fossil fuels, and the current infrastructure designed to suit the uses of oil and oil derivatives, in addition to the expected resistance from the public. To bring about the real change in lifestyles needed to meaningfully reduce emissions. These complications come in parallel with the cost required by the transition to any more sustainable pattern in the field of energy, which is a cost that Arab budgets cannot bear, especially in light of the state of inflation and successive economic crises.

The political landscape is often controversial when dealing with environmental policies. This makes it more difficult to implement the required environmental measures in reality.

A game changer with renewable energy

It has become evident that the imminent dangers of climate change require pragmatic shifts in strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and chart the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future. For Arab countries, the transition to renewable energy sources is no longer only an environmental necessity, but rather a strategic opportunity and an important driver for creating job opportunities and new markets, especially opportunities for exporting clean energy, in addition to the potential for them to emerge as pioneering countries in the field of sustainability, and to enhance their reputation and international influence.

So; Arab governments and companies operating in the region need to give priority to reducing their carbon footprint by investing in rationalizing and improving energy efficiency across sectors, moving to renewable energy sources, encouraging environmentally friendly production systems, and developing green financing tools. to catalyze the required transformation at the national level; In addition to community education and awareness campaigns.

The role of policies in stimulating the green transition

To achieve the desired aspirations, national policies must play a decisive role in pushing for the adoption of renewable energy options, which will thus serve the economic and environmental interests of Arab countries. The focal point here is the importance of taking into account the fact that higher income levels tend to be associated with increased environmental awareness, and technological advancement; This requires policy makers to prioritize environmentally friendly initiatives, such as smart city projects, that can reduce carbon emissions and enhance the quality of life of citizens.

Setting ambitious zero emissions targets

Addressing climate change requires, in addition to public policies, the adoption of ambitious goals to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions to zero. As long as gas export rates exceed emissions of natural carbon sinks, such as forests and grasslands; The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will continue to rise. Hence, the Arab countries have no choice but to commit to planning for a future free of emissions, otherwise they will have to face the inevitable dangers to their economies, global trade, development projects, and the health of their populations.

The planning process for climate action must include determining the true cost of carbon emissions; Developing financial policies that encourage a low-carbon economy, such as green financing tools (loans, bonds, or grants aimed at financing sustainable projects and innovations).

Clean electricity as a beacon for a sustainable future

Electricity production, which contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions, is a major area of ​​focus. Arab countries can take advantage of renewable energy sources to generate clean electricity, and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The use of modern energy-saving technologies in industries can also lead to increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions. In addition, shifting consumer demand for low-carbon food and other products can contribute to climate change mitigation.

This increases the importance of government support for solar, wind and hydro energy technologies that do not deplete natural resources and have little, if not positive, impact on the environment. Besides encouraging industries to adopt green manufacturing processes that are efficient and generate minimal waste.

We can say that investing in clean electricity is a crucial and proven strategy to tackle climate change and improve air quality.

Green regional policies

The world, environmentally, is more like what it is today than a single village that is not separated by borders; Winds, hurricanes, and rain move with what they carry from one country to another, and affect each other, whether by a rise in temperatures, or a significant decrease, and may lead to the occurrence of natural disasters, such as floods and torrential rains. That is why the subject has acquired overlapping rights between countries due to the non-independence of environmental performance, whether it is good or bad.

In the context of discussions of solutions, the formation of an Arab organization or bloc emerges to unify policies and positions in international forums. Most of what the Arab and African regions suffer from environmental pollution and the misfortunes of changing carbon levels, but it is due, for the most part, to the outside, especially over the past century; As a result of the industrial renaissance that spread in many industrially developed countries of the world. In order to achieve a balance between rights and duties; Those countries, which achieved their industrial superiority during the previous stage, must assume their moral responsibilities in assisting developing countries in mitigation and adaptation efforts. This in itself highlights the importance of uniting Arab positions.

It has also become necessary to give preference to collective mental logic in understanding events and coordinating Arab positions, instead of relying entirely on international positions. The return of many European countries to burning coal and wood last winter to obtain energy as an alternative solution to the Russian gas crisis; It had a significant impact on the planet’s average temperature this summer. Once again, the interest of Arab countries in rationalizing these behaviors becomes clear. And refer to it boldly instead of placing the blame on those countries that are actually causing environmental crises.

Sustainable development from a long-term perspective

In the end, there is no doubt that the journey to reduce carbon emissions requires a long-term perspective and international cooperation from all parties. However, responsibility should not be distributed equally among all countries. The controversial issue will remain in our minds regarding the political dimensions of the climate issue. As a means of controlling or slowing down economic progress in developing countries.

In any case, policy makers in the Arab region need to prioritize long-term sustainable development, move beyond quick options and inexpensive solutions, and commit to the required structural and regulatory changes. National plans must take into account setting smart goals, motivating operational tactics, and criteria for monitoring progress in the journey of sustainable, low-carbon development.

The task is urgent, the challenges are great, and the decisions that governments will take today will determine the long-term effects on their economic and environmental futures.