Mohammed Rashid Al-Sulaiti
An inclusive summary what this October has witnessed between global and local events: Are we on date with a real green change?
As the time for the Climate Change conference approaches, the urgency of reaching to a convergent consciousness became more important than ever. From Incheon, Republic of Korea, to the whole world, this month has witnessed the launch of the 6th report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which caused a media stir. The announcement of the 6th report comes in conjunction with Climate Change conference in Poland next December.
In December 2015, when the historical Paris agreement was signed, there was an overwhelming delight that countries had agreed and reached to long term-goal whereas global temperature should be kept “well below two degrees C above pre-industrial levels and to purse efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees C”. By then, many were asking what is the next step to consolidate Paris Agreement? Well, here is the answer, an answer out of many, to examine the potential challenges and impacts of keeping temperature below 1.5 C, the UN asked the IPCC to deliver a special report in this regard. This report was being produced for governments to address Climate Change challenge.
Firstly, IPCC has been in existence for 30 years, and the IPCC team specializes in producing detailed assessments of the state of the climate every 6-7 years cycle. Many may ask why this report particularly important. Now, the main concern in Climate Change is how governments can develop their economies in the face of rising temperature over the coming years. Thus, such reports are considerably important to draw a new economic map comply with Climate Change standards. Arguably, a reference point to negotiate between politicians and scientists.
Generally, the tone of 6th report has changed this time where there is a solid recommendation lies on the difference of half degree could play important role in marine environment. The report has also suggested there is a good chance to prevent corals reef from being completely eradicated and ease pressure on the Arctic, according to the 1.5 C study, which was launched after approval at a final plenary of all 195 countries.
The authors of the landmark report released this October by IPCC make it clear that the Climate Change is already happening and affecting many regions, developed its risk warning from previous speculations, and warned that even a half degree can make a difference. Climate scientists who reviewed the 6,000 works referenced in the report, said the change caused by just a half degree came a revolution. Citing from The Guardian – “ We can see there is a difference and it’s substantial,” Roberts said.
From Incheon to Doha, this month is also witnessed the Sustainability Summit under the patronage of HH Shiekh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani the prime minister. It seems to me the agenda of Sustainability Summit was arranged thoughtfully and according to the 6th assessment report of IPCC. Not to mention there was many of good news were shared which gave a kind of optimism to everyone. For me, the importance to highlight upcoming strategies creates enthusiasm, many people in this country wish to a see real low carbon economy. This kind of promising economy embodies challenges in the industrial and energy field. You see all those people try to launch what I will call green-optimistic strategies to comply with global initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By summarizing the sustainability summit in few lines, the 5th edition of Sustainability Summit was being organized by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) in cooperation with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. The Summit poses an important platform bringing experts in sustainability locally and globally, as well as speakers from international organizations and research institutions, such dialogues credited to our national contributions toward combating GHG emissions.
Once again, this October has seen another green chapter, under the patronage of H E Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, Qatar Green Building Conference “2018 – The Impact” is Qatar Green Building Council’s (QGBC) 4th annual conference, has taken place on 28-30 October at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Qatar Sustainability Week, an initiative of the Qatar Green Building council aims to further engage the community in a wide range of sustainability activities.
QGBC aims to support the overall health and sustainability of the environment, the people and economic security in Qatar for the next generations. The conference this year has highlighted and focused in three pillars including: Future Sustainable Cities, Green Business is Good Business and Sustainability as Life style.
To conclude, this October has to be pinned and remembered as it has shown how cities around the world committed to build green future. In Incheon, the IPCC 6th report was launched. In Doha, two important conferences have brought leading experts from all over the world. In Katowice, preparations are under way to host COP 24. Dear reader, what the world witnessing is unprecedented activity, as a part of government commitments, a green revolution is being started in many cities to enhance this planet and minimize any consequences with least loses.
The writer is Environmental Scientist graduated from the University of Nottingham.
