Countries in the Middle East, North Africa and the Levant region are all going through a sea change with public uprisings, political disturbance and economic slowdown. The region also continues to play a huge role in the climate change phenomenon with its ecological footprint. These conditions call for a holistic approach by regional businesses, in the way of adapting to the local socio-political climate as well as positively contributing to low environmental impact according to Habiba Al Marashi.
“From unrest in the environment to unrest in politics, 2011 has seen it all. The activities in our neighboring countries have not only taken the lives of innocent people, but has left the future of many nations hanging in the balance as solutions are sought to address core societal issues, “says Habiba and adds, “These incidents have also contributed to higher oil prices and added instability to energy markets as supply disruptions and fears to the major exporters have pushed prices up.”
Energy security
Although vastly different in their origins and impacts, the Japanese nuclear disaster and the Middle East unrest have both attracted significant attention to the topic of global energy security according to Habiba.
“Even though it is predicted that oil and gas supplies will last for several more years, we can never be sure of what human or natural induced factors may hinder supplies or push prices beyond what economies can afford. Similarly, the Japanese occurrence with the nuclear reactors prove that no matter how secure and safe we think nuclear power is, mother nature should never be underestimated…the consequences of nuclear disasters are too costly to all forms of life,” Hahabi stresses.
Sustainable fuel solutions
She continues, “We must therefore secure our future by fortifying clean and efficient energy supplies that will fuel life, not hinder it or place it at risk if disaster strikes. If the world ever needed motivation to invest in and revolutionize solar, wind and wave energy, 2011 has to be the year for this.
“With climate change and increasing CO2 levels, the need for sustainable fuel solutions has never been so pressing. Now is the time to keep our spirits high, beliefs strong and motivation unbroken. A sustainable tomorrow is possible and change is occurring. We just need to make sure it is the right direction and that the momentum does not dwindle,” adds an enthusiastic Habiba.
As chairperson of the EEG, Habiba encourages sustainable practices wherever possible and is a respected voice on environmental and corporate social responsibility issues in the Middle East. Based in Dubai, she explains the background of the EEG. “In a rapidly developing United Arab Emirates, in the early 1990s, the environment was not a priority in any sector. The EEG was established because we 12 co-founders realized that our environment and the country’s natural resources needed sustainable management and protection before they were damaged irreversibly.”
She continues, “The basis of our work is a devotion to protecting the environment through three important channels: education, action programmes and community involvement. We had to begin small and build trust and networks across the UAE and the Middle East. Members of the EEG grew steadily year to year, and the more stable we became the larger we grew.”
Major milestones
The UAE has come on “leaps and bounds in terms of environmental achievements” points out Habiba and refers to the development of the Dubai Metro that has helped to connect the city and reduce the carbon footprint of the UAE. “For most of us, having the metro system in an extra way to get around a city traditionally difficult to navigate. But the impact of the Middle East’s first rail system is bolstering the campaign to transform the emirate into a more environmentally-friendly place to live,” says Habiba.
Masdar City is another major milestone, which has helped put the UAE on the global map for sustainable engineering and innovative thinking says Habiba. “In spite of the UAE’s rich hydrocarbons reserves, its leadership has set the course for sustainable development and established Masdar as a strategic initiative to develop and implement renewable energy solutions and clean technology to ensure that the UAE has fuel to meet its growing energy demand,” she says.
Established in 2006, Masdar is a growing global hub for clean tech companies and works across the renewable energy value chain; covering education, research and development, investments, implementation of renewable energy projects, and reducing carbon emissions. “Through its work, Masdar is empowering people with information and tools necessary to further the renewable industry in the UAE,” she adds.
Public support
Habiba firmly believes that the public as an important role to play in contributing to sustainable development. “In the beginning we had the rather challenging job of introducing concepts such as recycling to a society that hadn’t previously seen the need to do such things. Over time, more and more people became engaged and showed support for our campaigns. For us, recycling schemes are the first step one can take to contributing to sustainable development because recycling saves resources and energy, and feeds positively back into the energy cycle.
“The wealth that results from one sustainable action really does have profound effects for the future state of the planet,” emphasizes Habiba and adds, “Energy security is just one aspect we need to work towards, but there are a plethora of global challenges that need to be solved in order for global prosperity to prevail. This will require everybody to pitch in and contribute.”