Bahrain faces challenge of meeting 2035 emissions goals

Despite its population of 1.7 million, Bahrain also has one of the world’s top 10 largest carbon footprints per capita, noted participants at a workshop. 

With much of Bahrain's population living on its coasts, the small island state is particularly vulnerable to sea level rises, which could have a devastating impact on its fisheries, biodiversity, and coral reefs, said speakers at the workshop organised by the British Council and the UK Alumni Network on, ‘Climate Change: Where do we go from here?’, which was supported by the British Embassy. 

“Following COP26, Bahrain pledged to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and reach zero net by 2060. Bahrain’s 2035 target also includes quadrupling the area of Bahrain's mangroves, doubling tree coverage, and investing in sustainable technologies. With an extensive list of plans, this discussion was a fantastic way for members of our UK Alumni network to learn and exchange information on where Bahrain stands now and where do we go from here,” said Richard Rooze, Country Director of the British Council in Bahrain.

Ali Yaqoob, one of the Network members who attended the event, commented saying: “Bahrain's initiatives toward net zero by 2060 are an impressive feat, especially when we see the projected targets to be reached by then. This is supported by the improvement in waste management research and energy recovery potentials. The mitigation strategies resulting from our impact on marine were also discussed in detail, and we were happy to learn about some initiatives supported by the full region.”

The event was attended by alumni members from entrepreneurs, corporate employees, fresh graduates and addressed the idea how climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions.

In the panel discussion, key speakers Alexander Al Samahiji, Dr Gulnur Coskuner, and Dr Brett Lyons spoke about where Bahrain stands now, and what innovative approaches people can take to help reach the 2035 targets. 

Moreover, the discussion shed light on the main challenges surrounding climate change in Bahrain, including Greenhouse emissions, and what individuals can do to be part of this change alongside national institutions.

This event was part of the Bahrain UK Alumni Network programme, established by British Council and supported by the FCDO and UK Embassy, which offers a variety of networking, professional development and other global, regional and local opportunities to all UK graduates residing in Bahrain. 

The British Council’s programmes for UK alumni help build long-lasting connections so that people are able to build on their international experience.-- TradeArabia News Service

Source: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MISC_393450.html