Like other countries in the Gulf region, Qatar is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The new Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has been created to solely address matters of environmental concern and ensure that sustainable and climate-conscious practices are adopted in all sectors of business and society. In September 2021, Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Plan, a strategic framework reflecting Qatar’s long-term sustainability ambitions and the urgent need to respond effectively to the climate crisis. An integral part of Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the plan sets out Qatar’s commitment to tackle climate change by diversifying the economy, building capabilities, and optimising the use of natural resources. It establishes national climate targets to enhance climate resilience through more than 35 measures and over 300 adaptation initiatives focused on mitigation.
Commitment to the environment Research: There is a crucial role being played in assessing potential environmental risks and identifying solutions at hubs such as Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI). Sustainable cities: Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) are both smart and sustainable cities, combining eco-friendly technology with optimised urban planning and the highest environmental standards. MDD is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, designed to limit car use to mitigate carbon emissions using such transportation methods as the tram shown below. The projects aims to reduce water usage by up to 30%, and increase energy efficiency through more than 5,200 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Meanwhile, Lusail City has state-of-the-art district cooling to save 65 mn tons of CO2 a year. There
is a tram network, park and ride system, and cycle and pedestrian paths for eco-friendly transportation solutions. The Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) generally oversees construction, advocating the use of environmentally sustainable practices in the design and development of infrastructure. The non-profit organisation, part of Qatar Foundation, has three main pillars: Technical Expertise Development, Research and Innovation, and Sustainability Education and Training. QGBC offers its support to professionals in the industry, and hosts an annual Qatar Sustainability Week, engaging with the public to raise awareness. Green transport: The Doha Metro has revolutionised public transport, allowing commuters to access key locations quickly and sustainably. National airline Qatar Airways is working with the aviation industry towards environmental goals and is certified under IATA’s Environmental Assessment programme, a framework for delivering continual improvement of environmental performance. Clean energy: Qatar is a leading exporter of LNG, one of the cleanest fuels in the world, to meet energy needs around the world and reduce carbon emissions from other fossil fuels. The state-owned energy company Qatar Petroleum (QP) rebranded as QatarEnergy (QE) in October 2021 with a new slogan: 'Your Energy Transition Partner'. Speaking at the announcement, HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO and President of QE stated 'Natural gas is our core business, and we are conducting that in the most responsible way. Natural gas is also part of the solution in the ongoing energy transition and that it will be a requirement for sustaining the development of the world for at least a few decades. 'Becoming QatarEnergy reflects our understanding of the global changes and our response to the need to protect our planet and the environment. Not only
Msheireb Downtown Doha tram LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©
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