Kuwait, 27 May 2010

The Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) presented the results of its report on the impact of climate change on Arab countries,  during a gala dinner held at the Salwa Al-Sabah Hall in Kuwait, under the Patronage of Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and President of the Supreme Council for Environment. The event, hosted by AFED's corporate member Kharafi National, was attended by many government officials, business leaders, academics and media, at the invitation of AFED's Executive Committee President, Dr. Abdelrahman Al-Awadi.

The report, which was presented by AFED's Secretary General Najib Saab, warned that an already critical situation of water scarcity in the Arab world will reach severe levels before 2025. A sea level rise of only one meter would directly impact 41,500 square kilometers of Arab coastlands and 3.2% of the population of Arab countries, compared to a global percentage of about 1.28%. Human health will be adversely affected by higher temperatures, incidence of infectious diseases like malaria and schistosomiasis will increase, along with fiercer and more frequent sand storms, which will increase allergic reactions and pulmonary diseases all over the region, especially in the Gulf countries. Harsher and expanding aridity and alteration in the span of seasons may cut agricultural yields in half unless crops are developed that need less water and can withstand higher levels of salinity. Saab noted that the low Nile Delta and artificial islands built in some Arab countries will be among the first to be swallowed by the rising sea level due to their small size and low elevation.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ahmad Al-Haroun, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said that as the main cause of climate change has been attributed to greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, concerted efforts should be immediately made to curb harmful emissions, primarily by developing cleaner methods of energy production and use, and investing in renewable energy.  He called upon the private sector to contribute by adopting cleaner production technologies and re-directing towards green economy and sustainable development agendas.

Abdelrahman Al-Awadi stressed the importance of treating climate change challenges very seriously, noting that AFED is "Actively participating in the ongoing efforts to face the catastrophic ramifications of environmental deterioration in the Arab region and should be supported to realize its goals." Highlighting the role of oil-producing countries to be part of the solution, he called upon them to diversify their economies and embark on serious research and development programs which enable them to be active in a low-carbon future.

Kharafi National's Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Samer Younis, stressed the active role that should be played by the private sector in facing environmental problems. He also reaffirmed Kharafi National's commitment to AFED's goals and to all efforts that contribute to enhancing the environment in Kuwait and the Arab world.

Saab presented AFED's major programmes, among which is the annual state of the environment report, the 2010 edition of which will be entitled "Water: Sustainable Management of a Scarce Resource", which will be discussed during AFED's upcoming annual conference in Beirut on 4-5 November 2010.

AFED's programmes also include the "Arab Green Economy Initiative", designed to help companies to go through a smooth path to sustainable production patterns, while also helping governments develop appropriate policies that support the transition from a virtual economy based on financial and real estate speculation, to a green economy based on production and investment in actual assets, in a manner that ensures sustainable management of resources and creates job opportunities.

Among other AFED activities presented were: environmental education and awareness programmes, including periodical environment news pages which are published in 16 Arab newspapers, environment media workshops and the production of documentaries aired on Arab networks. AFED also organizes environmental school activities, and manages a capacity building programme.