Stephanie Adams
The Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) held a conference where 350 members gathered together and discussed what they believe to be the four major environmental challenges of Arab nations. Lately Arab nations have seen a growth in the economy due to increased profits from oil and an increasing population. The AFED fears that a lack of focus on the environment during this growth will cause or increase serious environmental problems. The four major environmental problems that need attention according to the AFED include: fresh water scarcity, desertification, air and marine pollution.
The issue with water scarcity was is one that is expected to increase by 2025 and cause severe water stress. The water scarcity being caused by global warming, needs to be tackled by reducing water unnecessary water consumption.
Desertification has become a problem needing more attention and the AFED is concerned about the amounts of fertilizer and pesticides used. Arab countries use the highest amount of pesticides and fertilizer in the world and the AFED worries about health and food issues. Global warming is expected to cause a loss of Arab agricultural land.
Carbon dioxide emissions have increased in Arab countries and are causing an increase in air pollution. Air pollution leads to serious health and environmental problems that are expensive to fix. The marine environment has been threatened by oil spills, over fishing and pollution. These
The AFED discussed the importance of involvement from the government, private companies and environmental organizations. There is a need for funding and awareness to the general public on the environmental problems in Arab nations.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=97278
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