In your opinion, what is the most crucial environmental issue that Qatar facing today?

ik-samir
By ik-samir
By anonymous• 22 Oct 2011 04:54
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

electric cars should be introduced and encouraged as a replacement to those gas guzzlers

By stevemiddie• 22 Oct 2011 01:37
Rating: 4/5
stevemiddie

There is a definite lack of Shopping Malls.

We need more and bigger ones.

:)

By anonymous• 22 Oct 2011 00:11
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

The biggest environmental issue in Qatar is the lack of a general understanding that there are severe environmental issues here in Qatar and that people are personally responsible for their actions in regard to the environment.

If this is changed then the most severe issues would be addressed, until then there will be a continuing uphill battle.

Some of the biggest environmental issues here are (not in any particular order).

1. A willingness in the general population to do anything about it.

2. Over extraction and consequent depletion and contamination of the fresh water in the ground.

3. Waste in the environment, both from individuals, companies and municipalities. Examples range from plastic bags to a huge car dump South of Wakra.

4. Construction standards for energy efficiency and waste. Most existing building stock is incredibly inefficient in energy terms (wall insulation, shading of windows etc). This isn't helped by the zero cost utility bills to locals as it removes any incentive to economise. All buildings should be surveyed and owners of substandard properties required to address shortcomings (that won't go down well with the landlords who are used to not maintaining their properties).

Qatar has abundant energy and financial resources. Having a contaminated and degraded environment is a matter of choice not a necessity. The only way this will change is a combination of enforcement of existing rules and education.

Andy

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