Qatar: Odd place for climate change meeting
Interesting article in Forbes that questions Qatar's suitability for hosting the climate change meeting, given its poor environment record--amongst the worst in the world.'
Qatar: An Odd Place For Climate Talks?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/eco-nomics/2012/11/29/qatar-an-odd-place-for...
Some highlights
• The country is No. 1 worldwide in per capita emissions of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
• The average Qatari uses 2.5 times more energy than his or her counterpart in America, and 7.6 times more than a typical resident of China.
• Qatari citizens have little incentive to conserve energy, since the country provides them with free electricity (up to a certain point).
• Along with free electricity, Qatari citizens also receive free water — no small thing in a country that doesn’t have any rivers or lakes.
• Aside from tapping aquifers, Qatar relies on energy-intensive desalination plants for its freshwater, further driving up its electricity demand.
• Doha’s average summer high is 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and the winter high can approach 80. The city thus spends vast amounts of energy to air-condition its high-rise hotels, skyscrapers, stadiums and other buildings.
• In addition to its oil resources, Qatar also has more than 15 percent of Earth’s proven natural gas reserves, and its leaders are keen on exploiting “unconventional sources” such as shale gas.
• Like other developing countries, Qatar has no specific obligations to curb its carbon emissions. It also has yet to offer any voluntary emissions goals, and currently generates zero percent of its energy from renewable sources.
Terrible record, but maybe hosting the summit will inspire change???
If you look at the individual interests, holding such conferences in Qatar are win-win situations for all.
Since the expenses are borne by an affluent State, there is no burden to any individual. One of the political agenda of the State is to be more conspicious in the world politics and such conventions serve the purpose fully. Also, all ministers and decision makers in the kingdom, who advise the Emir on such issues may be owning hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. Delegates who attend these conventions certainly give business to these businessmen.
Since, the results and outcome of the conference is in no way connected to the venue of the meeting, I think one should not be surprised that a country like Qatar is holding the COP-18 conference.
In days of économic recession, only countries with deep pockets can foot the bill.
thanks for ur information, but this is a chance for participants to live off lavish expense accounts, and nothing will changes in the world
knights return - ahhhh - nope!!! Barzan surpass every "green" initiative put together
At least Qatari nationals would be a little more aware about the detrimental effects of emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere...so thinking positively, it is only going to be good for Qatar.
Recently, two new good things were in the news here, the CNG refuelling pilot station in new Industrial area and the other one being the new model farming technology in Mesaieed near Q-Chem as a step towards self sustenance. I guess, all these were planned to show to the world that Qatar was taking steps in the right direction.
This climate change conference seems to have done quite a lot since arriving in Qatar. Weather's got a lot colder, so that global warming problem has been fixed, and even had a rain shower last night! Well done!
Well, keep in mind, Arab hospitality is legendary!
i'm not surprised with the qatari lifestyle at all but the participants' are pretty surprising.
for people who are 'activists' for the environment, they don't mind living in luxury at all. just checking out the hotel rates in qatar during the conference says a lot.
This is a chance for participants to live off lavish expense accounts, exchange chit chat, and nothing will change in the world, let alone Qatar.
Hosting the summit will inspire change? Are you nuts. Do you think the Qataris will give up their 10 cars and huge villas, free electricity and water? No, didn't think so either. For them climate change is someone else's problem.
I'd say the participants are not particularly adverse to a bit of lavish luxury for a little while ;)
Plus the weather is quite agreeable at this time of year.