Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a member of Qatar Foundation, in collaboration with policy consulting firm Global Counsel, launched the Circular Economy and Energy Transition in Qatar reports, during an event on 22 May, attended by HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali Al-Thani.
Bringing together new and pre-existing national and international research to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a new pathway to a circular economy, key findings show it can be achieved across several sectors in the country. The reports aims to help businesses and organizations accelerate their journey towards circularity by proposing greater collaboration, encouraging innovative sustainable technologies, and promoting behaviour change.
Focusing on three priority sectors-food and domestic waste, hospitality, and the built environment-the reports present evidence to support the transition to a circular economy a system-level framework that promotes economic growth, enabled by efficient use of resources throughout their lifecycle.
On the importance of establishing a circular economy in Qatar, HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who spoke at the event, said: "Qatar National Vision 2030 sets out our country's ambition to transform the economy so that it can sustain its own development and provide a high standard of living for citizens and residents for generations to come. One of the leading priorities of QNV is economic diversification moving the country away from its dependence on oil and gas. However, it is imperative that we do this in a sustainable way, which protects and enhances our environment. Striving to create a circular economy is an important step in this process." Reflecting on the reports, and how the findings will help contribute to the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Earthna's Executive Director said: "We are delighted that the reports identify opportunities for Qatar to drive economic growth in a sustainable way, by supporting the journey towards a circular economy across industries in Qatar.
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, Managing Director at Global Counsel, added: "Qatar's sustainable development, in both senses of the word, depends on its ability to progressively drive growth away from its carbon sectors while also striving to achieve it in a sustainable manner. The Circular Economy reports make the case that there are not only economic opportunities to be gained from the transition but also advantages for the environment and future generations. Global Counsel is proud to have collaborated with Earthna on these reports to support progress on addressing climate change, preserving Qatar's ecosystems and biodiversity, and recommending policies that can act as a guide for other similar countries in the region." Earthna is a non-profit policy research and advocacy center established under Qatar Foundation (QF) to inform and influence national and global sustainability policy.
Bridging technical and research expertise with policy advice and advocacy, Earthna will convene a wide community of technical and research experts, government, policy and decision makers, businesses, multilateral institutions, and civil society to generate a more sustainable future.
Earthna runs multidisciplinary programming with a focus on the fields of hot and arid climates, sustainable cities, and sustainable energy, as well as the potential of QF's Education City as a testbed for sustainable technologies and practices.
Earthna is focused on developing tools, solutions, and policies to improve people's lives within a thriving natural environment. Working together with our community to co-create and design solutions that utilize our resources and understand our local culture and needs. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency