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Selected Editorials
Neither the End of Pandemics nor the Last of Wars
Najib Saab
May 2023

The world has faced massive crises in the last few years, starting with the Corona pandemic, which the World Health Organization declared weeks ago no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Collaboration in the Shadow of Conflicts
Najib Saab
May 2023

The need for Arab cooperation in times of war and peace was behind the establishment of the League of Arab States in 1945, preceding the European Union and most other regional groups in the world by decades.
Changing Lifestyle to Preserve Life
Najib Saab
April 2023

The solution to addressing the problem of depletion and exhausting natural resources has traditionally been to search for new resources, by adopting innovative technological methods.
E-Fuels for German Racing Highways
Najib Saab
April 2023

The German car industry succeeded in amending the European Union's plan to ban the sale of cars running on internal combustion engines by 2035.
A Ministry is not an NGO
Najib Saab
April 2023

An environment minister once told me: "We are the Ministry of Environment, so we don't deal in politics."
Climate and the Culture of Fear
Najib Saab
March 2023

The report issued a few days ago by the international scientific body advising the United Nations on climate change brought nothing new, except for confirming what has been known for years: that the climate is changing faster than expected, and the impact will be multiplied should there be no prompt practical plan.
Laws that regulate not obstruct
Najib Saab
March 2023

Protecting the environment begins with the rational management of natural resources.
Oil for Climate Action
Najib Saab
February 2023

The appointment of Sultan Al Jaber to lead the 28th climate summit this year unleashed criticism of some Western media, especially in Britain, and fueled skepticism among environmental activists.
Reforming Regimes Must Precede Greening
Najib Saab
February 2023

A recent international report placed Lebanon among top countries that have made progress in switching to solar energy to produce electricity, by increasing capacity exponentially within three years.
Organization of Nickel Exporting Countries?
Najib Saab
January 2023

The Future Minerals Forum, recently held in Riyadh, carries important connotations in a capital that usually hosts energy conferences, as the largest oil exporting country in the world.
Wasting Environment and Development Aid Continues
Najib Saab
January 2023

A former senior official at an international organization reminded me, when we met recently, of an article I wrote in 2000, entitled 'EU Follows UN in Wasting Development Aid.'
A Year of Environmental Hopes and Disappointments
Najib Saab
December 2022

Environmental action in 2022 culminated in an image of the self-congratulatory applause of heads of delegations and international organizations, on what they called a "historic deal", at the conclusion of the 15th meeting of the biodiversity convention (COP 15) held in Montreal.
COPs From Trivial to Essential
Najib Saab
December 2022

As soon as the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) concluded, preparations for future climate summits were underway, as if the matter was a mere accumulation of conferences.
Climate, a Step Forward
Najib Saab
December 2022

Now that the dust of the climate battles in Sharm El-Sheikh has settled, it is time for a levelheaded assessment that helps draw lessons and morals.
Did the Climate Summit Succeed?
Najib Saab
November 2022

By the time the climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh concludes, the outcomes will be classified under metaphors, ranging from failure and weakness to glorious victory.
Summit of Implementation or Postponement?
Najib Saab
November 2022

After long rounds of negotiations following the Climate Summit in Glasgow last year, world leaders will meet tomorrow in Sharm El-Sheikh at the 27th summit (COP27).
Between Nuclear Power and Hydrogen
Najib Saab
October 2022

The quest to meet national commitments to reduce carbon emissions, and the instability facing energy markets, have brought the option of nuclear energy back in circulation, as it is carbon-free and can produce uninterrupted electricity.
Who Will Foot the Bill in Sharm El-Sheikh?
Najib Saab
October 2022

The world meets at the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Summit in less than a month, overwhelmed by worries and conflicting concerns.
Yemen Tanker Joins Climate on the Brink of Disaster
Najib Saab
September 2022

The persistent delay in addressing the issue of the aging supertanker Safer, used as a floating storage and offloading vessel, which threatens unprecedented pollution in the Red Sea region, proves that the world often does not learn from past experience.
Message from the "Old Continent"
Najib Saab
September 2022

Some Arab politicians and journalists have been frequently using the term "old continent" recently, often in the context of mocking Europe's current troubles.
From Disaster Management to Resource Management
Najib Saab
August 2022

The phrase "unprecedented" has become a common description in the past years, in media reports about natural disasters such as forest fires, droughts and floods.
Environment Criminal Court
Najib Saab
August 2022

Should demanding the establishment of an Environmental Criminal Court be considered a step too far, then it might be necessary to review this stance based on the facts, which prove that environmental crimes are expanding more rapidly than other types of organized crimes, and are generating profits of over 300 billion dollars annually.
Wildfires and Conspiracy Theories
Najib Saab
July 2022

Some extreme skeptics of environmental devastation and climate change have developed a hobby of seizing opportunities to interpret reports and events to suit their own distorted illusions.
Climate Driven by War
Najib Saab
July 2022

The war in Ukraine revealed the sensitivity of climate agreements to wars and major geopolitical developments, especially if they affect food and energy supplies and plunge the global economy into recession.
Compromises Make Agreements
Najib Saab
July 2022

As in politics and economics, so in environment and climate; it is compromises that allow for reaching major agreements, where facts are intertwined, interests are diverged and options are conflicting.
Desertification cannot wait for climate
Najib Saab
June 2022

The fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, garnered little publicity.
Which Price Levels Good for Climate and OPEC?
Najib Saab
June 2022

Despite the frenzied talk about the huge rise in oil prices, what the market is witnessing is not a novelty, as prices have reached higher levels in the past, based on political, military and economic developments.
Environmental Dialogue Above Lac Leman
Najib Saab
May 2022

Discussions with representatives of countries and international organizations at Palais des Nations (Palace of Nations) in Geneva reveal divergences, almost to the point of contradiction, on issues related to environment and development.
Managing the Lifecycle of Plastics
Najib Saab
May 2022

The coronavirus outbreak brought back the plastic waste dilemma to the forefront.
UAE's Environmental Centennial
Najib Saab
April 2022

Abu Dhabi recently pledged Environmental targets for the coming fifty years, in conjunction with the UAE Centennial in 2071, which was announced earlier to mark the creation of the state.
Time for Climate Engineering
Najib Saab
April 2022

While talk of reducing carbon emissions responsible for climate change continues as if it were a problem for the future, scientists are working to devise solutions for current environmental challenges.
The polluter pays: Noble principle, but weakly implemented
Najib Saab
March 2022

The "polluter pays" principle has been associated with the environmental movement since its inception, although its interpretation and mode of application remain ambiguous.
Environment Stumbling Between Pandemic and Invasion
Najib Saab
March 2022

The corona pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine are two overwhelming events that will mark the twenty-first century with their impacts and repercussions.
The Environment We Want
Najib Saab
March 2022

What environment do we want and what organization can lead international environmental action?
Will Australia Export Hydrogen and Import Carbon?
Najib Saab
February 2022

The first shipment of liquefied hydrogen, which recently left Australia for Japan, heralded a new era in energy technology and trade.
Beyond Climate in 2022
Najib Saab
February 2022

Epidemics and climate change took center stage in 2021 while other issues essential to safeguard life on Earth took a back seat.
Climate Change: Bittersweet Choices
Najib Saab
January 2022

Those who were under the illusion that the transition to a green economy and cleaner production would be a simple matter, discovered upon implementation that the issue is complex, tantamount to fixing a problem only for a new one to arise.
Is Climate Change a Threat to Peace and Security?
Najib Saab
January 2022

The United Nations concluded its 2021 environmental discourse with a resolution, endorsed by a majority of the General Assembly members, deeming climate change a threat to world peace and security.
Climate Profiteers
Najib Saab
December 2021

Just as wars create a new social class of profiteers known as war profiteers, the battle against climate change will undoubtedly create a new class of disaster traders, whom we might call the climate profiteers.
A Green Germany Elected By Youth
Najib Saab
December 2021

Transition to a Green Economy is the broad motto of Germany's new three-party coalition, led by Social Democrats, which takes the helm next week
Glasgow not Last Chance but Door to Opportunities
Najib Saab
November 2021

Climate Summit (COP26) enters its second week with global consensus on one matter: that climate is already changing at a dangerous pace due to human activities
Peace Treaty with Nature
Najib Saab
October 2021

When the Glasgow Climate Summit kicks off in a week, all eyes will be on what new commitments world leaders will make to cut carbon emissions and finance climate change programs
New York Soft Dreams Crushed By Hard World Realities
Najib Saab
October 2021

Those who thought that declaring new climate commitments, whether to cut emissions or increase finance, would suffice to resolve challenges, discovered that the issue was more complicated than that
Environment and Economy Can Converge
Najib Saab
September 2021

US climate envoy John Kerry joined the ranks of environmental activists when he called for direct action that turns scientific research findings into policies and plans
Green Jobs For All Not Only For Report Authors
Najib Saab
September 2021

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Patricia Espinosa, sent a letter of thanks to the governments that have reported on their Nationally Determined Commitment (NDC)
Dana's Soil is More Precious than Gold, not just Copper
Najib Saab
August 2021

Fear of failure is part of human nature. But what's surprising is that some people act as if they fear success, or fail to even recognize success
Climate Plans to the Beat of Disasters
Najib Saab
August 2021

The new scientific evidence that catastrophic impacts of climate change are accelerating fast were not enough to garner general acceptance of the strong climate plan launched by the European Union last month
Reforming International Environment Programs
Najib Saab
August 2021

Going through some old papers, I came across a letter from a former minister of environment, accompanied by a list containing dozens of projects and programs funded by international organizations
Water Security Beyond the Nile Dam
Najib Saab
July 2021

The heated confrontation over the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would suggest that it is the only source of danger to Egypt's water security
Corona is not an excuse for failure
Najib Saab
July 2021

When the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) announced its annual meeting to discuss the repercussions of the coronavirus on its programs in the region, we expected to see a decline in the positive results that countries had achieved before the pandemic
A Race to Protect the Environment or Control Natural Resources?
Najib Saab
June 2021

When US climate envoy John Kerry called to transform the science of climate change into policies and laws, he only got it half right, because setting public policies is not a simple matter
Corporate Climate Judgment Day
Najib Saab
June 2021

The predicaments that have beleaguered some of the major global oil companies - in courts and within their own boardrooms - have proven beyond doubt that they will no longer be able to ignore the facts of science, rule of law and the pressure of public opinion
Will Space be the Next Waste Dump?
Najib Saab
May 2021

After land and oceans, will space become the new waste dump?
Climate skeptics should find a new job
Najib Saab
May 2021

With the launch of its green initiative, Saudi Arabia assumes a long-awaited role as a key player in environmental protection and climate change
Saudi Arabia's Quantum Leap to Green Era
Najib Saab
April 2021

With the launch of its green initiative, Saudi Arabia assumes a long-awaited role as a key player in environmental protection and climate change
Environmental Lessons From the Netherlands Elections
Najib Saab
March 2021

Electoral platforms of political parties typically cover topics such as the economy, employment, social benefits, taxes, education, scientific research, and foreign policy. However, the environment, climate change and sustainable development have recently become a staple of electoral platforms around the world
Towards Arab Green Recovery
Najib Saab
March 2021

As a glimmer of light began to twinkle at the end of the pandemic tunnel, it became imperative for Arab countries to initiate long-term recovery plans
Adaptation a way to accelerate climate solution
Najib Saab
February 2021

The UN Environment Assembly was virtually hosted last week by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
Carbon Tax on Consumption?
Najib Saab
February 2021

While the Chinese deputy prime minister was addressing the Climate Adaptation Summit hosted by the Netherlands last week, the Chinese president was concurrently addressing the Davos World Economic Forum, online
Clean Solar Panels From Polluting Coal Plants
Najib Saab
January 2021

Listening to the statements at the annual assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), held in Abu Dhabi last week, one would think, at first glance, that the world has fully entered the era of clean energy and that the problem of carbon emissions has become a concern of the past
"Normal Weather"... No More
Najib Saab
January 2021

The term normal temperature is becoming something of the past, and will soon disappear from weather forecasts
Towards Climate and Environmental Literacy in Arab Countries
Najib Saab
January 2021

Literacy is a term that refers to the indoctrination of the basic principles of reading and writing, which is essential to secure proper communication among humans. However, climate and environmental literacy is a new concept, based in essence on stimulating good communication between humans and nature, as we cannot treat with love and respect, creatures and things that we do not understand
A vaccine for corona, but what about climate change?
Najib Saab
December 2020

It is hoped that 2021 will enter history as the year that witnessed victory over the most grave health calamity of our times
Biden Resets Climate Policy
Najib Saab
November 2020

When President Donald Trump leaves the White House in two months, some executive orders that he issued will depart with him, especially with regard to climate change and the environment. In a column published four years ago, I described Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement as a transient act, whereas climate change is a continuing reality and established scientific fact. Even though Trump's arrogance has delayed international action to deal with climate change, his actions were not supported by other major players, none of which withdrew from the agreement. On the contrary, other partners consolidated their commitments.
Health and environment in the time of corona
Najib Saab
November 2020

Although the environment has always impacted human health and wellbeing, the interconnectedness between the two is especially highlighted now, with the world in the grip of the corona virus pandemic, which like many other viruses, is of animal origins. Given this context, the topic of the 13th annual 2020 report of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED), Health and the Environment in Arab Countries, is particularly timely and relevant, addressing the most prominent health challenges facing humanity.
Urban forests for a moderate climate
Najib Saab
September 2020

Heat waves sweeping across the globe have bigger effect in cities. Buildings of concrete and steel trap hot air and block circulation, while dark asphalt streets and stone pavements retain heat and cover natural soil, wiping trees and plant cover. Car engines also contribute to rising temperatures, alongside air conditioners, which cool on the inside while expelling hot air outside. All this causes hot air to be retained and "thermal islands" to develop in specific spots within cities. The temperature in these areas may exceed 10 degrees of what it is outside the city limits, or even in open and green spaces inside the city itself.
We got the money, where to invest it?
Najib Saab
September 2020

Contrary to what was expected, governments, central banks, international finance institutions and development funds have succeeded in attracting a surplus of liquidity to face the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The money collected from markets, at historically low rates, exceeded all estimates. Worldwide, economic investments in national recovery plans are expected to exceed $20 trillion for the next 18 months.
Save the earth before your beautiful hair
Najib Saab
September 2020

Less than a week after the publication of figures on the unprecedented rise in global temperatures, a thermometer in Southern California's Death Valley soared to almost 55 degrees Celsius, according to the U.S. National Weather Service, the highest temperature recorded anywhere in the world in the past 100 years. Temperatures in Europe were also at their highest for several consecutive days, not only in the south of the continent, but also in the center and north of it. In parts of Europe, the temperature exceeded 37 degrees for a full week, and last year the Netherlands witnessed a temperature of over 40 degrees for the first time in history. While the temperature in Baghdad exceeded 51 degrees, in some areas of the Arctic the temperature even reached 38 degrees last June, leading to acceleration in the melting of ice. The detailed figures, published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US, showed that every decade in the past sixty years has witnessed a higher average temperature compared to the previous decade.
Do we need a new pact for the environment?
Najib Saab
July 2020

Since the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment released its Stockholm Declaration in 1972, more than a thousand international agreements dealing with specific environmental issues have emerged. The question is: To what extent have these agreements led to environmental action, and do we need more of them?
How will the pandemic influence development goals?
Najib Saab
June 2020

Can the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) still be achieved on time by the 2030 deadline? The apparent answer is no, not only because priorities have shifted and resources will be diverted towards addressing other urgent matters, but also because achieving the SDGs successfully now requires new rules and methods.
The age of bicycles and internet
Najib Saab
June 2020

When people went back to work in Geneva recently, breaking weeks of lockdown, they were surprised by unusually crowded roads. They first attributed that to an increase in the use of private cars, to avoid catching viruses due to close contact in public transport. However, they soon discovered that the congestion was actually due to allocating a lane of the road for bicycles.
Earth Resurrection Day
Najib Saab
22 April 2020

On 22 April half a century ago, 20 million Americans took to the streets, demanding serious action to protect the environment and preserve nature. This uprising, which remains the largest mass event in the world, triggered changes far beyond the United States borders. Earth Day, as it has been named, became an annual event across 192 countries.
Trump is transient coincidence, climate change is lasting reality
Najib Saab
June 2019

When I first met him 20 years ago, I did not notice that the veteran international banker had a particular interest in environment and climate change.
Saudi Arabia embraces green growth
Najib Saab
27 May 2019

While the notion of green economy was met with resistance a few years ago, it is now a vibrant item on the Saudi agenda. Some members of the "old guard" considered embracing green economy principles as a Trojan horse to disguise certain climate change commitments, which they considered a threat to the oil economy.
Timid Arab response to climate crisis
Najib Saab
May 2019

The global youth climate movement, which stormed the world over the last months, did not resonate in Arab countries. School strikes or public vigils didn't happen, and the response was limited to general support statements, issued by individuals and associations largely representing an older generation. Although they likely acted with good intentions, those environmental activists behaved as if they just wanted to join the trend by jumping on board a popular wagon.
Electricity is a prerequisite for electric cars
Najib Saab
April 2019

In an attempt to reduce pollution caused by the transport sector, the Lebanese government recently announced incentives to promote electric and hybrid cars. The measures comprised full tax and tariff exemption for vehicles fully running on electric motors, and a slightly lower reduction in fees on hybrid cars running on both electricity and fuel.
Environment action urgent, stop being complacent
Najib Saab
March 2019

Stop being complacent, show some urgency, and get real about implementing the goals you set in 2015 for achieving sustainable development. This unvarnished message is what Jock Martin of the European Environment Agency thought should be conveyed to world leaders, based on the findings of the sixth edition of Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6).
Climate between oil and meat, nations join the fight
Najib Saab
February 2019

While oil-producing countries did not object, this time, to reducing carbon emissions by enhancing efficiency and introducing renewable and clean sources as a key element in the energy mix, beef-producing countries on the other hand resisted the slightest reference to the impact of their production and consumption on the environment and human health.
Why the Poland climate summit succeeded
Najib Saab
January 2019

Despite all the hype and doomsday scenarios, the climate summit (COP 24) in Poland reaffirmed the commitment of countries to confront together a global dilemma that threatens everyone. The summit unanimously concluded with an arrangement that set practical steps to implement the Paris Agreement, in order to keep the global temperature rise “well below 2 degrees C.” True that they did not specifically commit to below 1.5 degrees as called for in the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which reflected scientific consensus; however, there was no fallback on the Paris commitments, and the process is moving toward 2020, the actual starting date for the implementation. This is also the time set for countries to make additional new commitments to reduce emissions.
Financing development based on human dignity
Najib Saab
November 2018
Over the past 10 years, the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) reports have identified the state of Arab environment in all its aspects and proposed solutions that have contributed to endorsing numerous environmental policies in the region.
Silent Death
Najib Saab
September 2013

As hundreds of tons of radioactive water were leaking from the wrecked Japanese Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant hit by the tsunami in 2011, thousands of people were being killed by chemical weapons on the outskirts of Damascus.
The nuclear power option in Arab countries
Najib Saab
May 2013

The earthquake that struck the Iranian Bushehr province in April 2013 reminded us of the nuclear reactor at Bushehr, and raised concerns about possible radioactive leakages. Such fears were to be expected, just two years after the nuclear disaster caused by the tsunami in Fukushima.
Let's not plunder the future
Najib Saab
December 2012

Demand for life-supporting goods and services in the Arab countries is twice the potential renewable resources that their ecosystem scan provide. This imbalance between domestic supply and demand for resources is a threat to future growth opportunities and quality of life.
   
Articles
The environmentalist minister of energy
Najib Saab
22 June 2020

Amid news about the increasing number of coronavirus deaths, confirmed cases, and the fear for new waves of the virus, other positive news has gone unnoticed. This includes news that proves that the will to live and progress is stronger than any pandemic or disaster. Few recent events stood out in this context at the environmental level.
Education on environment creates prosperity and stability
Najib Saab
26/11/2019

When discussing environmental changes and challenges, and their relation to sustainable development, the role of education cannot be underestimated. A report released on 14 November by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED), tackles this issue and recommends a road map for integrating environment and sustainability into curricula. Entitled Environmental Education for Sustainable Development in the Arab Countries, the report traces signs that many Arab countries have begun to appreciate the key role that the environment should claim in their education systems.
Is renewable energy in Jordan victim of its success?
Najib Saab
27/3/2019
"A victim of its own success? Jordan re-evaluates its power generation strategy," was the title of an article in The National Law Review, following the Jordanian government's decision to withhold licenses for new renewable energy projects. The sudden move came at a time when the Jordanian renewable energy sector had reached advanced levels and gained global acclaim as a remarkable success story. This resonated a similar decision one year ago, when Jordan revoked the tax incentives extended to encourage electric and hybrid cars, at a time when their share of new imported vehicles surpassed any other country in the world, exceeding 50 percent in 2017. This success in promoting cleaner cars made Jordan a model in the region and inspired similar regulations in other countries.
Is renewable energy in Jordan victim of its success?
Najib Saab
27/3/2019

“A victim of its own success? Jordan re-evaluates its power generation strategy,” was the title of an article in The National Law Review, following the Jordanian government’s decision to withhold licenses for new renewable energy projects. The sudden move came at a time when the Jordanian renewable energy sector had reached advanced levels and gained global acclaim as a remarkable success story. This resonated a similar decision one year ago, when Jordan revoked the tax incentives extended to encourage electric and hybrid cars, at a time when their share of new imported vehicles surpassed any other country in the world, exceeding 50 percent in 2017. This success in promoting cleaner cars made Jordan a model in the region and inspired similar regulations in other countries
Who pays the bill at Climate Summit?
Second week of negotiations at the Climate Summit in Paris overshadowed by the question of who pays the bill. A draft agreement reached at the first week was put forward to the ministerial segment, with unresolved issues revolving around the distribution of responsibilities.

Arab Environment in 10 Years
ARAB ENVIRONMENT IN 10 YEARS crowns a decade of the series of annual reports produced by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) on the state of Arab environment. It tracks and analyzes changes focusing on policies and governance, including level of response and engagement in international environmental treaties. It also highlights developments in six selected priority areas, namely water, energy, air, food, green economy and environmental scientific research.
Environmental Agenda
Environment in Arab Media
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