Bahrain is a role model in sustainable energy : GPIC Prez

Manama : The discussion forum held yesterday in view of Bahrain Environment Month highlighted the messages about investing time, finance and education into integrating sustainable development with sustainable communities and funding reusable energy projects, like “zero waste.” 

It was organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Speaking on the occasion, Adviser to the Founding Chair of the R20 Regions of Climate Action Terry Tamminen emphasised the key attributes to sustainable communities with the first three points being: healthy residents, a clean environment and a strong economy. 

CEO of the Supreme Council of the environment Dr. Mohamed bin Daina said, “There are lots of opportunities in Bahrain regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy projects” and that it was “crystal clear” that one such solution was in banning the use of landfills.

Humbert Buemi, speaker for UBS in Switzerland, called for urgent action and lamented that “we are missing the political will.”

“We must do something about the toxic waste fumes in Tubli bay as soon as possible” he said, adding that doctors in Bahrain were abound with information on children affected with tumours and cancer in relation to exposure to the toxins in the bay.

Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, GPIC President said, “I think Bahrain is a role model in sustainable energy” he said, explaining about the “conversion of CO2 into 450 tons per day in fertilizer production, which is important as 75pc of food production comes from the fertilizer industry.”

Overall, the message was that sustainability is good for businesses and for people – at least it can be, if greater effort is established and long-term goals replace short-term convenience or greed for immediate and extensive profit. Bob Castro, Founder and CEO of Bob Castro Strategies, was the moderator. 

Among other speakers were Qays H. Zu’bi, President of the American Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Hashim Hussain, Head of UNIDO in Bahrain, Dr. Mohamed Eisa, UNIDO Representative and Director of Regional Office in South Africa, Osama Al Khajah, Project Development at Kuwait Finance House and Craig Thackary, Country Manager of AECOM.