Bahrainis’ hopes are high in fight against climate change

TDT | Manama                         

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano  

A whopping 77 percent of young Bahrainis trust their government to act in the battle against climate change.

This was revealed in the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, an annual survey to provide rich insight on the hopes and aspirations of young Arabs, which enables governments, the private sector, civil society institutions, and academia to make informed decisions and policies and identify emerging trends.

People globally are already experiencing the consequences of intensifying heat waves and rising sea levels, and things are likely to worsen if we don’t act fast, not only as a country but as a community worldwide.

The survey identified climate change among the top concerns facing GCC youth as well as the region. However, with 83 percent of GCC youth believing that their country is heading in the right direction, hope is prevalent.

But the real question is, how do we combat such an alarming issue and prevent more damage that can’t be reversed?

"We need to change our habits," Bahrain-based environmental advocate Kai Miethig told The Daily Tribune.

"With new regulations and targets not only in Bahrain but in the region, it will most likely lead to a habit of change in the society we all live in. Overconsumption, food waste, and high energy usage are practises that are just not sustainable anymore and need to be changed quickly," the German waste management and efficiency expert said.

Instead of overconsuming and wasting precious resources, he cited the efficient use of resources as a key factor in mitigating climate change.

"Consumer change would already be a big step and help towards achieving the ambitious goals set by the Kingdom, such as 20 percent renewable energy by 2035 and 30 percent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

"Not only that, but to transition into a better-run and more sustainable society, eco-friendly private and public transport is another key factor to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change.

"Using more public transport is a key aspect of reducing CO2 emissions, a massive contributor to climate change. A higher frequency of trips, shorter bus stop distances, and facilities like separate bus lanes and cycling lanes, as well as carpooling, would encourage the change we need to fight against the changing climate," the eco-conscious and cycling resident said.

In highlighting the current and future establishment of high-capacity solar plants in the Kingdom, he also stressed the importance of becoming more mindful and efficient with the use of that resource to cut down emissions and achieve the 30 percent reduction by 2035.

"To capture an increase in CO2, increasing the number of mangroves is essential, as they capture five times more CO2 than trees and are exceptionally suitable for the shallow waters around Bahrain," Kai stated. "But the next and most important step starts with us—the habit change," he emphasised.

Go reusable

"Go shopping with your own reusable bag; use your own reusable bottle, mug, and cutlery; it is so easy."

Considering Earth Overshoot Day 2023 is August 2, 2023, and Bahrain Overshoot Day already passed on March 12, 2023, "Don’t waste resources and money; be more mindful and caring, not only for yourself but for future generations to come and Mother Nature," is his strong recommendation.