Time to stand up against climate change
The environmental challenges faced in the Sultanate are quite similar to those faced in other parts of the world and include pollution of air, water and soil, coastal construction and urban sprawl, waste management and over-consumption of non-reusable materials.
While the disastrous Gonu wreaked havoc with almost RO 1.6 billion in damages in 2007, years that followed also witnessed more widespread losses due to intermittent cyclonic storms in the Sultanate.
After learning lessons from the previous calamities, the government institutions joined forces to become more proactive in proper planning and construction.
Although many preventive steps were taken, including construction of dams and installing of drainage systems at several areas, Cyclone Mekunu once again brings to fore the need that there is more to be done before the Sultanate is truly stormproof.
A public opinion survey carried out recently by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development in 22 Arab countries revealed that a vast majority, exceeding 60 per cent, believes that the environment has deteriorated in their countries over the last 10 years.
Ninety-three per cent people in the Middle East say that the climate is changing due to human activities and 90 per cent of the respondents believe that it poses a serious challenge to their countries. This represents a 6-per cent increase over 10 years.
A majority of over 50 per cent of the respondents in Oman indicated satisfaction with government action to tackle climate change.
Climate change is predicted to have numerous impacts on the Sultanate.
These include loss of livestock and fish resources, severe water scarcity due to droughts and increased temperatures, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
The top causes for environmental deterioration chosen by those surveyed were bad environment management, non-compliance with environmental legislation, weak environment institutions and inadequate government spending on the environment — results that are all in line with 2006 findings.
When asked about what personal action respondents were willing to take to protect the environment, 73 per cent said they were ready to participate in environmental awareness campaigns and 65 per cent were prepared to fully comply with environmental legislation.
Regarding fiscal measures, 45 per cent accept government taxes to protect the environment, while only 20 per cent are willing to pay donations to an environmental protection fund.
“Results evidently show more understanding of environmental issues among the public, including their interrelation with economic and social factors,” said the survey report in Ecomena.
The report also reveals that people are worried about the deterioration of the environment and depletion of resources, and that they are generally dissatisfied with the level of response of governments.
On the other hand, the survey shows an overwhelming readiness from the public to support positive change, by encouraging stricter laws to protect the environment and preserve natural resources, alongside engaging in personal action in this regard.
Ninety-three per cent people in the Middle East say the climate is changing due to human activities and 90 per cent of the respondents believe that it poses a serious challenge to their countries