WHO regional director reviews Qatar’s climate change strategy

The World Health Organisation Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ahmed al-Mandhari visited Qatar’s pavilion as part of activities of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Al-Mandhari was briefed on the Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE), one of the main pillars of achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, and which is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as Qatar’s ambition to reach a leadership position in the region, through the implementation of many projects and initiatives that contribute to reducing air pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.

Al-Mandhari listened to an explanation from those in charge of the Qatari pavilion, who addressed the efforts made by Qatar in this regard, that the creation of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change confirms the continuous interest and unlimited support given by the wise leadership to environmental and climate issues.

QNE covers five areas: greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, biodiversity and water, circular economy, waste management and land use.

A governance system has been developed to implement the strategy, in order to achieve the set goals by 2030, most notably reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, establishing 30 air quality monitoring stations, and increasing the number of nature reserves.

Al-Mandhari expressed his great admiration for the design of sports stadiums that comply with international environmental standards, in preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and hoped for the success of Qatar in showing a distinguished version of the tournament.