Earth Day interview: Minister of Environment highlights State’s commitment to sustainable development
In an interview with the Government Communications Office (GCO), His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), discussed the State of Qatar’s efforts in achieving sustainable development and preserving ecosystems.
His Excellency the Minister highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to build the nation while ensuring a decent life for its citizens and residents.
His Excellency the Minister stated that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has developed an ambitious plan to advance environmental sustainability in cooperation with governmental organisations and the private sector. The plan, he added, calls for several initiatives and programmes that help create a circular economy, green cities, preserve land and seascapes, reduce pollution, rely on sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power, and increase the use of electric vehicles.
The establishment of the largest electric bus depot in the world in Lusail, with the capacity to house 478 buses and a solar energy system, is one of the latest initiatives to promote green mobility. The Depot was officially launched in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change as a part of the Ministry of Transport’s Public Bus Infrastructure Programme.
His Excellency the Minister also emphasised the critical role of the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy in driving the country’s development. The Strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, establish a nationwide network to monitor and improve air quality, effectively manage all water sources and rely on sustainable technologies to desalinate over 55% of water whilst also reusing 100% of treated wastewater.
In reiterating the Government’s principled stance against environmental degradation, His Excellency the Minister pointed to some of the practical steps that have been made to reduce water consumption, monitor agricultural chemicals, track soil quality, establish green buildings and smart cities, and develop a comprehensive strategy for open and recreational spaces. These steps are all in line with the Qatar National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015–2025.