The Middle East has traditionally been a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas, for its energy needs. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to transition to clean, renewable energy sources to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the development of clean energy projects in the region.
One of the most prominent clean energy projects for the Middle East clean energy initiative is the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. This ambitious plan aims to have 75% of Dubai’s total power output come from clean energy sources by 2050. To achieve this goal, the city has invested heavily in solar energy, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park set to be the largest single-site solar park in the world upon completion. In addition to solar, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy also includes plans for the development of wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power.
Saudi Arabia, another major player in the region, has also made significant progress in the development of clean energy. The kingdom has set a goal of generating 9.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 and has made significant investments in solar and wind power. In 2018, Saudi Arabia launched the first phase of its 300 MW Sakaka solar project, and it has also announced plans for several other large-scale solar and wind projects.
Other countries in the region, such as Jordan and Morocco, have also made significant strides in the development of clean energy. Jordan has set a goal of generating 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and has already achieved success with the construction of several large-scale solar and wind projects. Morocco, meanwhile, has set a goal of generating 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and has made significant investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
While the development of clean energy in the Middle East clean energy initiative is still in its early stages, there is no doubt that the region is making significant progress. With ambitious goals and major investments in clean energy projects, it is clear that the Middle East is committed to transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
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Global warming is a major environmental issue that is affecting the entire planet, and Africa is no exception. The effects of global warming on Africa are particularly severe and are likely to become even more so in the coming years.
One of the most significant effects of global warming on Africa is an increase in temperature. Average temperatures in Africa have already risen by about 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century, and are expected to continue rising at an alarming rate. This temperature increase leads to several negative impacts, including more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and wildfires.
The consequences of these weather events can be devastating for African communities. Drought, for example, can lead to food shortages and malnutrition, as crops fail and livestock dies. This can have serious health impacts, particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, droughts can lead to conflicts over scarce resources, such as water and land.
Another major effect of global warming on Africa is an increase in sea levels. Rising sea levels are already causing flooding and erosion in coastal areas, and this is likely to become more widespread in the future. In addition, higher sea levels can lead to the contamination of freshwater supplies and the destruction of ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs.
One of the most vulnerable regions in Africa to the effects of global warming is the Sahel, a semi-arid region that stretches across the continent just below the Sahara Desert. The Sahel is already prone to drought and food shortages, and global warming is likely to exacerbate these problems. In addition, the Sahel is home to millions of people who rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, and the impacts of global warming on these sectors could be devastating.
In addition to the direct effects of global warming, Africa is also at risk from several indirect impacts. For example, global warming is likely to lead to more frequent and severe storms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and communities. In addition, global warming is likely to lead to the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, as the warmer temperatures provide a more favorable environment for the transmission of these diseases.
Several steps can be taken to mitigate the effects of global warming on Africa. One of the most important is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main cause of global warming. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting more sustainable land use practices.
Another important step is to adapt to the impacts of global warming that are already occurring or are expected to occur. This can involve building more resilient infrastructure to extreme weather events, such as sea walls to protect against flooding and drought-resistant crops to help mitigate the impacts of drought. It can also involve developing early warning systems and emergency response plans to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.
In conclusion, the effects of global warming on Africa are already severe and are likely to become even more so in the coming years. From rising temperatures and sea levels to more frequent and severe weather events, the impacts of global warming are wide-ranging and far-reaching. It is therefore essential that action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help African communities adapt to the impacts of global warming.
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98 deaths from cholera have been recorded across Syria after the first case was detected in August and an outbreak was detected one month after.
As of December 11, the Support Coordination Unit (ACU) said 30 people had died in areas outside Assad’s control in northeastern Syria and 17 in the north and west of the country due to cholera. As of December 11, the regime’s Ministry of Health reported that 1,609 cases had been confirmed, with 49 deaths.
Between 25 August and 03 December, 56,879 suspected cases have been reported, including 98 attributed deaths to date at a case fatality rate of 0.2%.
By November, the disease already spread to 14 of Syria’s provinces and neighbouring Lebanon. On October 25, UN Operations and Advocacy Division Director Reena Ghelani said there were 24,000 suspected cases of cholera in Syria and at least 80 cholera-related deaths.
Syrian regime received 2 million cholera vaccines from the UN in late November and began vaccinating people in its held areas, but those outside the regime’s control have not yet received UN vaccines. Britain also committed £2 million ($2.3m) to address the spread of cholera in Syria.
Syrian media reported in October that the source of cholera was believed to be linked to unsafe drinking water and sewage systems, and the use of unclean water for crop irrigation. Cholera can infect people of any age, but it is most deadly to those with weak immune systems. Because many cholera bacteria are asymptomatic, it spreads without detection.
The bacteria causes profuse diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to death from intense dehydration, sometimes within hours. Cholera outbreaks often occur where there is overcrowding and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly which makes rapid response to curb the spread essential.
90,000 people are being trained as part of the campaign, with 54 vaccination teams being represented, in addition to daily follow-ups by central supervision teams in the Ministry of Health and supervisory teams in health directorates and departments.
The national polio vaccination campaign was launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population on Sunday.
All governorates in Egypt and non-Egyptian children from one day to five years old will be vaccinated free of charge to increase community immunity, boost population immunity, and eradicate the disease.
The government has prepared a strategy to distribute vaccines through health facilities, health departments, and mobile medical teams that visit major squares, train stations, subways, mosques, churches, clubs, markets, parking lots, and public parks.
The statement said that the campaign will roam the streets and knock on doors to ensure that children across the country are vaccinated.
The statement said that 90,000 people taking part in the program, which consists of 54 vaccination teams.
15,823 suspected cases of Cholera have been reported, including 68 deaths, between August 25 and October 8, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The situation is especially dire in Aleppo province, which accounts for 800 of all confirmed cases to date, according to the latest figures provided by the Syrian Health Ministry.
The first cholera cases were detected in Aleppo back in August and an outbreak was declared one month later. By November, the disease already spread to 14 of Syria’s provinces and neighbouring Lebanon. On October 25, UN Operations and Advocacy Division Director Reena Ghelani said there were 24,000 suspected cases of cholera in Syria and at least 80 cholera-related deaths.
Syrian media reported in October that the source of cholera was believed to be linked to unsafe drinking water and sewage systems, and the use of unclean water for crop irrigation.
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food or water whose symptoms include acute diarrhoea. A person can potentially die from the illness within hours if untreated, but most people recover after exhibiting only mild symptoms, with the help of oral rehydration solutions.
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