Prof. Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari, Director of Environmental Science Center (ESC) at Qatar University
Doha: Prof. Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari, Director of Environmental Science Center (ESC) at Qatar University, has stressed the importance of higher education institutions to environmental awareness. As countries including Qatar implement sustainable models in economic and social sectors, sustainable development through higher education plays a pivotal role in achieving nation-building goals.
Rapid urbanisation and population growth, illiteracy, war and nuclear waste, deforestation, desertification and more have caused severe environmental issues besides air, water, and soil pollution. Human interference with the environment and alarming unfriendly lifestyles have also significantly contributed to environmental problems.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Prof. Al Kuwari said, “Qatar University, with other academic institutions in the country, have a vital role in combating climate change issues.”
“First, the University incorporates environmental issues in many classes taught to the students. These courses are designed to explain to the newcomers (new students) the importance of our environment and how sustainable development is our only choice to balance our welfare and our partners’ safety in the natural environment. Students must know that we will be fine if our seas, plants, and animals are well and safe.”
Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires students to become more engaged with their communities. It helps them understand why caring for the environment is crucial and provides them with the building blocks to living eco-friendly and sustainable lives.
According to Prof. Al Kuwari, the ESC at QU engages in problem-solving research. These studies go a long way in pushing Qatar’s commitment to combat environmental challenges as stipulated in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy. Moreover, the complexity and interconnectedness of global life have made it necessary to accelerate the rate of research, education in higher institutions, and knowledge-informed action required to address global problems – in this case, the environment and climate change as a whole.
“The second mission of the University and here comes the role of the Environmental Science Center and other research centres and colleges in the University is to conduct research in environment and climatic change. In this respect, we carry out two types of research. One is problem-solving by providing science-based solutions to the daily problems that the community is facing. The second type is conducting a strategic, long-term study investigating the long-term effects of climatic change on our environment and what should be done.”
On lessons that should be taught in environmental programmes in Qatar, Prof. Al Kuwari said, “The first lesson that people should always keep in mind is that we are okay if our environment is fine. The second is that climatic change and other environmental issues will impact everyone. The third lesson is that our grandchildren will judge us according to our attitude toward the environment now. They also have the right to see beautiful green areas, coral reefs, and sea cows.”
