Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani (right) and Earthna Executive Director, Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata (2nd right) during the launch of the ‘Circular Economy and Energy Transition in Qatar’ report yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: A report by Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a member of Qatar Foundation, has outlined possible pathways for a circular economy to thrive and facilitate the achievement of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030.
The report, titled ‘Circular Economy and Energy Transition in Qatar’ was launched yesterday in the presence of Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani.
According to Earthna, the report done in policy partnership with consulting firm Global Counsel, combines new and pre-existing national and international research to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a new pathway to a circular economy. Key findings show it can be achieved across several sectors in the country.
The report aims to help businesses and organisations accelerate their journey towards circularity by proposing greater collaboration, encouraging innovative sustainable technologies, and promoting behaviour change.
The report focused on three priority sectors—food and domestic waste, hospitality, and the built environment.
Evidence shows that the transition to a circular economy in these areas is possible with the necessary implementation of policies.
In a statement, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani, said, “Qatar National Vision 2030 sets out our country’s ambition to transform the economy so that it can sustain its own development and provide a high standard of living for citizens and residents for generations to come. One of the leading priorities of QNV is economic diversification – moving the country away from its dependence on oil and gas. However, it is imperative that we sustainably do this, which protects and enhances our environment. Creating a circular economy is an important step in this process.”
A circular economy entails gradually decoupling economic activity from consuming finite resources and designing waste out of the system. It is characterised by a transition to renewable energy sources and builds economic, natural, and social capital based on re-engineering waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating biological systems.
Speaking about the importance of a circular economy, Earthna’s Executive Director, Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, told the media, “I think it’s critical for everybody in the world because the circular economy is not just good for the environment, it’s good for the economy, and it’s good for the future and people.”
He added that Qatar has shown progress and leadership in several sectors, citing construction and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 facilities as an example of Qatar’s sustainability commitment.
“There are some sectors where Qatar is very advanced and others where there is less progress. So what we try to do with these reports is to inform and seek cost benefits and help them. The government makes decisions that are informed by data.
"So here we now have information for the built environment, food waste, and hospitality. We now have some data on cost and benefits in terms of financial resources and environmental issues such as carbon emissions, which will inform future decisions,” he added.
According to the report, if Qatar implements interventions to increase the circularity of the highlighted sectors, it could significantly cut down carbon emissions and electric and water consumption, reduce food waste, save money and improve the health and well-being of its populace.
