A number of plantation initiatives undertaken by Qatar, coupled with a comprehensive climate action plan, will help the country reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, an official has said.
“Qatar is running a massive integrated programme to protect the environment and address climate change by reducing its carbon footprint,” said Dr. Mohammad bin Saif Al Kuwari, Adviser at the Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Among Qatar's many environmental initiatives is the campaign to plant 10 million trees by 2030. The official said that mangroves, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at an impressive rate, would also be a significant part of the 10 million trees target.
Speaking to Qatar Radio, he said ‘Plant Million Tree’ by 2022 and 10 million trees by 2030 are among major initiatives of the country in addressing the issue of global warning.
He said types of trees that suite local environment, sustain dry climate and consume less water will be selected for the 10 million trees initiative. “Qatar has about 500 kilometres long coastal areas with potential for mangrove plantation. Mangroves are absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at an impressive rate,” said Al Kuwari.
He said a mangrove tree absorbs 1.5 kg carbon dioxide in a day. “We are talking about planting trees in millions. Without any doubt, they will bring very positive impact in cleaning environment and reducing pollution.”
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, as called for in the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Al Kuwari said another such initiative is the ‘rehabilitation of desert land of the country’, which aims at vegetation of the land especially the meadows (locally called Rawdah).
He said many meadows have been fenced to protect the plants and trees from overgrazing and protect plantation especially during the rainy season.
The Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change are also carrying out a campaign to protect rare tree species facing extinction because of high temperature such as bamber (cordia myxa), al ghaf, al samur, and awsaj among others. The initiative not only aims to protect the existing trees but also works to plant seedlings to increase the greenery in the country.
