The Kuwait Environment Protection Society organized an “Experts Workshop” at the International University to present and discuss the most important issues and topics related to climate change and preparation for the COP28 Climate Summit. The workshop included 4 scientific lectures on climate change, followed by a dialogue session between the lecturers and the students, who in turn participated in a survey of the students and collected opinions on the issue of climate change.
In a press statement, Janan Behzad, Secretary General of the Association, said that she “presented an introduction to climate change and the student’s role in facing challenges, while Maryam Malak presented her lecture on natural and environmental hazards in the context of climate in Kuwait. In the same context, Dr. Zahraa Al-Ali presented a lecture on identifying high-risk areas for flash floods and floods in light of global climate change, and Dr. Hamed Eidan presented “Water Resources in Arid Regions in Light of Climate Change – Adaptation and Solutions.”
Behzad highlighted the youth's perspective on mitigating climate change, which enriched the workshop by showcasing their knowledge of the climate change issue and its repercussions across all sectors. She pointed to several key discussion points in this regard, including: "Greening and cultivating residential areas, creating seating areas, walking trails, and artificial lakes or creeks like the Al-Khiran area; utilizing global expertise to assist in environmental matters, particularly from countries that incorporate environmental considerations into their projects; planting trees and flowers; empowering youth to participate in small-scale environmental projects and the management of nature reserves; establishing a comprehensive sports city; supporting youth by showcasing their talents and ideas; organizing exhibitions periodically; and promoting environmentally friendly products.".
She added: The students presented their visions on this matter, including: improving public health and air quality by increasing green spaces; developing new ideas for waste disposal and recycling, and implementing environmental protection laws; stimulating scientific research in environmental issues and science in general, including its interests and fields of work; explicitly adopting the Sustainable Development Goals within the state's future projects, starting with education; working to establish the concept of social responsibility in society and disseminating it through various media outlets, as well as in educational curricula and courses; encouraging and training in volunteer work; forming working groups in universities and civil and official institutions to monitor compliance with the law and guide those who need it; benefiting from the exchange of experiences and practical practices in the Arab region and beyond; providing a supportive environment for environmental projects; and raising awareness of climate change issues and conducting awareness campaigns in all languages and at all levels.
This workshop is one of a series of workshops held by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Specialized Environmental Training, affiliated with the association, to analyze the cognitive and behavioral dimension of climate action. It took into account the recommendations of five categories of the study community, namely university students, researchers and academics, public and private sector employees, journalists and media professionals, and members of non-governmental organizations.
She added, “The results of the study will be conveyed with the association’s delegation to the 28th Climate Conference, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates next November, to discuss the opportunities, gaps, and challenges of climate change from different perspectives. Ultimately, the study community will determine a tool for developing environmental education and awareness programs and setting priorities to address the negatives and enhance the strengths through recommendations that will be compiled in a series of workshops.”.
