Environment and Climate in the Middle East

news, conferences, policy discussions and academic publications on environmental issues and climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean

Environment and Climate in the Middle East

Archives for March, 2017

Sea of Galilee / Kinneret Water Level Lowest in Century – Naharnet /YNET

The lake where Christians believe Jesus walked on water has declined to its lowest level in a hundred years, an Israeli official said Tuesday. The Sea of Galilee, which is actually a lake, has suffered from four consecutive years of rain shortages, Amir Givati of Israel’s Water Authority told military radio. “The situation is serious,” […]

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Are Things Finally Looking Up for the Dead Sea? – Haaretz

Two new projects seek to stop the dramatic drop in water levels at the world’s lowest point. Zafrir Rinat Feb 25, 2017 It has been hard to find reasons for optimism about the Dead Sea in recent years. Its water level has continued to fall at a rate of over a meter per year, while […]

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Jordan can reduce agricultural water use by a third, research finds – Jordan Times

By Hana Namrouqa – Mar 07,2017 AMMAN — Current crop production could be achieved with 30 per cent less use of agricultural water, according to the findings of new research. An analysis on water and food security in Jordan indicated that there is potential for policies that reduce agricultural water needs, while still maintaining current […]

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With German funds, Gaza’s Muntar water reservoir is operating once again – WAFA

GAZA, March 9, 2017 (WAFA) – Thanks to a 9-million euro fund from the German government, the Muntar water reservoir in Gaza, destroyed by Israel during its summer 2014 military onslaught, is once again operating. Germany’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority, Peter Beerwerth, and Palestinian Minister of Water, Mazen Ghneim, inaugurated the rebuilt reservoir in […]

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Haifa’s Ammonia Tank Ruling Will Be Felt Far Beyond Israel’s Borders – Haaretz

The court order will force Israel Chemicals to suspend operations and will cost the firm some $100 million in annual sales. Yoram Gabison Mar 08, 2017 Last week’s court order closing the giant ammonia tank owned and operated by Haifa Chemicals is a key victory for environmentalists, but is likely to have severe ramifications for […]

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House returns natural resources bill to its energy committee – Jordan Times

MP says law should include regulations on energy deals By Jassar Al Tahat – Mar 07,2017 AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday voted to send the draft natural resources law back to its energy committee for further examination. MP Ali Khalaileh (Zarqa, 2nd District), head of the energy committee, explained that “the law amendments […]

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Hariri at Oil and Gas Forum: Government Plans to Transform Natural Resources into Sustainable Economic Growth – Naharnet

Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed on Tuesday at the Oil and Gas Forum that the government plans to successfully transform Lebanon’s natural resources wealth into sustained economic growth. “The oil and gas sector is one of the most important files on Lebanon’s economic agenda. My government gives priority to the good governance and proper management […]

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Lebanon looks to develop oil industry – Al Jazeera

Tripoli, Lebanon – A major energy summit is being held in Lebanon, where politicians and business leaders are discussing how to kick-start the oil industry. Huge reserves of gas and oil lie beneath Lebanese waters in the eastern Mediterranean, but years of war and political problems have prevented efforts to tap those resources. “With these […]

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Egyptian researchers turn shrimp shells into biodegradable plastic – Environment and Development

Researchers at Egypt’s Nile University are developing a way to turn dried shrimp shells that would otherwise be thrown away into thin films of biodegradable plastic they hope will be used to make eco-friendly grocery bags and packaging. Six months into their two-year project, the research team has managed to create a thin, clear prototype […]

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Protesters rally to save last green site in Lebanon’s Beirut – Al Jazeera

Beirut, Lebanon – Protesters in Lebanon are trying to halt the development of the last piece of parkland in Beirut. Foundations for a public hospital have already been laid on the edge of Horsh Beirut, but demonstrators say the $5m project funded by Egypt will wreck the area. “Horsh Beirut is part of the 1925 […]

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Environmental Protection Ministry orders closure of ammonia facility – Jerusalem Post / YNET

BySharon Udasin, Udi Shaham February 22, 2017 Green groups and politicians have long seen the container, which stores all ammonia imported by Israel, as a “ticking time bomb.” In a move that will shut down Haifa’s controversial ammonia storage tank by spring, Environmental Protection Ministry officials said Wednesday they will not renewing the facility’s toxin […]

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Giant protest in Haifa for closure of hazardous ammonia tank – YNET

As Haifa District Court deliberates over a petition by Haifa Chemicals seeking to keep the facility open, despite one report describing it as a ‘ticking time bomb’ that could potentially claim half a million lives, 3,000 people gather outside the court, calling for its immediate closure and relocation; ‘Hezbollah’s Secretary General was absolutely right about […]

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Effluent shuts down Palmachim Beach – YNET

Ministry of Health closes popular beach due to contamination that stems from a decision taken by the Water Authority with the approval of the Ministry for Environmental Protection. Amir Ben-David|Published: 28.02.17 , 13:29 The Ministry of Health ordered the closure of Palmachim Beach, south of Tel Aviv, due to effluent that may also contaminate the […]

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Garbage sorting center to be built near Lake Kinneret – YNET

A new waste sorting center is to be built close to Lake Kinneret and streams that flow into it; locals, concerned that giant site will cause noise, air and water pollution, have petitioned Ministry of Environmental Protection to find alternative location; Ministry promises that ‘If the site is to be built, it will need to […]

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Conservationists outraged over video of female hunter with hyena cubs – Jordan Times

By Hana Namrouqa – Mar 02,2017 – AMMAN — Environmental activists and social media users on Thursday expressed anger over a video of a female hunter dragging two tied-down striped hyena cubs from their den in Madaba Governorate. The video went viral on Wednesday after the female hunter, who identifies herself as a media practitioner, […]

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Lower House endorses environment protection bill – Jordan Times

By Jassar Al Tahat – Feb 28,2017 AMMAN — The Lower House approved the draft environment protection law on Tuesday after an extended discussion during a legislative session, which saw one MP call for the death penalty for violators. Lawmakers voted not to give law enforcement powers to environmental inspectors, sparking an extensive debate between […]

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Dubai’s crazy rotating wind-powered skyscraper is actually being built – Environment and Development

The modern world is full of unique, eye-catching buildings – but an upcoming Dubai skyscraper is about to put a new spin on the field of architecture. We’ve reported before on architect David Fisher‘s crazy rotating Dynamic Tower – and now it looks like the 1,375-foot-tall high-rise is finally becoming a reality. Solar panels will […]

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First look: Dubai’s ‘smartflower’ blooms to harvest power from the sun – Environment and Development

A flower-shaped solar power generator that re-orients itself to catch the sun’s rays through the day was unveiled in front of Dubai Municipality headquarters on Wednesday. The solar power generating ‘flower’, a first of its kind initiative in the region. Developed by an Austrian firm, it is considered to be a ground-breaking and innovative solar […]

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Al-Naimi: From Oil to Sun – Environment and Development

For 2 decades, the oil market hung to every word Ali al-Naimi said. The veteran Saudi oil minister between 1995-2016 is considered a true oil leader, having started his career with Saudi Aramco before leading Saudi Arabia’s oil policies as minister. At a ceremony to launch his book “Out of the Desert: My Journey From […]

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Israel bolsters navy to protect offshore oil and gas zone – YNET

With Israel reviewing and accepting bids on 24 new exploration blocks in offshore oil and gas deposits, the Ministry of Defense is investing in new warships and defense systems to defend rigs. Reuters|Published: 19.01.17 , 17:55 Israel is boosting spending on its navy to better protect offshore oil and gas deposits and secure a large […]

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