Qatar University’s (QU’s) Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) conducted a workshop entitled: ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ today at QU’s Research Complex (H10). The event was co-hosted by CAM-Qatar University and Korean Embassy.
The event aimed to discuss climate change and climate action in Qatar. Highlighting world’s first carbon-neutral (zero- carbon) FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar. The event was attended by Professor Mariam Al-Ali Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, HE Joon-ho Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Dr. Soud AlThani, Earthna, Qatar Foundation, Mr. Ashraf Kinawi, Earthna, Qatar Foundation, Dr. Pranab Baruah, Head of Doha Mission, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Prof. Aboubakr M Abdullah, Innovation Manager, Qatar University, Dr. Dong Suk Han, Res. Associate Professor at Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) Qatar University, Prof. Seungkwan Hong, Dean of KU-KIST Graduate School of Energy and Environment (Green School), Korea University and Dr. Donghyun Kim, Assistant Professor at Department Chemical Engineering at Qatar University.
The event started with the welcoming speech by Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, in which she stated that “Climate change is one of the most important topics, Qatar has kept climate change and sustainable development on top of their priorities. Qatar National Vision 2030 has named environment and development as one of its four main research pillars. Prominent example is FIFA World Cup 2022, as it is organized as an environmental friendly event. It will be the world’s first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup. Qatar University considers environmental studies among its research priorities.”
During his opening remarks, H.E. Joon-ho Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea said, “Climate change is not a distant matter. It is our reality, now we see more and more unprecedented floods, heat waves and drought. Many experts warn that these extreme weather conditions will grow in the future and the trend is inevitable and irreversible. We need more international cooperation and advanced green technology to overcome these crisis.”
“Qatar and Korea have shared common views on climate change. Qatar unveiled the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030, one of the most ambitious plans in the region. Korea pledged to reduce its national carbon emissions by 40% from 2018 level till 2030 and reach the carbon neutrality by 2050,” he added.
Lee, added “one of the main focus areas of this seminar is green technology which is the key to fight climate change and guarantee sustainable development in the future. I believe more exchanges of experts and joint research between universities and institutions of Qatar and Korea will greatly contribute to the development of more efficient and greener technology.”
The event consisted of two sessions. The first session was based on technical presentations by – Dr. Pranab Baruah, Mr. Ashraf Kinawi, Prof. Dong Suk Han, “CO2 Utilization Approach in the Qatar Environment” and Prof. Seungkwan Hong, “The Future Water Infrastructure in Response to Climate Change”.
The second session was based on panel discussion between Dr. Pranab Baruah, Mr. Ashraf Kinawi, Prof. Aboubakr M. Abdullah, Prof. Seungkwan Hong and Dr. Donghyun Kim (as moderator). The panel discussion concluded with Q&A session with the audience.
Closing Remarks were delivered by Dr. Mohammad Irshidat, Director of CAM. The event concluded with Business Lunch and networking.
Source: Qatar University