On a serene evening in June 2007, nestled in my cozy sofa in the Netherlands, my tranquility was shattered as the BBC weather forecast on TV suddenly captured my undivided attention. The forecast wasn't just a routine update that one might half-listen to while going about their evening routine; it was a dire warning about a super cyclonic storm named Gonu heading towards Oman, my homeland. The magnitude of the threat it posed was unprecedented in my lifetime, and the night suddenly shifted from a serene evening to a jarring one trying to grapple with the potential devastation of my country. The reality that Gonu might fundamentally alter Oman's landscape and, by extension, the lives of its people, including my family, filled me with a profound sense of dread. This moment marked a turning point, propelling me from concern to action, from a bystander to an advocate for change.
The days following the broadcast were fraught with anxiety. The cyclone's approach towards Oman was like watching a slow-motion disaster, knowing the possible consequences but feeling utterly powerless to stop it. My mind raced with concern for my family's safety and the well-being of countless others in Gonu's path. The communication blackout that ensued only deepened the sense of helplessness, leaving me to wait in agonizing suspense for any news from home.
When the silence finally broke, and I learned of my family's safety, relief washed over me, but it was tinged with the awareness that not everyone was so fortunate. The aftermath of Cyclone Gonu was a testament to its ferocity; it left a scar on the nation that went beyond physical damage. Infrastructure was devastated to the tune of 4.2 billion US dollars, around 50 lives were lost, and the landscape of Oman was irrevocably changed.
Yet, the resilience and unity of the Omani people in the face of such adversity left a lasting impression on me. Communities coming together to rebuild, support one another, and recover from the cyclone's impacts resonated deeply with an Arabic proverb I was taught in my youth: ‘Unity is power.’ During my grade four Arabic lesson, this proverb was illustrated to me through the metaphor of the jungle, where animals of all sizes united to rescue an elephant trapped in a trench. This lesson in unity, seen in the natural world and mirrored in the actions of my compatriots, emphasized a fundamental truth that has guided my path ever since: when we come together towards a common goal, we harness an unstoppable force.
The Storm that Changed Everything: Mobilizing Against Climate Change
This experience was a catalyst for my journey into climate activism. The realization that climate change was not a distant threat but a present danger that could bring about events like Gonu with increasing frequency and intensity spurred me into action. Witnessing the resilience displayed in the aftermath of this catastrophe was a reflection of the global challenge that climate change poses—a challenge that calls for cooperation, unity, and collective action to address effectively.
Amid the challenges that emerged in the cyclone's aftermath, one issue particularly commanded my attention and efforts: the plight of smallholder farmers. The cyclone’s impact accelerated the intrusion of seawater, compromising their freshwater wells and posing an existential threat to these farmers, who are the backbone of Oman's agricultural landscape. The very essence of their livelihood, dependent on groundwater, was in peril, with traditional crops failing in the saline-infused soil. In response to this urgent challenge, I spearheaded the introduction of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in Oman, targeting the most affected farmers.
The concept was simple yet revolutionary for the local context; transforming the adversity of seawater intrusion into an opportunity to breed fish in farms. The impact of this initiative was profound and far-reaching. RAS allowed farmers to utilize the saline water that had rendered their land unproductive, turning a previously dire situation into a sustainable aquaculture model. This was more than just a method of securing food; it was a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating how adversity could catalyze innovation and sustainability. The success of the initial model farm, which expanded from one to ten and then to fifty, highlighted how the technology of RAS can revolutionize Oman's approach to agriculture and food security amid climate change challenges.
Recognizing its transformative impact, this project was incorporated into Oman's national food security strategy, marking it as a cornerstone in the country's adaptive response to environmental challenges. The strategy’s mission to expand the implementation of the project to over a hundred farms nationwide is a testament to the project's success and the broader recognition of the need for innovative solutions to ensure sustainability and resilience in Oman's agricultural sector.
My journey of transition from a concerned observer to an active participant in sustainability efforts is but a chapter in the larger story of Arab youth's engagement with environmental challenges. Across the region, young individuals harness innovation and technology to address the pressing issues of climate change and ecological degradation. From pioneering projects that leverage local resources and scientific advancements to combat CO2 emissions to initiatives addressing the critical issue of waste to conservation grassroots initiatives, the Arab youth are at the forefront of creating sustainable solutions. These efforts not only highlight the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the region's youth, but also their commitment to forging a sustainable future.
Empowering the Next Generation: Arab Youth Leading the Way
One striking example of such proactive engagement is the pioneering work of 44.01, an Omani company named after the molecular weight of carbon dioxide. Fouded by young visionaries, 44.01 specializes in permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere through the novel process of mineralizing it in peridotite, a prevalent rock type in Oman. This process is not just a testament to human ingenuity, but also an emblem of hope, showcasing how technological innovation can align with natural geological processes to effectively combat climate change. Moreover, 44.01's mission resonates deeply with the region's broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable development, demonstrating the potential of green technologies to chart a path towards a future less dependent on fossil fuels.
Similarly, the inception of "RecycloBekia" stands as a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Arab youth. Originating from a group of ambitious students at Tanta University in Egypt, RecycloBekia emerged as one of the first electronic waste recycling companies in the Middle East. Addressing the dual challenges of electronic waste and environmental sustainability, RecycloBekia provides a much-needed service by offering recycling and safe disposal solutions for e-waste. Starting with a modest investment of just USD 1,000, the students' vision swiftly transformed into a successful venture, illustrating the profound impact of youth-led innovation in fostering environmental sustainability and promoting the principles of a circular economy within the region.
The examples of 44.01 and RecycloBekia are just a glimpse of the many stories I hope to share through this four-part series aimed to explore the multifaceted roles of Arab youth in the environmental movement. Underpinning this series is a study that I have co-authored and tirelessly worked to bring to life. Its findings and policy recommendations were presented to key decision-makers across all 26 Arab league countries during COP28 last December. This study, arguably the most comprehensive and inclusive topic of Arab youth and climate change, has been a labor of passion and urgency – a deep dive into the hearts and minds of Arab youth as they confront the climate crisis.
Beyond serving as a mere reflection of their concerns, aspirations, and innovative endeavors, this study serves as a a bridge connecting policymakers, educators, and environmental advocates to the vibrant potential of youth-driven climate action. The role of this research transcends beyond the academic realms; it is a call for collective action and a blueprint for empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
The MENA region stands on the cusp of significant climatic shifts, with temperatures predicted to rise by up to 4 degrees Celsius by 2050. This forecast isn't merely a set of numbers; it's an urgent appeal, highlighting the imminent challenges to the region's habitability and ecological balance. Facing such daunting prospects, the Arab youth are not standing idle and refuse to remain passive bystanders; instead, they're mobilizing with a sense of purpose and determination that's both inspiring and vital. While 68% actively engage with the climate crisis, demonstrating a profound awareness and readiness to tackle these issues head-on, it's interesting to note their broader contextual concerns, with peace and food security ranking higher on their agenda. This demographic, constituting about 43% of the youth population, refuses to remain on the sidelines. With sleeves rolled up, they are actively immersing themselves in climate-related initiatives, demonstrating a remarkable blend of hope and commitment to driving change at both personal and community levels.
Among the study’s most compelling insights is the overwhelming consensus among Arab youth that climate justice transcends policy debates, rooting itself firmly as a fundamental human right. This perspective, shared by approximately 70%, infuses the climate discourse with a moral and ethical dimension, emphasizing equity and fairness as cornerstones of climate action. However, tempered by a dose of realism, only a fraction—21%—harbor optimism about global initiatives' ability to limit warming to the crucial 1.5°C threshold by 2050. This skepticism isn't a sign of defeat; rather, it is a pragmatic reflection on the current trajectory of climate efforts and a rallying call for more impactful, decisive action.
Arab Youth Shaping Tomorrow's Climate Legacy
Echoing through the corridors of power, Arab youth are appealing for more than just acknowledgment; they demand concrete, decisive action from both regional and global leaders to mitigate the impending climate threats. They emphasize the pivotal role of education and skill development as catalysts for meaningful participation in climate action. They highlight the urgent need for avenues that empower young individuals to contribute effectively to this global endeavor.
As we explore through this series, we delve into the heart of youth-led climate action in the Arab world, illuminated by the insights from our study. Their efforts, grounded in a mix of optimism and pragmatism, showcase not just a response to the climate crisis but a forward-looking vision for environmental stewardship. Their journey is emblematic of a broader movement—a generation not daunted by the magnitude of the task, but energized by the opportunity to shape a more sustainable and equitable world. Through their stories, challenges, and achievements, we see a vivid picture of what it means to engage, innovate, and lead in the face of one of the most pressing issues of our time. This exploration will reveal the vast capacity for change that emerges from collaborative endeavors, highlighting how collective actions can forge significant and enduring transformations.
In drawing this opening discussion to a close, it's evident that the enthusiasm and initiative of Arab youth in tackling climate challenges are not merely hopeful signs; they are the very driving force of progress in our collective quest for a sustainable world. The insights gleaned from our study not only highlight the critical engagement of these young individuals in addressing the climate crisis, but also call upon us to rally behind their vision and vigor. As they seek more decisive actions from global leaders and advocate for enhanced educational opportunities to empower effective participation, their message resonates with clarity and urgency: the time for action is now. By supporting and amplifying their efforts, we don't just invest in the environmental stewards of tomorrow; we take a definitive step towards crafting a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The dedication and ingenuity of Arab youth are not just inspiring; they are indispensable in navigating the path to environmental stewardship.
