AN MP has highlighted the importance of tougher measures and green legislation in combating the effects of climate change and ensuring a cleaner and safer world for the younger generations.

MP Muneer Suroor said climate change could cause ‘unnatural biological effects’ that negatively impact the environment in Bahrain and the GCC and urgent measures were the need of the hour.

He was speaking to the GDN on the sidelines of a panel discussion on climate oversight action, held as part of the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir, yesterday.

“We need to fight against water pollution and destruction of marine environment,” Mr Suroor told the GDN.

“Factories are dumping industrial waste, people are throwing garbage recklessly into the sea and on beaches, and man-made islands have damaged the marine environment and wildlife.

“We need to take action before it is too late.”

Mr Suroor stressed the need for innovative methods and sustainable solutions.

“It is not enough to just not add to the existing issues, we need to solve them, only then will we be on the right track,” he said.

“There has to be innovative ways for landscaping and hydroponics, and optimising water and energy usage. There are ideas, but they require advanced legislation.”

He praised Bahrain’s green belt initiative and projects that have helped mitigate the impact of climate change in the country, however, adding that “we need to do more”.

“I am proud that Bahrain has increased its green spaces through the Forever Green initiative, which has led to planting of trees along major arteries including the Amwaj Highway,” he said. “The trees play a big role in reducing the impact vehicles have on the environment.”

The GDN reported last month that air quality monitoring devices could be made compulsory in government buildings and factories and at outdoor facilities and worksites as part of plans to cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2035, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

There were also calls to make solar energy panels mandatory for new houses, apartments and buildings across the country.

Authorities have pledged to quadruple mangroves, double plantations, and triple renewable energy targets.

Mr Suroor praised the dedication of Bahrain and its people in ensuring an environmentally stable future for all.

“If we work together, we can combat climate change and leave Bahrain better than ever for future generations,” he said.

“We learn from the world and they learn from us, but we need to learn the most as we have limited resources.”

The IPU meeting earlier discussed climate conditions and issues of various countries and ways to overcome them unitedly.

IPU’s climate change action aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

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