qatar-city-buildings-skyline.jpeg

Over Polluted Qatar Hosts UN Climate Conference

This month’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18) will be hosted by Qatar, the tiny peninsula nation in the Persian Gulf that holds the world record for per capita CO2 emissions. According to a report entitled Indicators of Sustainable Development 2011 released by Qatar’s statistics’ authority, the state has experienced a 27% annual increase in […]

co2percapitanation2-e1351938120826.png

Will the Kyoto Protocol Survive Qatar 2012?

The Qatar climate conference this year could very well mark the end of the Kyoto protocol. Qatar has one of the highest per capita CO2 emission rates in the world, but it will host The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s climate change conference this year – shortly before the Kyoto protocol’s first emission […]

Carboun-energy-infographic.png

How Arab World Buildings Use Energy (Infographic)

Tunisian buildings are the most energy intense in the Arab world.  Carboun has released a powerful infographic which details how energy is consumed in the Middle East. Using data received from personal contributions, the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, founder Karim Elgendy has mapped out energy use by country in each of the […]

medical-tourism-sunbather.jpeg

Medical Tourism Boom in Jordan and United Arab Emirates

Catch some healing sun with your operation? The Middle East’s healthcare industry is booming. Rising healthcare costs in the United States and increased waiting periods for specialized treatment in Europe are fueling rapid growth in the numbers of medical tourists pouring into the region. Medical tourism, the practice of crossing international borders to obtain healthcare, […]

beirut-building-collapsed1.jpg

Will Building Catastophes Make Smarter Occupants?

Laurie escaped from the Trade Towers 11 years ago and as a building expert looks critically at standards in the Middle East.  Building codes ensure that a  properly constructed building will safely stand up to predictable wear and tear. Codes specify fire-resistant performance for materials and prescribe safe exiting requirements for occupants. But what guides […]