Two years after passing its Renewable Energy and Efficiency Law (REEL) Jordan is moving forward with what will be the largest largest solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the Middle East. Construction will begin on the 52.5 MW Shams Ma’an facility in early 2015 with completion in 2016. Shams is the Arabic word for “sun”.
Jordan’s 52.2 MW Shams solar energy PV plant built with First Solar
Responsive floating agriculture to feed the Middle East?
Forward Thinking Architecture has designed floating farms for Singapore, a country that shares many of the problems we have in the Middle East – food insecurity, lack of land, and a rapidly growing population. We think this design might be appropriate for our region as well.
A subsidiary of JAPA, an ideas lab, Forward Thinking Architecture proposes that responsive floating agriculture can ease both present and looming food shortages.
Building on existing floating fish farms in Singapore, the concept comprises networked floating structures with a looping configuration that are equipped with rotating racks full of lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, spinach and other crops that can be grown year-round.
Related: flux home device makes is easy for anyone to grow food using hydroponics
The loop design helps to maximize the amount of sunlight that is available and creates an appealing aesthetic that won’t deter from the surrounding landscape. This is important because the farms will be set up adjacent to the city on waterways, where people often congregate during their leisure hours.
And then there’s the “responsive” aspect of the design.
Neighborhoods in the city can each ‘order’ precisely what they need by communicating their requirements via a tech layer that crowns each floating farm. This not only helps to reduce food waste, but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions associated with food miles (how far food has to travel) and imports.
Using aquaponic and hydroponic systems, these floating farms also help to conserve water – as most vertical growing systems do, although being outside does increase the likelihood of evaporation.
One concern we might have is the extent to which air pollution, which grows alongside the population, would affect the quality of the food being grown. It’s not completely obvious whether the design team have included some kind of mechanism that would filter the air to avoid contaminating the plants.
Otherwise – great design. What do our readers think? Is this an appropriate solution to our food, water, and land shortages?
:: Designboom
الإمارات تنوي إرسال أول مسبار عربي إلى المريخ في 2021
أكد الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، نائب رئيس دولة الإمارات و حاكم دبي، نية الدولة في إرسال مركبة فضاء إلى المريخ بحلول مارس من العام 2021، لتكون أول محاولة جادة لاكتشاف الفضاء تنطلق من الشرق الأوسط
و قال الشيخ في تغريدة: هذه المنطقة مهد لحضارات كثيرة و عظيمة. باستطاعة العرب إثراء الموروث العلمي الإنساني من جديد بوجود الإمكانيات اللازمة
و طبعا، لإنجاح هذا المشروع الضخم، يجب أولا إنشاء وكالة فضاء لتتكفل بتنظيم جميع المجهودات اللازمة لإرساء مسبار على الكوكب الأحمر
و قد قال الشيخ في تصريح لمجلة ’فيرج’ أن الوكالة ستكون مسؤولة عن تنظيم هذه المهمة الفضائية، بالإضافة إلى تنمية قطاع الصناعات الفضائية في الدولة و الذي من شأنه تحسين الإقتصاد المحلي بشكل عام. و بالفعل، بدأت الدولة سلسلة من الاستثمارات الضخمة في تقنية الفضاء، حيث قامت بشراء عدد من الأقمار الصناعية بقيمة 5.4 مليار دولار
و قد أعلنت مؤسسة الامارات للعلوم و التقنية المتقدمة التابعة لحكومة دبي عن خططها لإرسال مسبار ثالث إلى الفضاء في العام 2016، و ذلك لتعزيز نظام ياسات للبث، بعد أن أطلقت سابقا مسباري دبي-سات-1 في العام 2009 و دبي-سات-2 في العام 2013
و علق الشيخ على هذا الطموح الفضائي قائلا: يعتبر إطلاق المسبار إلى المريخ بداية للعرب و المسلمين لدخول عصر الفضاء و استكشافه
و كانت قد دعت دولة الإمارات لإنشاء وكالة فضاء عربية منذ العام 2008، و لكن تورُط عدد من دول المنطقة في نزاعات سياسية مَثل تحديا لأي مشروع ضخم يعتمد على قاعدة علمية كهذا. و طبعا، هنالك من سينتقد إنفاق الدولة الكثيف في ’مشروع المريخ العبثي‘ هذا – كما قد ينعته البعض، و لكننا تأمل بأن يعود المشروع بالفائدة للجميع في المنطقة مستقبلا
و بالإضافة إلى تنمية التقنية الفضائية، فأنه يؤمل أيضا بأن يكون المشروع سببا في تخريج جيلا جديدا من العلماء و المكتشفين من المنطقة، عوضا عن الاعتماد على خبرات أجنبية في هذا الصدد. أما عن الإمارات، فباحتياطاتها النفطية و تقدير حكومتها للعلوم و التقنية، فإنها مؤهلة لمطاردة هذا الطموح
How fast can Africa’s Ebola outbreak move to the Middle East?
As if the Middle East hasn’t already had problems with serious infectous diseases, such as Mid East Respiritory Syndrome (MERS), an even more deadly virus, Ebola, may now be on its way there as well. Ebola is one of the world’s worst virus scourges and is now on the verge of becoming an international pandemic, according to World Health Organization (WHO) officials.
Could new rules finally curb shark finning in the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates has passed resolution 500 in an effort to curb shark finning and protect endangered species. Currently a hub for the shark trade, the United Arab Emirates (the UAE) will implement the new laws on September 1, 2014.
The new laws prohibit fishermen from catching sharks within five nautical miles off shore, and within three nautical miles of the islands scattered throughout the UAE. Also, any animals protected by the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This includes three species of hammerhead sharks.
While the new laws prohibit the export of sharks caught in UAE waters, whether they are smoked, fresh, dried, salted, frozen or canned, imports are acceptable and re-export of some shark species will also be permitted.
Although it could have been more, it is a positive step,” filmmaker and conservationist Jonathan Ali Khan told The National, adding the resolution defines the issue of shark fishing and trade more clearly and is “an important move forward”.
Related: Dubai marine life at risk after devastating shark catch
Fishermen will still be able to import sharks from Oman and Yemen, which is currently common practice according to The National, but detailed paperwork, which includes a certificate or origin, the shark’s scientific name, and a health certificate, will be required before those sharks can be exported to other countries.
Additional certification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water will be required to trade sharks protected by CITES.
This is designed to protect endangered species and prevent finning, but there is some concern over whether customs officials and other authorities will be able to identify the sharks that need protection.
“The numbers of landed sharks from UAE waters are not the main issue, it is the re-export,” Ali Khan told The National.
“Will sharks coming from Oman and other countries be slowed down because of the paperwork? That is the real question.”
Read more on animal trafficking:
Ofir is stopping poaching in Cameroon
Dubai Porsche driver walks cheetah on a leash
Live Baby Leopard Found in Suitcase En Route to Dubai
Barisieur – a hybrid alarm clock and brew machine for coffee addicts
After going several months without, I’ve fallen back into the habit of ‘needing’ at least one cup of joe to wake up, and I know I’m not the only one. Cue Barisieur from Britain’s Joshua Renouf.
“Motivated by playful designs which encourage interaction; and induce a cherished relationship with both the product and user,” Renouf designed a hybrid coffee maker and alarm clock that wakes its owner up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Using stainless steel balls that boil water through induction heating, the machine puts a gentle spin on the alarm clock that signals the start of another day.
It’s exactly the thing that every coffee addict has dreamed of. And it’s incredibly easy to use.
Related: Ode and farewell to my daily cup of joe(s)
All one has to do is grind their coffee beans the night before, and then add water, milk and sugar – for those who need to sweeten up their life – in various little compartments, and voilà, the Barisieur fills the room with the right kind of smells right on time.
How is a hybrid coffee machine and alarm clock even remotely a Middle Eastern environmental issue?
It’s not – not really. Of course coffee was first cultivated by Arabs in the 14th century, and people in the Middle East are as hooked as any westerner (though brewing styles vary from country to country – a fascinating study in itself.)
But mostly we are celebrating good design with a palette of minimalist materials. Design that knows what people want – what coffee addicts want!
In all seriousness, coffee is a complicated thing and should be enjoyed in moderation.
If it’s sourced sustainably from fair-trade companies that ensure farmers receive a fair, living wage, and sound ecological practices are used to ensure the healthiest beans, we can maintain a reasonable footprint.
But there’s one more benefit to the Barisieur, according to Renouf.
“Living slow even when times are fast,” he says. And we can live with that. Additional info here.
Iran’s mosques and architecture in full color
The most spectacular Islamic religious architecture and interior design is something few westerners have experienced. Especially when it comes to countries with travel warnings, such as Iran. Mohammed Reza Domiri changes that, at least a bit, with extraordinary photography. Using an extreme wide-angle lens, the young Iranian unveils a world of color, geometry, and beauty we can only dream of.
Just 23-years-old, Domiri is a physics student in Iran who has a deep passion for photography. His architecture photography is particularly outstanding, and he is lucky to have incredible subjects throughout Iran – from Shiraz to Isfahan and beyond.
While contemporary Iranian architecture is evolving in a completely different direction – like this home with rotating rooms – historical mosques, baths and palaces reveal a reverence of detail that won’t be seen in even the most flamboyant new structures these days.
Perfect arches, soaring columns, mind-blowing mosaics and stained glass windows that play with light in the most sublime, ethereal way – these are all brought into stunning view with immaculately framed and exposed photography
Related: The world’s most beautiful mosque in Malaysia is vulnerable to rising seas
Anyone who has ever tried architecture photography understands how difficult it is to capture the essence of a building.
But for Domiri, it’s part of the fun. An astute student of light, the artist often takes several shots of once scene and then pieces them together in order to reveal the bigger picture for his viewer. Seriously, I can’t say enough about this work, except that you should seek more of it out for yourself.
Adding to the exclusive nature of these images is the fact that photography is widely considered taboo in Islamic holy spaces. Somehow Domiri, so young and yet so talented, has transcended the taboo – perhaps because he can obviously be trusted to convey his subjects with the utmost respect.
I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi earlier this year as part of a media tour Green Prophet was invited on, with Masdar City, and while it is considered one of the most spectacular mosques in the world, I did not capture any photos even remotely as awesome as these!
Investing ethically in the Middle East
With several of the Middle East’s city-states becoming some of the world’s richest locations, it’s little surprise that an increasing number of people, particularly from the west and Far East, are looking at investment options in the region. Twinned with this however, is surge in investors looking for more ethical opportunities for their money.
Trading in ethically approved portfolios and carbon credits (although individuals should avoid these) for instance, is now big business as people consider the impact they’re having, particularly on the environment.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at how investors looking to move their money to the Middle East can do so while still making a positive difference.
Managed Investments
The simplest and most obvious route to take is to search for a wealth management company that offers eco-friendly and ethical investment portfolios. There are plenty of them about, and a quick search of the internet will give you a few options. You’ll then be able to put your capital straight into a fund based on approved assets, or the company will help tailor something for you. This is a great choice for those who like to know what they’re investing in, but aren’t too interested in the hands-on aspect of moving money about. It’s also worth doing your own research to establish whether or not the products they’re offering really are environmentally friendly however. Some companies will have different definitions as to what makes something sustainable or ethical.
Is Energy the Answer?
What is not at all obvious is the energy industry. It’s well known that a great deal of the Middle East’s wealth has come about because of huge oil reserves, which are sold all over the world. The problem with this of course is that investing your money in an industry that profits from gas-guzzling vehicles and inefficient manufacturing is not at all environmentally friendly. You might be surprised to hear then, that the region is actually making major inroads to improve its own energy production, and there was actually more than $30 billion driven into the renewable energy industry last year alone.
If you’re dead set on investing in the Middle East, and want to make your money work for the environment, then there are few better ways of doing it than looking at some of the available ETFs, or simply purchasing stock in some of the companies that are doing this work. If you’re new to moving finances abroad, then you should also consider using a specialist foreign exchange company such as Currencies Direct. Banks are rarely the best choice for either investment decisions or currency dealings.
Solar panelling is looking as though it could be one of the next major developments, with up to $50 billion in investment expected over the next six years. Much of the area has excellent sunlight all year round, which makes this form of energy production a no-brainer. Investors are certainly encouraged to look into this as a growing sector – there are many start-ups about, and those that will make the best returns will do so by identifying which of these eco-friendly businesses are the most likely to really break out. They could well be the major global energy providers of the future.
Image of UAE Dirhams from Shutterstock
Design your own LEED energy efficient dream green prefab with Blu
Why should affordable Dream Homes be limited to Barbie dolls? Design your own fantasy shack from the comfort of your keyboard with California-based Blu Homes – makers of fully customizable, prefab, green housing.
Israel’s 420 MW leads the Middle East in solar installations by a landslide
While solar power plant installations jump to a new annual record this year, according to the Worldwatch Institute, global trends show that despite all the batabata bing bing (announcements, agreements, tea ceremonies, hand-shaking), the Middle East is doing miserably in taking advantage of the sun –– one country is the exception there and it is Israel.
How girls can go wild on bikes – penny in your pants hack, and more tips
We’re all over bicycles as the best green alternative to getting you where you want to go. News about bike-messenger schemes in Beirut, dedicated bike lanes in Jericho, and affordable bikes made of cardboard get our wheels spinning every time. So we’ve loving this simple way to eliminate one of the biggest obstacles to bike riding for women in conservative cultures such as….um, the Middle East.
Turkish architects design peace islands to replace La Spezia war arsenal
With so much conflict erupting around us, it’s hard to imagine a peaceful future, but Erdem Architects does a good job of it. The Turkish firm recently won an international design competition with their proposal to turn an area of the Italian city La Spezia, historically used to host the city’s war arsenal, into a series of serene peace islands.
3 green reasons why the UAE should be on your travel bucket list
The United Arab Emirates has now become a very popular holiday destination, boasting dry, hot weather for much of the year. Although the climate may be appealing to tourists, the United Arab Emirates has much more to offer than sun, sand and sunbathing.
1. Natural Attractions
As well as the modern, built up cities, the United Arab Emirates also has stunning natural landscapes. If you visit the Liwa Oasis, you will have the opportunity to take a walk or a camel ride and visit the restored fort.
Wildlife lovers may enjoy a visit to Sharjah, which is home to a variety of endemic animals to the Arabian peninsula such as the Arabian leopard, oryx, foxes and mongooses. The Desert Park at Sharjah has more than one thousand species of animals. Sharjah is also a wonderful location for diving, with warm waters that boast coral reefs and colorful marine life.
The United Arab Emirates is a great location for bird watching, with species including kites, falcons and owls, as well as more than two hundred and fifty species of small bird.
2. Culture
Although best known for the shopping facilities and sandy beaches, the United Arab Emirates also has a lot to offer in the way of cultural attractions. Dubai Museum, which was opened in 1971, is home to collections which teach visitors about the Dubai way of life. Exhibits include antique cannons, pearl fishing boats and displays of archaeological and historical significance.
The archaeological site at Julfar is worth a visit for those who are interested in the history of the area. The site consists of the remains of a former port city which dates back to the Middles Ages, with buildings including a fort, royal palaces and a mosque.
3. Beaches
If you enjoy relaxing on the beach, you will find plenty of options in the United Arab Emirates. Even beaches with Blue Flags – the eco standard. The coastline of Dubai has various public beaches, some of which provide facilities such as sun loungers and multi-coloured beach parasols. There are also areas on some beaches where you can take part in a multitude of sports activities, which include beach volleyball and football.
Many of the beaches are close to amenities such as bars and restaurants, so you will be able to find somewhere to get refreshments. When it comes to culinary wonders that tickle the palate, the restaurants in Dubai definitely won’t be found wanting. Here you’ll find various dishes from different cuisines, ranging from fast food and bar chow to gourmet Arabic cuisine, all these are readily available.
There is much to see and do in the United Arab Emirates, whatever your interests. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, browsing the shops or you can go diving or take a camel ride through the lush oasis. There should be something to suit even the most discriminating of green tastes!
Tesla’s MobilEye partner is going public
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), the electric car company founded by Elon Musk, will be releasings its earnings statement next week and call it kismet or good planning, but Tesla has more good news: its partner Mobileye (NYSE:MBLY), the company that will be giving it driverless technology, said it will open on the New York Stock Exchange this week, with shares ranging between $17 and $19 each.
Would stackable B-and-Bee festival shelters work for refugees as well?
When we first presented the solar-powered woven refugee shelters that have now been seen all across the world, many people suggested they’d also make great festival tents. Well, now we’re wondering the opposite. Could these B-and-Bee shelters designed for Belgium festivals provide temporary housing for refugees in the Middle East?