Environment Minister to QNA: 'Qatar Attaches Great Importance to Climate Change Issue'

Doha, March 15 (QNA) - HE Minister of Environment Ahmad bin Amer Al Humaidi will inaugurate on Monday the "Climate Change Forum: Opportunities and Challenges", with the participation of about 60 local civil and government entities involved in the issue of climate change. Organized by the Ministry at the Doha Sheraton Hotel, the Ministry of Environment will present a working paper entitled "The State of Qatar and the issue of climate change". Participants such as Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited (QAFAC), Qatargas and RasGas will highlight their efforts in climate change field, while Qatar General Electricity and Water (Kahramaa) will present its national program for the rationalization and energy efficiency "Tarsheed". In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Minister of Environment underscored the great attention paid by Qatar to the issue of climate change, making a reference to Qatar's hosting for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (Cop18) in 2012, as well as its efforts and solidarity with the international community in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Qatar is free from carbon emissions, which are within the limit of global allowable carbon levels, HE the Minister of Environment said, pointing out that there are more than 30 devices to monitor and control the level of these emissions in different parts of the state. Qatar as a producer of oil and gas is keen on ensuring that its projects are consistent with the conventions and international standards to protect the environment from all types of pollutants, Al Humaidi said, adding that Qatar is taking advantage of modern technology to reduce emissions. Participants in tomorrow's forum will be introduced to Qatar's projects in these areas, and will be briefed on the role of the Ministry of Environment in this regard, he said. (QNA)