We need to drop fossil fuels asap! But wait? What would happen to the livelihoods and economies that have depended on this for so long? How fast can they adapt to the change? What about those that are importing fossil fuels? Are they responsible as well? Tune in to this episode to hear what Neeshad and Rayan have to say about the supply and demand of fossil fuels and its relation to climate justice in West Asia and beyond.
Listen to this episode
Episode Overview
With youth guest, Neeshad Shafi (Qatar), co-founder and Executive Director of the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar
The Gulf region of West Asia largely depends on oil and gas exports as the primary source of income, which further subsidize most other sectors within their economies. Although trends of “green initiatives” have been emerging in the region, the shift from fossil fuel dependence is still weak. What would happen to people’s livelihoods if fossil fuel exports suddenly dropped? How would daily energy access impact everyday people - especially in developing countries - if imports suddenly stopped? How do exporters and importers work together to help the Gulf shift to a greener economy? These are just some of the questions we explore in this episode, leading us to discussions about how the how climate action differs in the Gulf compared to other areas within West Asia and globally, and how youth can find ways to demand climate justice within the Gulf region regimes. We presented alternatives for youth to push for climate action in such conditions.
Key Takeaways
“We need to hold accountable developed countries for reducing imports of fossil fuels.”
Transition from fossil fuel dependence is a step-by-step process and needs to be led by the public alongside government initiatives.
Climate activism has been going on in the gulf for a while tailored based on the regimes and civil engagement available in the Gulf.
There is variance among responsibilities for decreasing fossil fuel dependence. Developed countries are more equipped to transition to renewable energy and decrease their imports of fossil fuels than are developing countries.
Additional Resources & Local Initiatives
Follow Neeshad at https://neeshad.com/
Regional Collaboration Centre, Dubai for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Climate Change Threats, Opportunities, and the GCC Countries
Navigating the Energy Transition How Gulf NOCs Can Weigh in on the Climate Crisis
Mohamed Abdel Raouf and Mari Luomi, The Green Economy in the Gulf, (Abingdon: Routledge, 2015)
Looking for more or have questions after listening? Join us at our Series #1 Webinar, happening on July 4 at 16:00 UTC / 19:00 Beirut time!
More about this episode
Episode Questions
Quick questions with quick responses (What did our guests choose?)
Isolationism vs integrationism?
Is cultural justice part of climate justice?
Individual entitlement vs collective entitlement?
From 1-10 how much focus is given to climate nowadays in your country?
Discussion questions
Can climate action movements in the west be applied in the Gulf? If not, how can we push for climate action in the Gulf?
Is there a balance between oil and gas economic growth vs climate action? Is Masdar City in UAE a good example or is it green washing?
What is the best way for youth in the Gulf to demand for a better climate?
Guest Bio
Neeshad Shafi is Co-founder and Executive Director at the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar. He has over 5 years of experience working and discussing climate policies in the Middle East and Gulf. His expertise is sought globally, and he has articles and interview in publications including The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Gulf Times and more.