Kuwait City: Kuwait has recently recorded the highest temperature in the world, with Mataraba station reaching a scorching 49 degrees Celsius. In response, meteorologists and environmental activists are stressing the urgent need for a national afforestation plan to mitigate rising temperatures, control dust storms, and improve air quality.
Meteorologist Fahad Al-Otaibi highlighted that, given Kuwait's desert environment, planting trees is the quickest and most effective solution to reduce temperatures. Speaking to Al-Qabas, Al-Otaibi explained that strategic indoor afforestation, particularly in residential areas and along sidewalks, could lower temperatures by 3 to 8 degrees Celsius and significantly reduce dust levels.
He emphasized that Kuwait’s current dust problems stem from northern and southwestern regions, making vegetation crucial to creating natural barriers. In addition to environmental benefits, afforestation would have economic advantages by lowering the costs associated with removing sand accumulated from dust storms.
Citing China’s success in transforming an entire city into green space, Al-Otaibi expressed optimism that Kuwait, with coordinated efforts, could replicate such an achievement.
Environmental activists voiced concern over the neglect of existing vegetation, with many trees along streets dying due to poor maintenance, lack of watering, and pest infestations such as the weevil. Activists stressed that despite Kuwait's financial capabilities, urban greening remains neglected, leading to wasted public funds and missed opportunities for environmental improvement.
They further urged authorities to involve youth, schools, and universities in tree-planting initiatives, ensuring the long-term success of Kuwait’s environmental efforts.
Implement a national greening plan across Kuwait.
Engage civil society and youth in afforestation projects.
Learn from the successful greening models of other countries.
Hold accountable the entities responsible for tree neglect.
Maintain and protect the green spaces in residential and urban areas.
Encourage home gardening among citizens.
Environmental activists such as Saud Bu Ajim, owner of the Al-Afri Reserve, and Shabib Al-Ajmi, head of the Green Dream team, emphasized the importance of using indigenous plants like sidr, ghaf, eucalyptus, willow, acid plants, ghada, ramth, arfaj, and arta. These species are naturally adapted to Kuwait's harsh climate and serve as natural dust barriers while providing much-needed shade and improving air quality.
Both activists agree that vegetation not only moderates temperatures but also enhances the quality of life and fulfills Kuwait's obligations under international environmental agreements.
With soaring temperatures and worsening dust storms threatening Kuwait’s environment and public health, experts and activists unanimously call for immediate and sustained tree-planting efforts to restore environmental balance and secure a healthier future for the country.
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