Manama, November 7 (BNA) The Kingdom of Bahrain has renewed its commitment to continue developing its health system to face any potential impact of climate change.
This is part of the steps that the Kingdom of Bahrain is taking to play an active role in facing climate challenges and to continue developing its health system to overcome any future crises.
The Ministry of Health and the Supreme Council for the Environment highlighted Bahrain’s trend, which reflects keenness to protect the health of the people of Bahrain.
This announcement comes in line with Bahrain’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
It is also a response to the UK Presidency’s call for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to adopt initiatives aimed at building a resilient and environmentally sustainable health system.
The Minister of Health, Faeqa bint Saeed Al-Saleh, and the Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Dina, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to upgrading its health system and making progress on the following points:
– Study of sea level rise: which may affect the social, political and economic agendas in Bahrain. The study aims to continuously study the level of threat to Bahrain due to coastal flooding caused by sea level rise.
The multi-stage scheme will be divided into the following stages:
Phase 1 – Flood risk assessment from sea level rise. Review the available scientific evidence and data on sea level rise, and provide a preliminary assessment of land and assets at risk, including health infrastructure, in Bahrain.
Phase two – coastal flood risk assessment. This will require an extensive study of the sources of flood risks associated with sea level rise and storms. The move will help find ways to reduce the death toll and contain potential outbreaks of storm-related diseases.
Phase 3 – Impact on National Infrastructure – This phase will require a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of sea level rise on key national infrastructure and assets, including healthcare centers and hospitals.
Phase 4 – Develop a viable emergency strategy aimed at mitigating the adverse impact, and explore options to be considered in order to protect Bahrain’s healthcare infrastructure.
– National Afforestation Plan:
Thermal satellite images of Bahrain were taken to identify hot spots, and create a list of trees and plants that can withstand Bahrain’s heat, without requiring much water or affecting infrastructure.
A pilot program was implemented to assess the impact of afforestation on one of the main roads, in addition to some tourist areas, central markets and residential areas.
The action plan will be expanded to include the type and percentage of green spaces, in addition to initiatives aimed at encouraging citizens and residents to plant trees.
Building permits will also be reviewed to include landscaping. Lowering the temperature will reduce heat stress-related illnesses and increase the quality of well-being in Bahrain.
– National Adaptation Investment Plan (NAIP):
Bahrain’s national adaptation planning efforts aim to enhance resilience to the risks of climate change and address urgent needs resulting from climate variability.
Improving food and water security will also play a vital role in improving the health of people in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
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