Bahrain Must Innovate To Secure Environment

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Environmental degradation is the unfortunate outcome of climate change that every nation is grappling with. Bahrain is no exception. Be it spiralling temperatures, worsening marine life conditions, ground water table depletion and drop in ambient air quality, Bahrain is combating the consequences of worsening environment in every aspect. Given these conditions it is essential for the nation to draw up a resilient environment strategy that is capable of logging early successes by targeting the environmental well-being of critical aspects such as marine life, water resources security, agri-sector and clean energy. But rapid success is not possible unless cutting edge technology and innovation are deployed.

Marine life resilience and the protection of its biodiversity is critical for Bahrain. The degradation of the same can bring many more challenges for the nation. To prevent this from happening, Bahrain must first focus on rebuilding the coral reefs as they can help regenerate lost biodiversity of marine life. In this regard, implementing Biorock Technology that uses low-voltage electrical currents to accelerate the growth of limestone on steel structures can be of immense help. This can rapidly restore damaged coral reefs and boost marine biodiversity in the Arabian Gulf. Similarly, autonomous trash skimmers that are solar-powered coupled with AI-driven marine drones can autonomously patrol marinas and coastlines to scoop up plastic waste and biomass before it drifts into deep waters. This reduce the pollution load on marine ecosystems resulting in marine life recovery.

For arid and nation such as Bahrain, water is extremely precious and there is an urgent need to bolster the ground water table besides protecting the natural aquifers both in terms of water quality and quantity. A robust water resource scenario would also naturally mean a healthy agri-sector. But given the harsh climate conditions, Bahrain must rely on innovations such as adoption of advanced hydrogels for agriculture. Hydrogels are able to to retain water up to 400 times its weight. This significantly slashes irrigation needs in desert terrains and increases agri-productivity without further burdening water resources. The aquifer-alternative strategy too needs to be evolved so that the aquifers are released from excess stress from catering to agri-sector needs. To ensure this, Seawater-Cooled Greenhouse Systems can be utilised wherein integrated systems pump deep, cool seawater to regulate greenhouse temperatures and provide freshwater via condensation. This can enable year-round vegetable production without depleting groundwater resources.

Adding urban sustainability and clean energy to the strategy mix can pay off handsome environmental dividends for Bahrain. In this regard, Bahrain can focus on mainstreaming and large scale implementation of algae-powered building facades. This innovation integrates bio-reactive architecture, such as the algae-filled glass louvers to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into biomass and heat, providing natural insulation and renewable energy for skyscrapers. Currently available in some buildings in Bahrain, this concept when scaled up can change the narrative of clean energy. Add to this the installation of smart tiles in high-foot-traffic areas can help generate off-grid electricity directly from pedestrian footsteps to power local street lighting.

Bahrain must embark on innovation for ecological conservation.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Daily Tribune)