Bahrain is preparing to introduce comprehensive laws to regulate greenhouse gases, said a senior government official, adding that a draft proposal to bring in new legislation has been sent to the Cabinet for approval.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event to release Bahrain's Second National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife director-general Dr Adel Al Zayani said Herculean efforts were required to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in Bahrain.

'After the necessary legislation is introduced, we can start on that process,' said Dr Al Zayani.

'Bahrain annually emits 22,000 giga tonnes of greenhouse gasses, of which nearly 17,000 giga tonnes is from the energy sector.'

The expert said the remainder were from industries (around 2,500 tonnes) and sewerage.

'We are convinced Bahrain, like all other countries, must do its part to contribute to urgent action to achieve steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and thereby strive to avoid the dangerous - perhaps catastrophic - impacts associated with climate change,' he said.

Dr Al Zayani believes by compiling the report Bahrain has taken an important step toward meeting its international obligations and ensuring that climate change is considered in its policies, activities and investment plans.

'As a small island state that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Bahrain believes that meeting the climate change challenge lies in sustainable development initiatives that promote strong, clean and climate-resilient economic growth,' he said.

'We consider that transitioning to the new thinking, new frameworks and new partnerships described in the communication is a moral obligation to our children and their progeny.'

Dr Al Zayani said while Bahrain's contribution to global greenhouses would continue to be very small, it would support global efforts to address the threat of climate change.

The report highlights Bahrain's status as one of the most densely populated islands in the region, which is expected to be significantly affected by climate change and its implications - given the fact the majority of the population lives in coastal areas.

'The report also indicates that the climate change impact will not only be limited to the coastal areas due to sea-level rise, but will also affect the scarce marine resources in the region, public health and biodiversity which is vulnerable, fragile and sensitive to natural conditions associated with the phenomenon of desertification and drought,' said Dr Al Zayani.

However, Bahrain has already taken measures and developed strategic plans to address climate change.

'Moreover, we have also taken steps to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change through the development of strategic partnerships to work effectively with other government institutions, private sector organisations and civil society groups,' said Dr Al Zayani.

Public commission environmental assessment planning director Zahwa Al Kuwari added the report, prepared in co-ordination with Bahrain University and Arabian Gulf University, was in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. – TradeArabia News Service