Since 2019, Lebanon is facing one of the most severe economic crises in history. The Lebanese economy reached striking levels of collapsing currency, of very high unemployment levels, and a significant decrease in the GDP growth percentage.
Starting with the inflation, Lebanon experienced one of the highest inflation rates in the world in 2021. As shown in the chart below, the inflation rate in Lebanon was around 150% which is higher than the inflation rate in countries that are facing sanctions and wars like Libya, Iran…
Now analyzing the unemployment rate, the Lebanese economy did not suffer from high unemployment rates even during the global recession in 2009 due to the ability of the Lebanese banking sector in attracting capital. However, the unemployment rate in Lebanon reached historical records since 2019.
If we take a look at the GDP growth percentage per year, it seems that the signs of the crisis started to show early. In fact, this rate dropped from around 10.23% in 2009 to around 0.89% in 2011, and dropped to a negative rate for the first time in the last decade to around -1.7% in 2018. Thus, the GDP growth rate was a sign of what is going to happen. In 2020, an because of the crisis and the pandemic, the growth percentage dropped to a historical rate of -20.1%.
The roots of this crisis are many and vary from internal to external factors. One of these factors is that the Lebanese economy depends on services sector,and does not give priority to productive sectors such as agriculture and industry. In fact, in 2021, the percentage of GDP by sector are 1.4%, 2.76% and 94.15% for agriculture, industry and services sectors respectively. The same difference in percentages is noted for the percentage of employees in each sector.
One of the possible solutions to the Lebanese crisis is focusing on helping the agricultural sector. In fact, if we go deeper into the current situation of the agricultural sector, 65.5% of the Lebanese land is agricultural. However, only 13.23% is arable. This means that there is an interesting opportunity to invest in the agricultural sector in Lebanon.
To address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Lebanon, a collaboration between government, private sector and international organizations is needed. Farmers need a better access to financing and loans. They also need more trainings, supportive regulations, and an upgraded infrastructure.
By supporting farmers and empowering the agricultural sector, we can expect several positive expectations. First, the food security will increase, and the Lebanese dependency on imports will be reduced. In addition, the economic growth will be stimulated and job opportunities will be generated which will reduce the unemployment rate. Furthermore, exports will increase and then the country’s trade balance will be improved. Finally, by diversifying the economy, Lebanon will be more stable and less vulnerable to external shocks.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions significantly impact the environment and climate through their role in intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming. There are many means by which CO2 is generated, some of which are: Fossil Fuel Combustion, Deforestation, Land Use Changes, Industrial Processes, Agricultural practices and Residential and Commercial Energy Use.
Below is a graph shows the average CO2 emissions per metric tons over the past years. As seen from the trend below, there has been some stabilization and slight decreases in emissions per metric ton in certain regions due to the adoption of cleaner technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency this is due to the increased awareness of the environmental impacts of CO2 emissions and efforts to reduce them.
The map shows the average CO2 emission per capita per country. In addition to drilling down to the top ten co2 emitting countries worldwide with Qatar being on top of the list.
The main problem with CO2 emissions on the environment is their contribution to climate change and global warming. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in average global temperatures. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, it is essential for maintaining habitable temperatures on Earth. However, the excessive buildup of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has disrupted the natural balance and is causing several environmental issues such as Global warming, Climate change, ocean acidification, Ecosystem disruption and human health impact.
Addressing CO2 emissions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment, ecosystems, and human well-being. For Qatar specifically, CO2 emissions increased especially during the past years after having significantly reducing it. Taking into account that total countries CO2 emissions has been reduced as seen in the first graph above.
Some facts regarding Qatar having the highest metric ton per capita carbon dioxide emissions worldwide is that Qatar being one of the Gulfs largest oil producing countries, contributes to it being the world’s largest carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitters per Capita. Global greenhouse gas emissions have been on the rise since the industrial revolution that began approximately 200 years ago. Over the past half-century CO₂ emissions have skyrocketed and climbed to a record high in recent years. There are many reasons that contribute to Qatar having the highest CO2 emissions, some of the top reasons are: Green House emissions, gaseous fuel consumptions, methane and liquid fuel consumptions.
Also, as per Hamad Bin Khalifa university Press, Qatar stands out as having the highest per capita CO2 emissions due to two primary factors. Firstly, Qatar holds the position of being the largest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) globally. Secondly, Qatar has a comparably small population in comparison to other countries.
As seen from the graphs above despite the fact that Qatar is the number one co2 emitters, the CO2 emission has been reduced. Some of the reasons and solutions are:
• Qatar being a significant player in the global energy landscape, as well as being the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and having extensive natural gas reserves.
• Qatar indirectly contributes to mitigating climate change by exporting LNG, which is considered a cleaner form of energy.
• Qatar has taken additional initiatives to reduce its own carbon emissions, including research and development efforts through dedicated centers.
• Research focuses on climate change impacts, mitigation measures, Qatar’s global CO2 emissions position, and exploring consumption-based accounting for carbon emissions.
• Qatar has diversified its energy mix by investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions.
• Energy efficiency programs target buildings, transportation, and industries to promote conservation, efficiency, and cleaner technologies, thereby mitigating CO2 emissions.
• Qatar is exploring carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial processes by capturing and storing the emissions underground.
• Sustainable urban development practices, such as green building and efficient transportation systems, are promoted to minimize energy consumption and CO2 emissions in urban areas.
• Environmental regulations and policies are in place to enforce emission standards and promote sustainable practices across industries.
• Qatar emphasizes research and development in clean energy technologies, carbon capture, and sustainable practices to advance innovative solutions for reducing CO2 emissions and addressing climate change challenges effectively.
The effectiveness of Qatar’s strategies in tackling the CO2 emission problem requires comprehensive evaluation and data analysis. Assessing the actual reduction in CO2 emissions, measuring the impact on air quality and climate, and considering the long-term sustainability of their efforts are critical factors in determining the success of Qatar’s initiatives. Continuous monitoring, adaptation of policies, and international collaborations will be essential to track progress and address the ongoing challenge of reducing CO2 emissions effectively. But it is clearly shown in the graph that CO2 emissions decreased and didn’t go back to the same rates it had before. To assess the effectiveness of Qatar’s measures in reducing CO2 emissions, comprehensive data analysis and comparisons to baseline scenarios are necessary. Long-term trends, scientific studies, and evaluations provide insights into the impact of these measures and progress in reducing Qatar’s carbon footprint. Recommendations include investing in renewable energy, setting ambitious targets, enforcing energy efficiency measures, promoting clean technologies, and strengthening policies. Sustainable transportation, international collaboration, monitoring, assessments, and transparency are emphasized. Collaboration among government, industries, research institutions, and the public is vital for achieving significant and sustainable CO2 emission reductions in Qatar to mitigate these effects, reducing CO2 emissions is crucial.
Lastly, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable land use practices, and implementing policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions are important steps toward mitigating climate change and protecting the environment.
The purpose of our project is to examine the detrimental effects of child labor on the well-being, development, and rights of children, their families, and their communities, and to foster a deeper awareness of the issue. We also investigate which countries have the highest prevalence of child labor and whether there is any correlation between that and other factors.
This analysis examines the following aspects of child labor:
The prevalence and distribution of child labor by country and region
The characteristics and profiles of child laborers
The relationship between child labor and unemployment, literacy rate, and GDP per capita
The situation of child literacy among child laborers
Child Labour by Gender:
Child labor affects both boys and girls, but the types of work and prevalence may vary between genders. In some regions, boys are more likely to be engaged in hazardous or physically demanding work, while girls may be involved in domestic labor or other forms of work. The exact breakdown of child labor by gender depends on the specific country and its socio-economic conditions.
Trends from 2010 Onwards:
Global efforts have been made to combat child labor and improve the well-being of children worldwide. Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been working to monitor and reduce child labor through various initiatives and campaigns.
While progress has been made, child labor remains a significant concern in many parts of the world. The trends have shown a gradual decline in child labor prevalence, but progress has not been uniform across all regions. Economic and social factors, as well as the implementation of policies and enforcement of labor laws, play a crucial role in determining the trends.
Top 5 Countries:
The countries with the highest prevalence of child labor can vary over time due to changing economic conditions, political factors, and efforts to address the issue. As of last update, some of the countries with higher incidences of child labor included:
Burkina Faso
Chad
Togo
Madagascar
Haiti
Child labor refers to work that is harmful to a child’s physical or mental development, deprives them of their childhood, and interferes with their education. It is a global concern that affects millions of children worldwide.
Child Labour % by Age Group:
Age 5-11: Children aged 5 to 11 years engaged in child labor 40%.
Age 12-14: Children aged 12 to 14 years involved in child labor 25%.
Age 15-17: Children aged 15 to 17 years involved in child labor 35%.
Child Labour % by Industry:
Child labor can be found in various industries, with some of the common ones being:
Agriculture: Including farming, fishing, and forestry.
Manufacturing: Such as textile, garments, and footwear production.
Mining and Quarrying: Involving the extraction of minerals and other resources.
Domestic Work: Child laborers working in private households.
Construction: Involving building and infrastructure projects.
Services: Including tourism, retail, and informal sectors.
Child Labour % by Region:
Child labor exists in many regions across the world, but its prevalence may vary. Some regions with higher rates of child labor have included:
Sub-Saharan Africa: Many countries in this region face significant child labor challenges.
South Asia: Particularly in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Southeast Asia: Including countries like Indonesia and the Philippines.
Latin America and the Caribbean: Some countries in this region also struggle with child labor issues.
Certain parts of the Middle East and North Africa.
literacy rate, unemployment, and GDP per capita of a country can significantly impact child labor. Higher literacy rates can lead to increased awareness about the importance of education and child rights, reducing the likelihood of children being engaged in exploitative labor. When adults are employed and earning a decent income (reflected by a healthy GDP per capita), the financial pressure on families to send their children to work diminishes, enabling them to prioritize their education.
Conversely, in countries with low literacy rates, lack of awareness about child rights and education can perpetuate child labor. High unemployment rates may lead to more families resorting to child labor as a means of survival or supplementing household income. Additionally, low GDP per capita can indicate limited access to quality education and social services, further entrenching the cycle of poverty and child labor.
In summary, improving literacy rates, reducing unemployment, and increasing GDP per capita are vital for combating child labor effectively. Addressing these socio-economic factors can create an environment where children are protected, educated, and provided with opportunities to break free from the cycle of exploitation and poverty.
I will be monitoring and analyzing the GDP growth effect on the education expenditure in Lebanon focusing on the past decade (2010-2020). I have opted to use a line graph to clearly monitor the fluctuation of GDP growth annually across time in years as well as the Government expenditure on education during the same period (2010-2020). To further emphasize Lebanon’s GDP decline and their mismanagement of financial resources, I further highlight some key metrics mismanaged by the country.
The Lebanese government’s expenditure on education and Lebanon’s GDP growth annually across 2010-2020 are fluctuating, however the steep decline represented from 2019 to 2020 is coupled due to major events such as the Covid-19 and the turbulence in the Lebanese economy mainly, whereby the Lebanese pound lost a significant % of its value to the U.S dollar causing disruption in the Lebanese economy. The government expenditure on education is represented with a decline from 19.44% to 9.90% which is compatible with the steep decline in the Lebanese economy represented in the GDP annual growth of 4.14 % to reach a record low of -21.40% within a period of 1 year (2019 to 2020).
Lebanon experienced low and consistent inflation rates from 2010 to 2018, however the Inflation GDP deflator skyrocketed to reach a maximum of 84.30 % in 2020, a record high. Hence, the average price change in the entire economy shifted affecting the overall price level and cost of living as inflation rose by over 80% from 2019 up until 2020.
This reflects volatility and an upward trend. Some key issues the country faced are:
-Economic Challenges
-Political Instability
-High Public Debt
-Deteriorating financial situation
All contributing to the inflationary pressures.
Given the impact of inflation on the economy and people’s purchasing power, it is crucial for Lebanon to address this issue and invest in education. By investing in education, Lebanon can enhance its human capital, promote innovation, and improve productivity. A well-educated workforce can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and the development of a more resilient and sustainable economy. Therefore, investing in education becomes even more important as Lebanon works towards stabilizing its economy and improving the living standards of its people.
In 2020, Lebanon experienced a net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) amounting to 5.12% of its GDP. Although representing a decline across the past decade, this significant influx of foreign investment presents a valuable opportunity for Lebanon to allocate a portion of these funds towards investing in education. By channeling a portion of the FDI into the education sector, Lebanon can enhance its educational infrastructure, improve access to quality education, and develop a skilled workforce. Additionally, investing in education can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of a knowledge-based economy, positioning Lebanon as a competitive player in the global market. It is crucial for Lebanon to seize the opportunity presented by FDI inflows and strategically allocate resources towards education to unlock its full potential and secure a prosperous future.
Lebanon has demonstrated a commendable literacy rate, with the youth total literacy rate and adult literacy rate reaching 99.79% and 95.30% respectively in 2020. These figures remained consistently high over the past years, indicating the nation’s commitment to education. The impressive literacy rate emphasizes the importance of investing in and further improving education in Lebanon. By increasing educational investments, the country can continue to enhance literacy levels and equip its youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Education serves as a foundation for social and economic development, and sustained investment in this sector will undoubtedly yield long-term benefits for Lebanon’s future generations.
Analyzing the Net migration rate over rate we notice the trend of the Lebanese diaspora and the potential loss of highly educated individuals often referred to as the “brain drain”. This emphasizes the impact on Lebanon’s human capital and further stresses that educated individuals are leaving the country. The net negative migration rate since 2013 to reach a -115,146 in early 2020 showcases that more people are leaving rather than entering the country.
Lebanon’s control of corruption estimate was -1.16, indicating a significant challenge in combating corruption within the country. Moreover, Lebanon’s control of corruption percentile rank stood at 12.02%, reflecting a relatively low performance. Corruption poses a detrimental impact on various sectors, including education. To address this issue, investing in education becomes crucial as it can help combat corruption and promote transparency. By allocating resources towards education, Lebanon can enhance access to quality education, improve governance within the education system, and foster ethical practices among future generations. Education plays a pivotal role in instilling values of integrity, accountability, and good governance, which can contribute to reducing corruption in the long run. Additionally, investing in education equips individuals with knowledge and skills, empowering them to actively participate in society, advocate for transparent practices, and contribute to building a corruption-free Lebanon.
We clearly see the need for reform strategies that will allow Lebanon to enhance its GDP growth rate in order to invest in education, increase education expenditure, and increase education attainment, which is going to boost its labor force. There are various steps Lebanon can take to improve its currency and GDP growth, which will have an impact on government expenditures on education. Here are three potential strategies:
– Implement economic reforms: The currency problem in Lebanon is mostly the result of economic mismanagement and corruption. To solve this, the government might adopt economic reforms such as reducing the national debt, increasing tax revenues, and enhancing the business environment in order to attract foreign investment. This would help to stabilize the currency and stimulate GDP growth, resulting in additional resources for education investment and spending.
– Invest in infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and transportation systems is another way to raise GDP. This would not only create jobs and stimulate economic growth, but it would also increase educational access by making it easier for students to commute to school.
– Promote entrepreneurship: Encouraging entrepreneurship and small business development can help boost GDP and create jobs. This could be accomplished by initiatives such as extending tax incentives to small firms, providing training and assistance to entrepreneurs, and boosting access to funding. A stronger economy would provide the government with greater resources to invest in education and other social services.
In terms of the impact on government education spending, a stronger economy would provide greater resources for education. This might imply increase school funding, higher teacher salaries, and improved student facilities and resources. It is crucial to highlight, however, that the government’s priorities and policies will ultimately determine how much funding gets allocated to education and how it is spent.
Implementing reforms and investing in infrastructure, among other things, are some measures Lebanon can use to boost GDP, after which it can invest a greater proportion of GDP in education for Lebanon’s future economic growth and social development. The government should prioritize changes that address inefficiencies and disparities in education spending to improve the quality and equality of the school system. In taking the proper steps, Lebanon can rise again and blossom.
References: - The World Bank (2023) World Development Indicators. Available at: https://datacatalog.worldbank.org/search/dataset/0037712 (Accessed: 11 July 2023).
Would you imagine our world today without electricity? Electricity has become an integral part of our daily lives, playing a vital role in providing us with the comfort, convenience, and functionality we rely on, which is translated in the increased demand for this valuable resource. However, this comes with a cost.
Overview
Power generation is currently the largest contributor in CO2 gas emissions globally, and by analyzing electric power generation sources further; we clearly can see that fossil fuel power generation remains primary.
Top 10 Countries
Going deeper, and from country perspective, top 10 countries in CO2 emission from power generation are responsible for almost 4 times the average compared with the rest of the world. This calls for urgent action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel sources (mainly coal sources) and shift towards a more sustainable and homogeneous mix of generation sources.
The Dominance of Fossil Fuel Sources: The electric power generation industry is still heavily dependent on fossil fuel sources, accounting for approximately 60% of the total energy mix. Surprisingly, this percentage has remained relatively unchanged from 1984 to 2022. The continued dominance of fossil fuels poses a significant challenge in our efforts to mitigate climate change.
Special focus on the USA and China
China is the largest consumer for coal worldwide and the third largest gas consumer as well, while The USA is the third largest in coal and the largest in gas consumption.
Both countries depends mainly on these two source to generate their electricity as the majority of consumption generation plants.
Proposed Solution
To combat the environmental impact of power generation, it is imperative that we focus on reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, particularly coal. Instead, we should concentrate our efforts on increasing the use of renewable and nuclear energy sources. By transitioning to a more sustainable and diverse mix of generation sources, we can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and work towards a greener future.
There are positive signs of progress in our transition towards cleaner energy sources. The shift from oil to natural gas as a primary energy source worldwide is a step in the right direction, as natural gas is more environmentally friendly compared to oil and coal. Additionally, there has been a gradual increase in the utilization of renewable energy in recent years. However, these efforts are still modest and require accelerated action to achieve sustainability and meaningful emission reduction.
Recommendations
To achieve the global sustainable goals and net-zero emission enshrined in Paris Agreement and COP27 recommendations; it is a necessity to move towards a sustainable electricity genertion mix, which can be achieved by:
1. Implement electric power generation sustainability programs:
2. Learning from the successful experience in reducing oil dependency can guide these sustainability programs.
3. Establish strong energy policy frameworks.
4. Utilize new technologies and innovative energy services solutions.
5. Increase investment in renewable and nuclear energy.
6. Upgrade and retrofit existing power plants.
7. Enhance international collaboration and electricity interconnection between countries.
In conclusion power generation is currently the largest source of CO2 emissions globally, however it is also the sector that is leading the transition to net zero emissions through the rapid deployment of nuclear and renewables.
