Data Visualization

Blog of the Data Visualization & Communication Course at OSB-AUB

“This is my favorite part about analytics: Taking boring flat data and bringing it to life through visualization” John Tukey

Strengthening Lebanon’s Economy

Strengthening Lebanon’s Economy

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Uncategorized

In a world where economic resilience is more crucial than ever, Lebanon stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of overcoming adversity. This blog post is a reflection and expansion of those insights, exploring how we can collectively work towards a more robust economy.

The Prelude: Reflecting on Lebanon’s Past Economic Successes

Our journey begins with a look back at Lebanon’s economic landscape, particularly around 2007 and 2008. During these years, Lebanon witnessed a remarkable phase of economic growth, thanks in large part to the collaborative efforts of the government, the central bank, and, crucially, the citizens. This era serves as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for what can be achieved through collective action and strategic economic planning.

The Current Scenario: Understanding the Crisis

Fast forward to the present, and the picture is starkly different. Lebanon faces significant economic challenges, marked by a steep decline in GDP growth, particularly post-2018. The data paints a troubling picture: negative growth rates and a plunging gross domestic savings rate. These indicators are more than mere numbers; they are a reflection of a nation grappling with economic instability.

The Interplay of GDP and Savings: A Dual Focus

A key focus of our analysis is the interplay between GDP growth and savings. A thriving economy typically boosts savings, but the reverse is also true: economic downturns lead to decreased savings due to increased expenditures or borrowing. Lebanon’s current situation, characterized by a combined decline in GDP growth and savings, signals a need for urgent, targeted economic interventions.

Tackling the Crisis: Recommendations for Economic Improvement

The core of our discussion revolves around actionable recommendations to improve Lebanon’s economy. Drawing from past successes and current challenges, these recommendations include:

  1. Fostering Government and Central Bank Collaboration: Just as in the past, strong cooperation between these entities is vital for implementing effective economic policies.
  2. Empowering Citizens: Encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses, and fostering a culture of economic literacy can help citizens contribute more effectively to the nation’s economy.
  3. Strategic Economic Planning: This involves revisiting fiscal policies, exploring new avenues for economic diversification, and investing in sectors that can drive sustainable growth.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we stand at this critical juncture in Lebanon’s economic history, it’s imperative that we learn from our past, understand our present, and actively work towards a better future. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but also filled with opportunities for growth and resilience. It’s a journey that requires the collective effort of every Lebanese citizen, policy-maker, and stakeholder. Together, we can steer Lebanon towards a path of economic recovery and prosperity.

CO2 Emission: Saudi Arabia

CO2 Emission: Saudi Arabia

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Uncategorized

Over the past three decades, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been a central focus of global environmental discussions. The issue of increasing CO2 emissions, largely attributed to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes, has gained heightened attention due to its significant implications for climate change.

The last 30 years have witnessed a steady rise in global CO2 emissions, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and an escalating demand for energy. As nations grapple with the challenges of mitigating climate change, understanding the patterns and drivers of CO2 emissions over this period becomes crucial for formulating effective strategies to address and curb the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet’s climate system.

The bar chart shows that Saudi Arabia is the most CO2 emitting country among the gulf countries. This is due to being an oil producing country, thus the rely on fossil fuel is massive.

As shown in the bar chart, the main energy source in Saudi Arabia is oil and natural gas with zero reliance on renewable sources.

The sector that is using the most energy is the electricity and heat with around 50% of total fuel consumption.

Reducing CO2 emissions in the electricity and heat sector involves implementing a combination of energy-efficient practices, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and adopting sustainable technologies. Here are several strategies to achieve this:

1.Transition to Renewable Energy: Invest in and promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal for electricity generation and heating.

2.Energy Efficiency Measures: Implement energy efficiency programs and technologies in power plants and heating systems to optimize energy use and reduce waste.

3.Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems: Implement CHP systems, also known as cogeneration, which simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from the same energy source, improving overall efficiency.

4.Upgrade and Retrofit Power Plants: Upgrade existing power plants to more efficient and cleaner technologies. Consider retrofitting with advanced technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) to capture and store CO2 emissions.

5.Smart Grids and Demand Response: Implement smart grids to optimize electricity distribution and incorporate demand response systems to manage energy consumption during peak times.

Towards a Peaceful Strong World: Homocides and the Quest for Global Justice

Towards a Peaceful Strong World: Homocides and the Quest for Global Justice

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Uncategorized

A world we all aim for

In the pursuit of a world marked by Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), there exists a formidable challenge that casts a shadow on our collective journey: intentional homicides. As nations strive for equilibrium and progress, this rising tide of violence threatens to disrupt the delicate balance sought under SDG 16, unraveling the fabric of our communities and hindering the path to justice.

The Unsettled World

Intentional homicides not only claim lives but shatter communities, leaving a trail of grief and despair in their wake. The impact reverberates beyond the immediate loss, affecting the very foundations of sustainable development. As we stand at the intersection of a quest for global justice, intentional homicides emerge as a stark reminder of the work yet to be done.

A Sign of Change

The CPIA (Country Policy and Institutional Assessment) Public Sector Management and Institutions cluster average provides an assessment of a country’s public sector quality, including aspects of governance and institutional strength. While this assessment doesn’t directly address homicides, improvements in public sector management and institutions can have indirect effects on reducing crime and promoting stability.

Countries with higher CPIA Public Sector Management and Institutions cluster average scores are likely to have more effective governance, transparent institutions, and better public administration. Such improvements can contribute to a stable environment, potentially discouraging criminal activities, including homicides. Strengthened institutions often lead to better law enforcement, judicial systems, and crime prevention strategies, indirectly impacting public safety.

Bold Steps

It’s our turn to help in implementing SDG 16. Let’s start drawing the peaceful world we always dreamed of by:

  1. Advocating for Policy Reforms: Encourage comprehensive policy reforms that prioritize enhancing public sector management for increased transparency and responsiveness.
  2. Promoting Anti-Corruption Measures: Emphasize the importance of anti-corruption measures within public institutions to ensure integrity and accountability.
  3. Investing in Judicial and Legal Reforms: Support initiatives aimed at improving judicial and legal systems for fair and efficient justice.
  4. Empowering Local Communities: Foster community engagement in decision-making processes, empowering citizens to actively participate in governance.
  5. Championing Transparency with Open Data: Advocate for transparency through open data initiatives, making government data accessible for public scrutiny.
  6. Enhancing Education and Training: Invest in education and training programs for public servants to elevate their skills and knowledge.
  7. Encouraging Collaboration: Promote collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to address shared governance challenges.
  8. Raising Public Awareness: Launch public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the importance of strong institutions in ensuring justice and maintaining peace.

 

Gender Disparities in Suicide Rates

Gender Disparities in Suicide Rates

by | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized

The sustainable development goals set by the United Nations outline the global targets to be achieved by 2030. Among these, SDG 3 focuses on ensuring health and well-being for all, and more specifically SDG3.4 targets the mental health well-being.

We can see in the graph that males suicide rate is much more higher, approximately three to four times, than females suicide rate, no matter if the country is developed or not. And this applies to approximately all countries if not all.

But what is the main cause? the root cause underlying behind this? MASCUNALITY.

Social expectations weigh heavily on men, discouraging them from expressing vulnerability and seeking for help, creating a silent struggle, and isolating them in their battles with mental health.

The call to action is clear:

  1. Challenge stereotypes around mascunality by promoting for a more inclusive and open understanding of mascunality and challenging the social norms that prevent men from showing signs and expressing weekness.
  2. Promote mental health education by encouraging mental health programs and addressing the struggles men face.
  3. Finally, let men have access to mental health services.

Finally, we need to keep track of the rates. For sure if the plan is going to be in action, these rates will go down.

Lebanon and Sudan: Tackling the Dual Crisis of Inflation and Negative Growth

Lebanon and Sudan: Tackling the Dual Crisis of Inflation and Negative Growth

by | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized

Inflation Rate in The Arab World:

The map above illustrates the inflation rates in the Arab world in 2021, with Lebanon and Sudan registering the highest percentages of inflation. Inflation is an increase in the level of prices of the goods and services that households buy.

High inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, making goods and services more expensive. This erosion of purchasing power is particularly challenging as it diminishes the real value of the currency, leading to a noticeable decline in the standard of living for individuals and restraining their ability to afford essential goods.

Negative GDP Growth Adds Another Layer of Challenge to Lebanon and Sudan:

The bar chart shows the GDP growth and inflation rates across Lebanon, Sudan, and other Arab countries in 2021. GDP growth, or Gross Domestic Product growth, represents the percentage change in the total value of goods and services produced within a country. In the context of the chart, the negative GDP growth in Lebanon and Sudan underscores a formidable challenge. Negative GDP growth occurs when an economy contracts, producing fewer goods and services than in the previous period. This contraction, coupled with soaring inflation rates as evident in the chart, adds another layer of complexity to the economic challenges  Lebanon and Sudan are facing.  A shrinking economy impacts employment, investment, and overall economic well-being, making it imperative for policymakers to address these dual challenges with targeted and effective strategies.

Emulating China’s Success: A Blueprint for Economic Diversification and GDP Growth

As seen in the line-chart above, The GDP growth in China has significantly increased starting 2020. China’s extraordinary economic growth can be attributed to a strategic blend of market-oriented reforms and targeted initiatives.

Diversifying the economy played a pivotal role, as the country shifted from an agrarian focus to developing various industries, such as reducing state control, encouraging private businesses, and welcoming foreign investments.

China’s success story underscores the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach, combining diversification with reforms that prioritize efficiency, global integration, and sustained economic planning.

 

Paving the Way for Sustainable Innovation: A Look at High Technology Exports

Paving the Way for Sustainable Innovation: A Look at High Technology Exports

by | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized

In an era marked by a collective aspiration for progress, SDG 9 emerges as a beacon of industrial, infrastructural, and innovative advancement. It is a testament to our global commitment to foster economic vitality and environmental sustainability. Within this framework, high technology exports serve as a crucial indicator of a nation’s innovative capacity and its ability to thrive in the competitive tapestry of the global market.

However, beneath the surface of this technological renaissance lies a stark disparity. The digital divide casts long shadows across the globe, with some nations forging ahead in high-tech exports while others struggle to keep pace. This divide is more than just an economic gap; it’s a chasm that could compromise the collective journey toward sustainable development.

Our visual exploration of high technology exports from 2007 to 2020 reveals a tale of contrasting fortunes. The red line of China ascends with unwavering determination, showcasing the fruits of its long-term investment in technology and education. In contrast, the United States and the European Union experience a more tumultuous journey. Their lines on the graph depict an odyssey of innovation, marked by periods of growth and times of uncertainty, reflecting the complex interplay of economic forces and policy decisions.

To bridge this global divide, a strategic and collaborative approach is paramount. It calls for a renewed emphasis on STEM education, nurturing the next generation of innovators, and a harmonization of policies that bolster research and development. Moreover, international partnerships can serve as conduits for sharing technological advancements, enabling all nations to contribute to and benefit from the global innovation ecosystem.

The success of such a comprehensive strategy is evidenced in the very patterns displayed in our data visualization. The steadfast climb of China’s high technology exports is not a mere coincidence but the result of deliberate and focused initiatives that have placed innovation at the heart of its development strategy. This success story affirms the potential for similar outcomes in other nations, should they choose to follow suit.

In conclusion, the narrative depicted through the lens of high technology exports is one of both caution and hope. It underscores the urgency of fostering an environment where innovation is not confined to the few but is a shared goal pursued by all. By embracing these strategies, nations worldwide can make significant strides towards achieving SDG 9, ensuring that the future is built on a foundation of sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. In doing so, we can ensure that sustainable innovation is not merely a distant dream but a present reality.