Under the auspices of Palestinian Prime Minister, Islamic University of Gaza started activities for celebrating the World Environment Day 2009 under the slogan “To Face Climate Change, Your Planet Needs You”.
Dr. Kamalain K. Sha’ath, IUG President, Eng. Yosif Al-ghariz, Environment Quality Authority Chief and Representative of Prime Minister, number of ministries representatives, governmental and non-governmental institutions, university staff and students from the Ministry of Education, attended the first session of the celebration activities.
Dr. Sha’ath confirmed that IUG has a leading interest in the field of environmental studies when establishing the department of Environment and Earth Sciences in 1995 as well as starting the department of Environmental Engineering in 2008 in addition to different services related to environment adding that the Palestinian society is in a big need for exploiting natural resources to improve the environment.
“Combating climate change and preserving ecosystems services that underpin our economies is an issue for everyone. Every individual’s efforts, no matter how small, can contribute to the sustainable development of our economies and communities around the world.” Dr. Sha’ath added.
Mr. Al-ghariz confirmed on the Palestinian government concern to offer a healthy environment for the Palestinian citizens during preserving environment resources and improving life conditions and the environment around.
Mr. Al-ghariz added that World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5 June in more than 100 countries. The theme for 2009 is climate change and the broader consequences of environmental change, and what societies can do in response.
In his first scientific lecture, Mr. Al-ghariz talked about Climate change which reflects abnormal variations to the Earth’s climate and subsequent effects on other life aspects adding that climate change usually refers to changes in temperature over various periods, rains falls and the average of wind speed.
In the second lecture of the Environment Day, Mr. Na’em talked about the direct effects of the latest war on Gaza Strip including water contamination and deficiency in addition to agricultural pollution.
Mr. Na’em referred to some international regulations that confirmed on preserving the environment for human and citizens especially at the time of wars.
