Doha

A seminar on climate change is expected to draw a wide participation from scientists, students and civil society members at Qatar University (QU) on Monday.

Organised by QU and the French embassy in Doha, the “Climate Change: Facts, Risks and Solutions” will provide an insight into the global issue and discuss the risks and challenges facing the planet, and countries in the Gulf including Qatar.

The half-day seminar will be attended by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and French Ambassador Eric Chevallier.

Discussions will centre on COP21 conference and national initiatives to combat the effects of climate change on the environment in a debate that will include QU Environmental Science Centre director Dr Jeffrey Obbard, Qatar National Research Fund director of energy and environment Philippe Freyssinet, members of the Arab Youth Climate Movement and QU scientists.

“We are pleased to partner with the Embassy of France on these discussions. QU continues to play a leading role in organising events such as this, bringing together experts, policy makers and academics to raise awareness about global warming, how we are acting on it, what are its risks and how can we co-operate to find solutions,” said Dr al-Derham.

Chevallier said: “In Paris, at the end of the month, the world will face a major challenge for our future, the future of our children: find a global agreement to tackle climate change.”

“As we are coming closer to the COP21, it is of higher importance to remain mobilised and build the momentum,” he added. “This is what we are trying to achieve together with QU, with the participation of QNRF and the Arab Youth Climate Movement.”