A new book released by Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Deserts – has been accessed more than 194,000 times since its publication in May 2022 by Springer Nature.

The book is a compilation of select proceedings from QEERI’s flagship International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climate (ICSEWEN19), inaugurated in December 2019. It was edited by QEERI Executive Director Dr Marc Vermeersch, Chief Scientist Dr Essam Heggy and Dr Veronica Bermudez, Senior Research Director at QEERI’s Energy Center and ICSEWEN19 Chair.

Bringing the scientific community together

The 112 proceedings were selected based on their significant contribution to advancing knowledge of the complexity of the imbalanced EWE nexus in harsh desert climates. They also reflect the breadth of discussions during the successful conference. ICSEWEN19 was attended by over 500 researchers, scientists, engineers, and stakeholders, with high-level scientific exchanges on operational-level solutions applicable on a national, regional and international scale.

According to Dr Vermeersch they are delighted by the book’s wide appeal. He said that the book reflects their aim, through ICSEWEN, to bring together the international scientific community, industry and stakeholders.

Intensifying our collaborative efforts is proving urgent as we strive to remove barriers to implement the solutions and innovations necessary to achieve global environmental sustainability goals.

Providing a comprehensive updated framework, the book’s three main chapters describe case studies and progress on water, energy and environmental questions, with a fourth chapter on policies and community outreach.

Dr Bermudez added that a pivotal conclusion from the book is the need to optimise the EWE nexus in arid areas, on both a research and policy level. One means to accomplish this is by collectively doing more case studies that offer insights into the factors governing the nexus in these environments. She said that these will help identify tangible and appropriate solutions for immediate implementation.

Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Deserts bridges the gap between research and industry and highlights the research capabilities relevant to Qatar, the region and the global community.

One of the book’s key conclusions is that the EWE nexus is a key element not only for the sustainability of arid areas, but also for their future socio-economic and political stability. To address this as a priority, QEERI is committed to collaborative work with the wider scientific community, through initiatives such as ICSEWEN and other efforts that advance technology and innovative approaches.

For more information on forthcoming initiatives and projects at QEERI, visit qeeri.hbku.edu.qa.


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