Kuwait University’s College of Life Sciences Holds Earth Day Event
Written by: Noora Mohammed Bougheith

Under the patronage and presence of the Acting Dean of the College of Life Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rashid Al-Lafi, and organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences, the Earth Day event was held on the morning of Monday, April 28, 2025, in the college lobby. The event was attended by several leaders, faculty and administrative members, and students of the college.

The event began with Prof. Dr. Al-Lafi inaugurating the exhibition held as part of the event, which featured participation from several entities, including the Environment Public Authority, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the college’s Free Art Studio led by Ms. Batoul Al-Rasheed and Ms. Raghad Al-Eid, Wafra Environmental Consultancy, Sustainable Solutions Company, and others.

On this occasion, Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rashid Al-Lafi welcomed the attendees, stating, “This celebration of Earth Day comes to reinforce environmental awareness and the concepts of community health, as the college believes that environmental sustainability is one of the foundations of development.” He added that the College of Life Sciences always aims to provide an interactive platform that reflects its ambitious vision of linking education with community engagement in the field of environmental sustainability. The goal is to create a generation of students specialized in environmental studies and committed to applying this knowledge to reduce pollution, preserve natural resources, and collaborate with civil society institutions to offer services and programs that raise environmental awareness. He also thanked all participants and the Department of Environmental Sciences for their efforts.

In this context, a seminar titled "A Journey Toward Sustainability: Innovative Strategies to Confront Climate Change in Kuwait" was held. It was presented by Dr. Mohammad Al-Sayegh, environmental expert, consultant, and faculty member at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. During the seminar, Dr. Al-Sayegh provided an introduction to climate change, its definition, and its effects on ecosystems, food security, public health, and economies. He explained how climate change could impact the Middle East by causing water scarcity, extreme heat, and sea level rise. He also highlighted its specific impact on Kuwait, including desertification, loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gases, pollution, and water scarcity.

Dr. Al-Sayegh also proposed strategies to combat climate change, such as promoting renewable energy, encouraging sustainable transportation, enhancing research and innovation, and fostering international cooperation. He emphasized the importance of leveraging current technologies to serve the environment, citing examples like artificial intelligence, energy storage technologies, marine energy, and electric vehicles. He pointed out that Kuwait is implementing environmental projects to address these issues, including the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, tire recycling, energy purchase laws, and afforestation programs.

He concluded by emphasizing Kuwait’s efforts in climate action through support for green financing, development and application of sustainable technologies, and advocacy for climate action — noting that the path to the future depends on the role of individuals and communities in fighting climate change.