By Osama El-Meligui "If the world continues on the basis of today's energy and climate policies, the consequences of climate change will be severe. Energy is at the heart of the problem, and so must form the core of the solution," said Nobuo Tanaka of the International Energy Agency. While the world energy and environment scenario is being reshaped now, there are several energy and environment challenges and opportunities facing Egypt. These include: how to improve the efficiency of energy consumption in housing and construction; how to improve energy efficiency in industrial and transportation sectors while controlling gas emissions promoting next-generation hybrid solutions; how to deploy, market and commercialise renewable energy technologies; how to promote public- private investment and partnership in renewable energy; and how to establish research centres and training institutes to provide the human resources needed to deal with environmental challenges. The German initiative to export energy from the Middle East and North Africa region to Europe, and other similar initiatives from France and Spain, constitutes an excellent opportunity to enter the emerging global energy market. This will ensure thousands of job opportunities and contribute to sustainable development. We are required to act quickly on all fronts because competition in the region is strong. Egypt is positioned in the middle of the world solar energy map and is an excellent wind energy location. The technology of renewable energy is becoming more and more available and the cost is going down. An energy revolution is beginning and the fruits are reserved for those who have vision and leadership. This week's Soapbox speaker is member of the ISO/Environment Management Committee/Strategic Planning.
