Urban Climate Change Vulnerability, Responses, and Policies in Qatar: An Assessment

Abstract

Urban climate change policies are critical for reducing carbon emissions and increasing societal resilience to future risks. This is especially true for the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which are arid environments with largely urban and coastal settlements. Their vulnerability to climate change impacts is high and has increased in the past due to economic growth, increased populations, wasteful lifestyles, urban expansion, and ongoing construction. Recently, in some of these countries, urban sustainable transformation is underway driven by new national agendas and ambitious megaprojects. This chapter assesses the ongoing urban climate change initiatives and policies in Qatar. It first introduces the overall urban climate change vulnerability in the context of urbanization, megaprojects, and economic growth. Later, it outlines current policies and initiatives. Using qualitative research and key informants’ interviews, urban climate policies are assessed with regard to gaps and strong points. They are also discussed in light of the country’s priorities and the regional context. Qatar’s urban climate policies are sketchy and rather embedded in national development frameworks and strategies. At the same time, there is a commitment toward incorporating climate change and emission reductions into the ongoing sustainable urbanization endeavors.