Energy,Water Resources and sustainability in the Arab World: Perespective and Prognosis

Future water and energy resource availability are among the most fundamental issues facing the world - including the Arab area - in this century, both being inexplicably linked, in addition to their pivotal roles in socio-economic stability and development. In an era of rampant globalization and intense economic competition over resources, the author analyzes-in detail- the ramifications of supply and demand of various conventional and non-conventional forms of energy worldwide, with special attention paid to the Arab countries of Southeast Asia and North Africa. Focus is applied to the issues of scarcity, rapid depletion of conventional energy sources and the urgent need to develop alternative energy forms within this century, with emphasize to invest heavily and to industrialize the production of renewable energy technologies within each capable nation or group of nations. The book constructs a radical yet innovative political and economic model and argues the case with conviction paving the way towards conservation, environmental safety and a global solar energy economy. The author argues that it is imperative that the Arab countries, by virtue of being swing producers of oil and gas and having, both the financial clout and access to the vast pool of skilled manpower, invest heavily in both renewable energy alternatives and water resource development. This shift is critically urgent if these countries are to meet the growing needs of their explosion populations and succeed in the fierce competitive global environment. This must be done through intensified national legislative and planning efforts with regional and international coordination and sector investment globally and regionally."