An Overview of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Address Climate Change

Abstract

Opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship to address the existential challenge of climate change are reviewed, focusing on two themes. (a) The processes and strategies to mitigate the effects of projected climate changes arising from global anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions, and (b) the future security of food, water, and energy specifically in the Arab Middle East. It is appreciated that implementation of these changes will be dependent on peaceful and politically stable conditions. Also, the Region is connected to neighbouring countries and shares the atmosphere with the rest of the world so there is a need for concerted multilateral action. All forward projections are subject to numerous uncertainties including the advent of conceptually new forms of disruptive technology and the adaptive capacity of Arab nations. Although the timing and quantification of risks are unclear, a prudent approach is essential to safeguard financial stability of international markets and national economies. Background information is presented on greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, and renewable energy. Climate-change predictions at the general level and specifically for the Arab region are outlined, along with mitigation and adaption strategies and climate engineering. Specific processes and strategies for the Arab Middle East are discussed with detailed proposals for agriculture and food security, water security, energy security, industrial biotechnology, social development, carbon storage and trading, and global biodiversity. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are considered in relation to climate change, followed by examination of the terms sustainable and sustainability. Finally, international climate-change negotiations and agreements are briefly reviewed.