Saharan dust storms have been known to bring hot and dry weather to Central Florida, leading to lower rain chances and higher temperatures, which may have similar effects on San Antonio's weather and air conditions.

The storms can reduce rainfall in the Americas and increase heat, while also bringing iron, silica, and pathogens to the region, potentially affecting San Antonio's air quality and public health.

The dust storms originate from African desert storms and move over marine air and trade winds, affecting the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, and may impact San Antonio's weather patterns.

Saharan dust storms have been found to decrease air quality in the Americas, causing acute respiratory diseases and allergies, which may be a concern for San Antonio's citizens, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The storms also harm coral reefs and various crops, and can lead to a lack of visibility at short distances, potentially affecting San Antonio's environment and economy.

Desertification, caused by drought and human activities, is a major contributor to dust storms, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the main contributor to global dust storms, and may be a factor to consider in San Antonio's preparations for dust storms.

Saharan dust storms travel to the Americas via the Atlantic Ocean, increasing allergic reactions and respiratory problems, and carrying microorganisms that cause diseases, which may impact San Antonio's public health.

The dust storms have been found to affect agricultural production and infrastructure, reducing visibility and disrupting transportation systems, potentially affecting San Antonio's economy and daily life.

Asthma incidence in the Caribbean has increased 17-fold since the 1970s, with Sahara dust plumes correlated with increased asthma diagnoses, highlighting the potential health risks associated with Saharan dust storms in San Antonio.

Saharan dust storms have been found to suppress hurricane development, fertilize algae and plankton, and benefit the Amazon rainforest, but also increase air pollution by 14% with a 4°C temperature rise, contributing to future air pollution in Africa, the US, and the Caribbean.

To prepare for the incoming Saharan dust storm, San Antonio's power grid and transportation systems should be able to handle the increased demand for electricity and transportation, and the city should take precautions to protect vulnerable communities from the extreme heat.

The city should also be prepared for potential power outages and electricity shortages, and have a plan in place to mitigate the effects of the heat wave, including providing access to cool areas and hydration for vulnerable populations.

Temperatures in San Antonio are expected to range from 102 to 107 degrees during the Saharan dust storm, with heat index values reaching 104 to 109 degrees due to humidity, and prolonged outdoor exposure requires hydration and shade breaks.

The city can engage with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations, to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of Saharan dust storms, and international cooperation is crucial to counter the effects of these storms.

The city can learn from the experiences of other countries, such as Kuwait, which has partnered with the UN-Habitat to mitigate the effects of dust storms, and can develop its own strategies to prepare for and respond to these events.

Overall, understanding the potential impacts of Saharan dust storms on San Antonio's economy, infrastructure, and public health is crucial for predicting and preparing for these events, and the city should take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of these storms.

The city's transportation systems can be optimized to minimize disruptions during Saharan dust storms by implementing intelligent transport systems, which can reduce road congestion and enhance safety.

The implementation of intelligent transport systems can also reduce travel times by up to 20%, and smart traffic signals can improve travel time reliability by 10-50%.

The city can also consider investing in early warning systems, environmental regulation, and awareness campaigns to prepare for and mitigate the effects of Saharan dust storms.

Regional cooperation and community participation are crucial in implementing programs aimed at mitigating the impacts of dust storms, and the city can learn from the experiences of other regions and countries that have been affected by Saharan dust storms.

The city can develop dust monitoring capabilities to better understand and prepare for dust storms, and applied research studies on sand and dust storms can provide valuable insights for developing effective mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder engagement is necessary for developing effective storm mitigation strategies, and the city can work with residents, businesses, and community organizations to achieve this goal.

The city can establish a continuous monitoring system to track air quality and provide early warnings for expected wind and dust activity, and citizens can be encouraged to report air pollution complaints.

The city can work with international organizations, such as the UN-Habitat, to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating dust storm impacts, and a systems approach can be used to finance and deliver urban transformation projects.

A systems approach can bring fresh ideas to fields like housing, energy, and mobility, and can help the city develop effective strategies for mitigating dust storm impacts.

The city can use social impact bonds to finance green infrastructure and reduce the effects of dust storms, and can work with stakeholders to develop strategies using a systems perspective to deliver net-zero carbon infrastructure and reduce the impacts of dust storms.

Saharan dust storms have been known to bring hot and dry weather to Central Florida, leading to lower rain chances and higher temperatures, which may have similar effects on San Antonio's weather and air conditions.

Title:

Content: Advertisement
Weather

Saharan dust brings hot and dry weather to Central Florida on Sunday

Saharan dust brings temperatures above average and dry conditions across Central Florida on Sunday.

“So you probably heard about the Saharan dust that’s been making for those hazy sunrises and sunsets here in the past few days,” Meteorologist Chris Gilson said. “It’s also been leading to those lower rain chances allowing our temperatures to heat up into the mid nineties.”

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Sunday’s high is 96 with a low of 75 and only a 10% chance of rain across Central Florida.

“A spot shower storm will be possible today but notice we’re seeing the reds and oranges, that’s all that dry air due in part to that Saharan dust that hangs around with us for today,” Gilson said.

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The Saharan dust sticks around into early next week as the dry air and slim rain chances continue.

The dust is helping keep the tropics quiet for the next five to seven days, but we still have a long way to go until the peak of Hurricane season in September.

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How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

increases temperature
lowers rain chances

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The storms can reduce rainfall in the Americas and increase heat, while also bringing iron, silica, and pathogens to the region, potentially affecting San Antonio's air quality and public health.

Title:

Content: Havana, Cuba.- Cubans are entering the final days of July with a forecast of high temperatures, accompanied by little rain throughout the national territory.

In recent days, the heat punished the inhabitants of the Caribbean island, where through the Institute of Meteorology it was learned that in 38 of the 68 stations subordinate to the scientific entity, temperatures above 34 Celsius degrees were reported.

Meanwhile, the nightly broadcast of the National Television Newscast specified that in the eastern territory of Granma 39°C were registered on Saturday.

Behind it, the most overwhelmed towns were Colón in the western province of Matanzas with 37.2 °C; and Bainoa, in the also western province of Mayabeque, with 36.5 °C; while in the capital the thermometers marked 36 °C.

Days prior to the establishment of these temperature records for the current month, the Institute of Meteorology warned about the arrival of a cloud of dust from the Sahara on the island.

The experts explained that this phenomenon would cause a new decrease in rainfall and would maintain the feeling of great heat.

These clouds contain iron, silica, fungi, bacteria, viruses, various pathogenic mites, among other elements. They can cause acute respiratory diseases, allergies and skin problems.

Dust from the Sahara affects coral reefs, and fruit, rice, sugar cane, bean and other crops. It is caused by storms that occurred in the Sahara desert, coming out of the African continent.

It moves over the freshest and most humid marine air, and joining the flow of the trade winds, it quickly reaches the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

increases temperature
lowers air quality
lowers rain chances

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The dust storms originate from African desert storms and move over marine air and trade winds, affecting the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, and may impact San Antonio's weather patterns.

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Saharan dust storms have been found to decrease air quality in the Americas, causing acute respiratory diseases and allergies, which may be a concern for San Antonio's citizens, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The storms also harm coral reefs and various crops, and can lead to a lack of visibility at short distances, potentially affecting San Antonio's environment and economy.

What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on agriculture?

What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on the ecosystems?

smothers coral reefs by blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Desertification, caused by drought and human activities, is a major contributor to dust storms, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the main contributor to global dust storms, and may be a factor to consider in San Antonio's preparations for dust storms.

Title:

Content: Dust storms.
sources and danger.
|
At the beginning of this year's spring season, the incidence of dust storms increased significantly.
Their frequency varies from year to year, but generally increases in the transitional periods between seasons, especially spring and autumn, for many reasons, some natural and others of a human nature, that is, by man.
Dust storms are fast winds that transport dust and plankton, causing a lack of visibility at short distances.
Despite the great controversy over the causes of dust or dust storms and the fact that the camel bears full responsibility for their occurrence, as stated in one of the videos circulated on social media, the reasons are not limited to the poor camel alone, even if it is one of the reasons!
The causes of dust storms are many, including: (1) Desertification as a result of drought resulting from low rainfall.
(2) Desertification due to human activities associated with overgrazing as a result of increasing numbers of camels and sheep on pasture capacity.
(3) Extensive agricultural activities, especially ploughing the land and leaving it exposed for long periods.
(4) Soil movement as a result of development and military actions and absurd car tracks in deserts that led to the breaking and dismantling of the soil and the destruction of vegetation cover.
(5) The reduction of the surface groundwater table, which led to the drying of the soil and thus the impact on the vegetation cover.
Globally, sub-Saharan Africa is the main contributor to Earth ’ s dust storms, which travel to the Americas via the Atlantic Ocean via tropical east winds.
But the Fertile Crescent has also become a source of dust, due to the halving of agricultural production as a result of climate change.
Iraq is one of the sources of dust storms as a result of the decline of the level of rivers, which led to the drought of the marshes and lakes in Iraq and Iran, and add to the list of sources open deserts of the Kingdom, which suffer environmental degradation as a result of human tampering of unfair grazing and wood and the like.
Dust storms are one of the factors responsible for increased allergic reactions, asthma attacks and chronic breathing problems, as well as blood vessels and heart disease.
Dust storms are also carriers of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, germs and viruses that cause certain diseases.
Besides, dust storms have economic effects, they adversely affect agricultural production by transporting agricultural pests, reducing photosynthetic activity, destroying crops, as well as affecting infrastructure, by reducing visibility, disrupting energy and air and road transport systems, burying railways, as well as contributing to the deterioration of the performance of solar panels, as well as damaging residential property.
There is no doubt that dust storms and their increased frequency are a warning sign that requires a rapid response through a review of environmental regulations, the need to raise the environmental awareness of the population, the organization of grazing seasons based on the identification of the pastoral capacity of each region, as well as innovative solutions to mitigate desertification that benefit from tremendous technical progress.
Finally, it follows from the above that the problem is not country-specific, but a regional problem that requires concerted efforts.
The Green Middle East initiative by Prince Mohammed bin Salman is designed to design innovative solutions to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability through a number of projects, including: planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East region and reclaiming 200 million hectares of degraded land through afforestation, which contributes to a 2.5 per cent reduction in global carbon emissions.
Publish it.

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Saharan dust storms travel to the Americas via the Atlantic Ocean, increasing allergic reactions and respiratory problems, and carrying microorganisms that cause diseases, which may impact San Antonio's public health.

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The dust storms have been found to affect agricultural production and infrastructure, reducing visibility and disrupting transportation systems, potentially affecting San Antonio's economy and daily life.

What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on agriculture?

What are the negative effects of Saharan dust storm on infrastructure?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Asthma incidence in the Caribbean has increased 17-fold since the 1970s, with Sahara dust plumes correlated with increased asthma diagnoses, highlighting the potential health risks associated with Saharan dust storms in San Antonio.

Title:

Content: Older Barbadians being diagnosed with asthma Loop Barbados

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

Head of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Respiratory Unit, Dr Dawn Alleyne, says more Barbadians are being diagnosed with asthma later in life, in their 40s and 50s.

Dr Alleyne, who is a Pulmonologist/Intensivist and Head of the Department of Medicine at the hospital, said the incidence of asthma in the Caribbean, including Barbados, had increased 17-fold since the 1970s. She added these trends are correlated with the increase in Sahara dust plumes and the frequency of the dust in the atmosphere.

She further noted that about 20 per cent of the local population had asthma. This meant the condition was quite common.

Due to climate change, dust events have been increasing. The dust, which traditionally visits from June to August, is now being seen in March or April.

The Pulmonologist/Intensivist said traditionally in Barbados, persons presented with asthma in childhood and either grew out of it as they got older, or lived with it as adults. However, this has changed.

“On a day-to-day basis when we conduct clinics, either [in my private practice] or at the hospital, I meet lots of people with severe lung diseases of all types, especially people with asthma. And several of my asthmatic patients have recorded quite clearly in their diaries that they’ve had challenges when we get the situations where we have cars covered in grey dust. Generally, those are the heavy Sahara dust days.

“A lot of the patients are now having to reach for their rescue inhalers, the Ventolin and Berotec inhalers because the asthma condition which generally has been stable, seems to deteriorate during the periods of times when we have lots of dust in the atmosphere,” Dr Alleyne stated.

The respiratory expert shared that persons usually presented with a gamut of symptoms when dust events occurred. These include itchy eyes, runny nose, soreness of the throat, coughing, especially at night, and wheezing.

Those who have chronic lung diseases, such as interstitial lung disease and chronic obstructive lung disease, also complain of increase in shortness of breath on the days in which there is a heavy dust cover,” she said.

She added that people who are not asthmatics should pay close attention to symptoms, such as chest tightness, when there is exertion, allergic rhinitis, eczema, snoring at night or allergic conjunctivitis. These persons could have an increased risk of developing asthma, she stated.

Dr Alleyne noted the situation was not unique to Barbados but could be seen across the world wherever the Sahara dust is being disseminated.

“So, you look at studies from Spain, Italy, the United States, and the French Caribbean. Throughout these areas, people are reporting an increased incidence of Sahara dust plumes, increased incidence of deterioration of asthma control, and patients are being hospitalised for not only respiratory illnesses, but also cardiovascular illnesses. So, the Sahara dust situation really is one that we really need to look at, not just as a hazy day and a sunset that’s not quite clear but really the impact that it is having on health in general, and we need to take it quite seriously.”

In the case of cardiovascular diseases, she said research show that the dust seems to affect the cardiovascular system adversely.

She explained that while larger dust particles are usually deposited pretty high in a person’s airway, causing sneezing and coughing, the smaller ones had the potential to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can be a precursor to cardiovascular events.

Dr Alleyne also suggested that Barbados implement a Sahara dust warning system, much like the one that exists in Trinidad, where they give accurate accounts of the air quality index. She said it could help people with respiratory conditions prepare and protect themselves better.

“So, I’m hopeful that in the future, we’ll be able to get something that tells us these are the exact numbers and to give warnings to specific categories of people. I think that will be very helpful,” the Pulmonologist/Intensivist stated.

SOURCE: Barbados Government Information Service (GIS).

What are the negative health effects of Saharan dust?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

Saharan dust storms have been found to suppress hurricane development, fertilize algae and plankton, and benefit the Amazon rainforest, but also increase air pollution by 14% with a 4°C temperature rise, contributing to future air pollution in Africa, the US, and the Caribbean.

Title:

Content: Hurricane Killer? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust

Dust from Africa moves across the Atlantic every year from late spring to early fall

It’s a common visitor in the summer months: dust from the Saharan Desert. Hazy skies and occasional allergies are common issues caused by the dust. But did you know that this layer of dust is more interesting than it appears? Here are some things you may not know about Saharan dust:

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Millions of tons of dust are transported across the Atlantic every year
  • Nutrient-rich Saharan dust plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem
  • Dust suppresses hurricane development

WHOLE LOTTA DUST!

Every year, from late spring to early fall, trade winds transport 180 million tons of dust from the Saharan Desert across the Atlantic Ocean. Impressively, that’s as much as 4.5 million 18-wheelers full of dust!

NATURE’S BEST FRIEND

Saharan dust is often rich in nutrients like iron and phosphorus. As the dust settles over the ocean, it fertilizes algae and plankton, allowing them to grow and flourish in an otherwise barren environment. These organisms are vital sources of food for ocean life.

Similarly, as the dust settles over land, areas like the Amazon rainforest benefit from the extra nutrients.

HURRICANE EXTINGUISHER

The African dust that moves across the Atlantic Ocean is also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). The SAL occurs in waves at the same time as Atlantic hurricane season, from June through November.

It’s known that the SAL limits hurricane development and strength. This is because tropical storms like hurricanes need deep, rich moisture from the surface to the top of the atmosphere to survive. Since the air carrying Saharan dust is usually dry, it can prevent storms from forming and suppress existing storms from growing and strengthening.

DUST’S IMPACT ON TEXAS

While a dense plume of dust sometimes causes minor allergy-like symptoms for some, the most noticeable impact is on Texas skies. A haze often forms on the horizon, giving an ordinarily clear, blue sky a milky hue during the day.

At sunrise and sunset, the horizon can appear brilliantly orange because, with dust in the air, sunlight has more particles to bounce off.

About the Author

Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017. Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News. When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.

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How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What are the positive effects of Saharan dust on the environment?

carries microorganisms and nutrients that act as fertilizer

delivers essential minerals for phytoplankton

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

To prepare for the incoming Saharan dust storm, San Antonio's power grid and transportation systems should be able to handle the increased demand for electricity and transportation, and the city should take precautions to protect vulnerable communities from the extreme heat.

Title:

Content: The Weather Authority: Hot and hazy weekend

Author: Lauren Kreidler
Published: Updated:

As we kick off the weekend, we can expect hot and hazy skies due to some Saharan dust lingering around.

Temperatures will stay slightly above average, reaching the low to mid-90s by afternoon.

“Clouds and typical summertime afternoon scattered storms will help to keep us below that Heat Advisory threshold, though it is still going to feel hot outside,” added The Weather Authority Meteorologist Lauren Kreidler.

It’s not looking bad for boaters. Winds are out of the southeast and west, around 5 to 10 knots.

Sunday’s weather will be similar, though a few degrees warmer in some spots. Highs will reach the low to mid-90s yet again, with more afternoon scattered storms.

All is quiet in the tropics. No areas are expected to develop in the next 7 days.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

The city should also be prepared for potential power outages and electricity shortages, and have a plan in place to mitigate the effects of the heat wave, including providing access to cool areas and hydration for vulnerable populations.

Title:

Content: San Antonio weather forecast: Sunny, high in the 80s through Thursday

Sunshine. Warm. Windy.

That's the San Antonio area weather forecast through Thursday in a nutshell.

Highs will be in the 80s. Winds might gust as high as 20 mph on Tuesday and 30 mph on Thursday.

On Monday and Thursday, critical fire weather conditions are possible across the Rio Grande and Edwards Plateau with elevated to near critical fire weather conditions farther east across the Hill Country to along the I-35 corridor, the National Weather Service said.

Overnight lows will range between the mid-50s and mid-60s.

The weather service says Friday will be sunny with a high only around 68.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

Temperatures in San Antonio are expected to range from 102 to 107 degrees during the Saharan dust storm, with heat index values reaching 104 to 109 degrees due to humidity, and prolonged outdoor exposure requires hydration and shade breaks.

Title:

Content: TX WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches, and Advisories

WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, June 5, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX

616 AM CDT Sun Jun 5 2022

...TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 102 AND 107 DEGREES EXPECTED THIS

AFTERNOON...

Very hot high temperatures between 102 and 107 degrees are

expected across portions of the Rio Grande Plains and Winter

Garden Region later this afternoon. Combined with humidity, this

could result in peak heat index values in the 104 to 109 degree

range. Those planning to spend prolonged periods of time outdoors

are urged to drink plenty of water, wear light weight and light

colored clothing, and take frequent breaks from the heat in shaded

outdoor areas and/or air conditioned indoor environments. Under no

circumstances should children and pets be left unattended in

vehicles.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

What areas of the Americas have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The city can engage with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations, to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of Saharan dust storms, and international cooperation is crucial to counter the effects of these storms.

Title:

Content: For water and energy providers, consistent customer engagement has become a critical aspect of daily operations and overall success. Why? Modern convenience and technology have dramatically altered the expectations of today’s consumers. The silent energy provider is an antiquated concept, and modern customers expect more from their utility companies. They demand the same speed and information when engaging in any digital activity—from shopping online to viewing their energy bills.

Energy providers—whether they’re coal, gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, or solar—can utilize tactics similar to those deployed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA), which found that strong public and stakeholder engagement has a substantial impact on the success of infrastructure projects. Transparent communication and the proper tools can mitigate backlash or resistance from the community when implementing updates or overhauls. The following are a few ways that energy utility providers can deploy the right customer engagement tools when carrying out infrastructure initiatives.

Target the Right Audience

Before launching an infrastructure update or change, develop a clearly defined process to reach out to the individuals, households, and communities involved. The PWSA serves approximately 500,000 residents and businesses in the city and surrounding region. When PWSA decided to launch a $1.4 billion water, stormwater infrastructure, and sewage improvement program, we made sure to make the impacted communities part of the conversation. Using analytics and customer data, we adhered to the following steps:

  • Deployed a geographic information system (GIS) to outline the project area.
  • Identified the residents and businesses located within the region.
  • Held community meetings that encouraged residents to ask questions.
  • Used emails, automated phone calls, door hangers, and letters to provide residents with consistent updates during different stages of the infrastructure project.
  • Created a dedicated project page on our website, updating it with detailed information on current project status metrics, such as construction impact and estimated length of time to completion.
  • Harnessed the power of social media to expand project awareness during each stage of the project.
  • Encouraged two-way communication with the involved communities both on social media and during in-person meetings.

When the focus was more educational and a more personal touch was needed—as was the case in the development of our Stormwater Strategic Plan—we recruited and engaged community ambassadors who lived in specific neighborhoods and communities. The ambassadors were encouraged to reach out to people who resided in these areas by hosting small tabling activities, conducting surveys, and joining PWSA staff at community events. This added a more neighborly element to the conversation, which helped the utility and the community.

Stay Adaptable and Remain Open to Feedback

Accepting feedback—whether positive or negative—can be intimidating. Whether you’re holding an in-person community meeting or receiving comments via your social media channels, it’s vital to encourage and accept input and feedback from the community during various stages of design. Remain transparent about how any upcoming changes and implementations will impact the community and be open to hearing suggestions for improvement.

The PWSA has also had success with developing advisory groups that include community stakeholders and partners. When launching new programs likely to impact many customers, it’s helpful to create a diverse group of community representatives.

This can help energy providers identify any challenges before an initiative’s implementation and encourage an honest, two-way conversation that focuses on awareness and understanding, allowing anyone directly impacted by an expanded service or new program to express their concerns or questions.

Harness the Power of Technology

Having face-to-face interactions with the communities we serve is important, but digital customer engagement also plays a vital role in developing an effective infrastructure plan. A digital customer engagement solution benefits utility customers. It also helps organizations like the PWSA improve operational efficiencies and allocate resources properly.

Remember that people are busy. If a customer has a question about an ongoing infrastructure project and can’t attend a community meeting, they can visit the project webpage for the latest information or email the project manager directly.

Keep Learning

The Four Mile Run Stormwater project is an initiative that will focus on the construction of a stormwater-only pipeline that traverses through a low-lying neighborhood known as “The Run,” located at the bottom of the Four Mile Run Watershed. After completing a detailed review process with Pennsylvania state regulators, we had to rethink the original design and will advance the redesign of this project throughout 2023. This project will redirect stormwater from The Run to the Monongahela River, which runs through the city’s downtown area and joins the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River, and eventually flows to West Virginia.

Outreach to residents in the watershed started early in the design phase. We explained the details of the stormwater initiative to residents and business owners, illustrating how it would positively impact their neighborhoods. The first phase—constructing the stormwater pipeline—will help alleviate issues such as basement flooding and water backups during heavy rainfall, which residents in The Run have endured for years. Throughout construction, we will maintain an open line of communication with residents to minimize impacts. Once complete, the new pipe will provide long-term benefits and address many public health concerns.

As projects evolve and move through different phases of design and construction, residents will have many questions. So, don’t hesitate to make yourself available to answer questions, meet with residents, and—if necessary—adapt your strategy.

Customer Engagement and the Utility

Transparency, awareness, adaptability, and ongoing communication are vital for infrastructure projects initiated by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. Using similar strategies—along with community partnerships and available technology—can help other utilities successfully execute projects and benefit the communities they serve.

Rebecca Zito is the senior manager of Public Affairs for the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority.

The city can learn from the experiences of other countries, such as Kuwait, which has partnered with the UN-Habitat to mitigate the effects of dust storms, and can develop its own strategies to prepare for and respond to these events.

Title:

Content: In collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN HABITAT)
The State of Kuwait and the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are exposed to large amounts of dust and dust as a result of sand and dust storms that arise and blow on the region due to several natural and human factors that cause damage to public health and respiratory system in addition to pollution of the environment and climate change in general.
Dust also has negative economic and social effects, as it can cause a negative impact on various economic sectors such as the closure of airports and ports, disruption of air and sea traffic, land transport, agricultural production and livestock, where it can cause crop damage and negative impact on production and financial revenues. Finally, exposure to dust may lead to increased health costs, including increased diseases associated with prolonged exposure to dust. The state budget allocated to health.
In the State of Kuwait, the average number of dust days during the year is about 137 days according to the statistics of climate control in the Meteorological Department in a study of the average number of dust days per year, for the period from 2000 to 2021. These days are distributed between dust storms, raised or rising dust and suspended dust. This is equivalent to 60 tons per square kilometer, which causes health, environmental and economic problems, with losses estimated at KD 190 million annually.
Therefore, several government agencies in the State of Kuwait, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Meteorological Department of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the Environment Public Authority, the Petroleum Corporation and Kuwait University in agreement with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN HABITAT), in the first phase of the project "Adaptation and Resilience to Combat Cross-Border Sand and Dust Storms" in Dhi Qar and Muthanna Governorates. With an area ranging from 150 to 200 square kilometers in Iraq located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and 250 kilometers from the borders of the State of Kuwait, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development will finance the project, which will have a duration of the first phase of 5 years at a cost of about 4 million Kuwaiti dinars.
This project is expected to contribute to the reduction of more than 40% of the dust passing through the State of Kuwait.
Reducing dust locally, regionally and internationally requires the concerted efforts of all people living on this planet and adopting the concept of sustainability and environmental preservation. This cooperation will yield initial results in monitoring climate change and weather conditions in Kuwait cities to identify the positive impact of the UN-Habitat project to combat transboundary dust.
As well as cooperation and exchange of climate studies and data related to Kuwaiti cities more affected by dust storms.
The importance of the first stages of the project is to identify the main causes that lead to the formation of sand and dust storms in terms of climatic, geological and chemical factors, through the use of specialized programs to find appropriate solutions to protect and raise the possibilities of adaptation and resilience in the areas affected by these storms and thus absorb and mitigate their negative effects....
In this regard, a grant agreement was concluded on 27 / 10 / 2021 between the Kuwait Fund for Development and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) to finance the project, as well as a number of technical cooperation agreements between the program and the partners.
It should be noted that the actual implementation of the preliminary works began in the first quarter of 2023, where the basic data and technical information needed to identify the hotspots were collected for study and analysis, in cooperation with partners in the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait.
Launched in February 2023, this project follows a three-pronged approach: it improves the knowledge base and understanding of the conditions that cause sand and dust storms, as well as their impact on human health, and the necessary prevention and mitigation measures.
Second, it is making significant efforts to restore ecosystems in areas that are the source of sand and dust storms.
Thirdly and most importantly, it helps to strengthen the resilience and capacity of local authorities and the most vulnerable communities in southern Iraq to adapt to the impact of desertification and contribute to mitigating the root causes of sand and dust storms.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN HABITAT) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) hope to reduce the risk of sand and dust storms, improve environmental and living conditions in Kuwait and the region, and bring together other Gulf countries affected by sand storms to expand the coverage of this regional initiative to combat desertification and reduce the impact of this environmental phenomenon.
# Company Data
- Done.

Overall, understanding the potential impacts of Saharan dust storms on San Antonio's economy, infrastructure, and public health is crucial for predicting and preparing for these events, and the city should take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of these storms.

Title:

Content: Analysis: Dust storms and their danger to Iraqis and their economy | Politics and economics | In-depth analysis with a broader perspective than DW | DW | 30.05.2022
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Analysis: Dust storms and their danger to Iraqis and their economy
Iraq is witnessing escalating waves of dust and dust storms that threaten to destroy the components of housing and living in different areas.
What are the reasons for exacerbating the problem, and why the efforts of stakeholders to address it do not appear to be at the level of responsibility?
Not only in Najaf, but in different parts of Iraq, life was interrupted by the severity of dust storms and the dust they carried with them.
Not so long ago, one could not have imagined that something like paralysis would occur more than once in an entire country due to dust and dust storms.
This is what happened in Iraq recently because of the severity of these storms and their unprecedented frequency.
Nine storms occurred in May and April, doubling the number of storms over the same period of years.
The consequences have not only been the closure of government and private institutions and the suspension of employees, but have also led to the closure of schools, the closure of airports and the curtailment of land and sea traffic.
The softness of storm-borne dust easily seeps into critical machinery and infrastructure, causing damage or destruction.
Annual economic losses from dust and sand storms in the Middle East are estimated at $13 billion, according to the World Bank.
Iraq is at the forefront of the worst affected countries due to the intensity and frequency of storms.
In addition to the losses, the storms are causing a lack of vision, difficulty breathing and thousands of people have been hospitalized not only in Iraq, but also in neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Syria and Bahrain.
In the short term, there is a lot of damage, not least of which is the migration of people from storm areas because of the difficulty of living in them.
Thousands of people have suffered shortness of breath from the dust storms that hit Iraq recently, and hundreds of them have been hospitalized.
Why did the problem get worse?
Experts attribute the occurrence of frequent dust storms at an increasing pace in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, to climatic changes accompanied by high temperatures, lack of rain and desertification affecting agricultural and pastoral lands.
The decline of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq is compounded by Turkey ’ s construction of more dams that block the sources of the two rivers from Mesopotamia, which has depended on them for 90 percent for thousands of years.
Iran also diverted the sources of many of the tributaries that fed the Tigris River and irrigated many areas in the Iraqi areas adjacent to its borders.
In addition to external factors, there are internal factors that contributed to the worsening of the water situation, most notably the armed conflicts that led to the neglect of the maintenance and modernization of dams and irrigation canals, especially in the north and northwest areas where the two rivers cross.
Water consumption systems currently in place, whether in agriculture or for other purposes, waste a lot of water because of flooded irrigation methods, leakage of water from the networks and financial corruption, which disrupt and postpone the implementation of many urgent projects, including those involving scarce drinking water in the regions and cities of southern Iraq over the next few years.
Lack of water and rain have reduced the area of agricultural land and lost vegetation.
According to the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, the area affected by desertification during the past 10 years amounted to about 27 million dunums of arable and grazing land and about 2 million dunums of vegetation cover.
As the pace of climate change increases and the level of the two rivers decreases, the pace of decline is expected to accelerate.
One of the consequences of this desertification is the fragility and fragmentation of the soil, making it vulnerable to winds and storms that carry it to residential and industrial areas and disrupt life therein.
The major disaster will occur if the storms hit the oil extraction industry and its tankers through the Gulf waters, because the economies of Iraq and neighboring Gulf countries depend on black gold rates ranging from 40 to more than 90 percent.
Even dams have dried up in Iraq due to lack of rain water and the decline of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
Counting losses instead of speeding up solutions!
Many Iraqi parties, such as the Ministry of Environment, are sounding the alarm of the escalation of sand and dust storms, which have become more powerful and intense before.
The problem is not only that, but also that the number of days with dust has risen to more than 270 days a year.
In light of this, calls are mounting for intensifying efforts that will reduce the decline of water sources and preserve them in parallel with the expansion of vegetation areas and the planting of dense trees that form windbreaks and sand around cities, communities and desert oases.
There are also increasing demands to dispense with traditional irrigation methods in favour of modern drip and sprinkler irrigation, to stop wastage of water, and to modernize and maintain artificial dams and lakes.
However, despite these demands and the gravity of the situation, the steps taken by the official bodies concerned are modest and do not rise to the level of addressing the problem, except for those related to counting the storms and the losses caused by them.
In the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, for example, several projects to combat desertification and stabilize sand dunes are advertised from time to time.
These projects include the rehabilitation of artificial forests and the establishment of dozens of nurseries to grow millions of shrubs and seedlings annually.
However, according to the Ministry's own sources, the implementation process is slow and unsustainable for many reasons.
Oddly enough, one is the lack of financial allocations in a country whose current monthly income from oil sales is now $10 billion a month.
Ibrahim Mohammed: Iraq needs regional cooperation to face dust storms that do not know borders
Regional cooperation needed to avoid the worst
The frequency and increasing severity of sand and dust storms complicates Iraq's basic problems, foremost among which is the deterioration of infrastructure, including water, and the provision of basic needs.
Every day that steps to address them are postponed, the danger to the lives, health and livelihoods of the population increases.
This confrontation is more important than ever in the light of the current global food crisis, which is exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and before by the consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Its importance also comes from the fact that increasing its intensity threatens the areas of oil extraction and vital transport routes through the waters of the Gulf, Bab al-Mandab and the Suez Canal.
The closure of the canal in March 2021 due to the deviation of a ship as a result of a sandstorm is a lesson to be learned, especially as the damage to the economies of Arab countries and the global economy amounted to tens of billions in less than a week.
Because sandstorms know no borders, regional cooperation to reduce them between Iraq, the Gulf states and Egypt seems more vital to their economies than ever before.
Ebrahim Mohammed
Radio and television reports related to the subject

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Content: FOLLOWING
KAUST is studying dust modeling and predicting its movements.
Albilad - Jeddah
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) continues its efforts to conduct research studies with the latest technology through qualified cadres to conduct such research experiments, which can be used to support economic mobility and other areas of life. In this regard, KAUST completed a research study to accurately model and predict dust movements. It is effective for transporting minerals by land and sea, and works as a natural fertilizer by distributing fertilizers and nutrients over long distances.
The study came to an accurate understanding of its impact on the development of national policies for sustainability, noting that the current mathematical models used by scientists primarily analyze dust particles that are accurate in size (less than 10 micrometers) and inert that cannot predict the impact of coarse or bulky dust particles.
The study added that using data collected by KAUST devices since 2012 in cooperation with NASA satellites, the new data revealed estimates of previous models that reduce dust deposition and emission by three times, pointing out that by combining the new data, the model “KAUST ” shows that larger particles contribute more than 80% of the mass of dust on Earth, where solar technology is used.
Dust can damage infrastructure and technology, so a thorough understanding of its impacts will contribute to the development of national policies for sustainability. KAUST research scientist Dr. Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Mustamandi, Dr. Sergei Osipovin, Dr. Ilya Shevchenko, Dr. Alex Okhov, as well as researcher Johan Engelbrich, and Professor Emeritus of the Desert Research Institute United Nations.

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What is happening in Iraq in 2050?
The Middle Eastern threat no one talks about.
Category: Reports and Analysis
Date: 2022-05-30T20: 29: 58 + 0000
The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" warned of the world's disregard for the phenomenon of sand storms in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, which causes economic losses of billions of dollars, and health damage to thousands of citizens, pointing out that this phenomenon is likely to increase significantly in the coming years.
After the newspaper pointed out in a report translated by the agency Shafaq News; that the sand storms in the Middle East are ignored by the world compared to other types of natural disasters, and thus ignore the increasing impact on the health of people and the economy of the region.
The report compared the scenes of the storm in Iraq with the scenes known as in the United States, saying that you are in the midst of a winter storm in an American city, where cars are slowly moving through the streets, and their headlights light light in the middle of the day, as if crossing a layer of snow, but adds that the place is already in Baghdad amid temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, and that the streets were not covered by white snow, but orange color of sand and dust. A Air, noting that there were similar scenes recorded in Iran, eastern Syria and most of the Gulf countries.
The report noted that sandstorms usually hit Iraq during the spring months.
But he added that the storm is the tenth since the beginning of April, an average of one a week, adding that it is a phenomenon that is growing in size and severity in recent years and is expected to worsen in the coming years.
In Iraq, nearly 1,000 people have been hospitalized for respiratory problems, the government has declared a holiday to urge people to stay home, and many airports have been closed.
The report also warned that the economic and health consequences of sandstorms have not been studied in the same way as specific studies of the effects of other natural disasters.
Oxford University academic Nick Middleton, who co-authored one of the first research studies on the issue, said the costs were too high: "Dust storms can affect tens of millions of people and have an economic impact of hundreds of millions of dollars."
Middleton said the link between health problems and sandstorms was not always clear, but it could be "enormous", adding: "There are strong links between dusty days, respiratory problems and some heart disease."
But one of the few estimates available on the economic costs of dust storms, from the World Bank, reported in 2019, is that the global cost of dust and sand storms increased by 63% between 1990 and 2013 to reach $3.6 trillion.
In the Middle East and North Africa, it increased by 123% to $141 billion.
This estimate reflects losses to the economy as a result of premature deaths due to excessive exposure to dust.
Since 2013, it has suffered an estimated 10,400 premature deaths from dust, costing the economy $15 billion, or 2.9% of GDP.
Among the direct costs are losses due to closed airports, crop losses and production disruptions, as well as government holidays, estimated by the World Bank at about $13 billion, which means that the total cost of losses in the Middle East and North Africa region from sandstorms exceeds $150 billion annually.
Orange Warning
The Iraqi Ministry of Environment monitored 122 dust storms and 283 dusty days during 2013 alone, but an official at the Ministry of Environment warned last month that Iraq may suffer 272 days of sand storms as an annual average over the next two decades, which could increase to more than 300 days by 2050.
In his paper, titled “The Comprehensive Causes and Socio-Economic Consequences of a Sharp Dust Storm in the Middle East, ” Middleton documented the fallout from a particularly large sandstorm in early April 2015 that hit an area of 10 million square kilometers, including Iraq, Iran and the Gulf, stretching east as far as India and the Red Sea to the west.
The storm forced officials to close schools in Qatar and parts of Saudi Arabia that had been declared a holiday for workers, Saudi and Iranian ports disrupted operations, and forced airports in seven countries to delay, reroute or cancel flights.
Open space construction has also stopped in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi cancelled the Desert Challenge because visibility was almost zero, and even solar plants stopped working due to the accumulation of too much dust on the panels.
According to the study, traffic accidents have increased in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, and cases of respiratory patients in hospitals have increased.
Israel is not immune to dust storms, though it does not suffer from any of the same severe pattern as Iraq and other neighboring countries.
The report pointed out that the phenomenon of climate change is responsible for the increase of these extreme weather events, but experts say that climate change is only one of the factors, but it will have a greater impact in the coming years because it causes increased desertification and more severe drought, pointing out that the sources of dust and sand storms are mainly due to natural and not man-made factors, but these factors are exacerbated by human activity.
Poor land management makes the soil unprotected after the harvest season, and wars have caused farmers to abandon their fields, creating large tracts of land where the wind can easily carry dust.
Population growth and urban sprawl are also reducing areas that previously contained plants that protected the soil.
In addition, large bodies of water have been affected by drought, such as the Aral Sea between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and Lake Urmia in Iran, once the largest lake in the Middle East.
Dam construction projects have also drained rivers and reduced water flows to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, with Saddam Hussein even playing a role in draining the marshes in the south.
Some scientists also believe that La Niña weather phenomenon may have contributed to the recent spike in dust storms in the Middle East.
Panfsha Kenoush, a researcher at the Middle East Institute in Washington, questioned whether Middle East governments were willing to make a major effort to address the problem, explaining that "sand and dust storms are often seen in the Gulf region as largely uncontrollable natural phenomena."
Some measures have been taken by governments in the region, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledging to plant 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia and an additional 40 billion in the region to combat sandstorms and desertification.
In 2016, an institute in the UAE launched a dust storm forecasting system that countries in the region can use to prepare for major storms.
But Middleton admits that even if governments work together, fighting sandstorms will not be easy, but he added that they could at least mitigate their effects and address the local factors that make sandstorms worse.
Translated by: Shafaq News
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What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

What areas of the US have been affected by Saharan dust storms?

The city's transportation systems can be optimized to minimize disruptions during Saharan dust storms by implementing intelligent transport systems, which can reduce road congestion and enhance safety.

Title:

Content:

Why are road congestion and safety such pressing issues in the US today? With over 276 million vehicles registered and an average daily travel time of nearly an hour per person, the nation's roads are under immense pressure.

Traffic congestion costs the US economy an estimated $87 billion annually in wasted time and fuel, while traffic accidents result in approximately 38,000 deaths each year. Addressing these challenges is crucial not only for economic efficiency but also for public health and environmental sustainability. Let’s take a closer look.

Technological Solutions

Intelligent Transportation Systems are at the forefront of reducing road congestion and enhancing safety in the US. These systems utilize real-time data collected from various sources, such as traffic cameras, sensors, and GPS devices, to manage traffic flow effectively.

ITS helps in incident management by promptly detecting and responding to accidents or breakdowns, thereby minimizing delays and preventing secondary accidents.

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles also play a large role in mitigating traffic congestion and improving road safety. These vehicles communicate with each other and with infrastructure, reducing human error, which is responsible for most serious crashes.

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication enables vehicles to share information about road conditions, traffic signals, and potential hazards, leading to smoother traffic flow and fewer accidents.

Infrastructure Improvements

Highway expansion projects are a critical component of alleviating road congestion in the US. States are investing billions of dollars to widen existing highways and construct new roads to accommodate the growing number of vehicles.

For example, Texas has committed billions over the next decade for highway expansion and improvement projects, including the addition of lanes to major interstates like I-35 and I-10 . These expansions aim to reduce bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, ultimately decreasing travel times for commuters.

Smart traffic signals represent another significant infrastructure improvement aimed at reducing congestion. These adaptive signal control technologies adjust traffic light timings based on real-time traffic data, which can significantly reduce delays at intersections. One study found that ASCT systems can improve travel time reliability by 10-50%.

Most of the US' workforce chooses to commute to and from work in their own vehicle, whether it be car, truck, or SUV. With a large urban population, that is a lot of drivers on the road, increasing the odds that you will be involved in a car or truck accident during your lifetime, warns an Indiana-based car accident attorney. Smart systems can mitigate this risk.

Public Transportation Enhancements

Many US cities are expanding their bus, rail, and subway systems to offer more comprehensive and reliable services. For instance, Los Angeles is investing $86 billion through its Measure M initiative to expand and improve its public transit infrastructure over the next 40 years.

This plan includes extending rail lines, enhancing bus services, and improving transit accessibility, which is expected to increase ridership by 25% by 2040. Similarly, New York City is undergoing a plan to modernize its subway system, focusing on signal upgrades, new rolling stock, and station renovations.

First-mile/last-mile solutions are also crucial in connecting people to major transit hubs and enhancing the overall efficiency of public transportation systems. Services like bike-sharing, e-scooters, and ride-hailing are increasingly being integrated into public transit networks to provide seamless door-to-door travel options.

Policy and Legislation

Congestion pricing is an effective policy tool being implemented in various US cities to reduce traffic congestion. This approach involves charging drivers a fee to enter high-traffic areas during peak hours, thereby encouraging the use of alternative transportation modes and reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

New York City is set to become the first major US city to implement congestion pricing, expected to start in 2024, with projected reductions in traffic by 15-20% and generating approximately $1 billion annually for public transit improvements.

Stricter speed limit enforcement is another legislative measure aimed at enhancing road safety. Speeding is a major factor in traffic accidents. To combat this, several states have implemented automated speed enforcement systems, such as speed cameras, to deter speeding and improve compliance with speed limits.

Innovative Urban Planning

The Complete Streets policy is a transformative approach to urban planning aimed at designing streets that are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. This policy encourages the incorporation of features such as bike lanes, wider sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures into road designs.

According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, over 1,600 jurisdictions in the US have adopted Complete Streets policies, leading to improved safety and accessibility. A study by Smart Growth America found that streets designed with these principles can reduce pedestrian injuries by 88% and vehicle crashes by 44%, highlighting the effectiveness of such designs in enhancing road safety and promoting active transportation.

Future Trends and Technologies

Mobility as a Service is an emerging trend poised to revolutionize transportation by integrating various forms of transport services into a single, accessible on-demand platform. MaaS platforms combine public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, car rentals, and more into a seamless service that users can access via a single app.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global MaaS market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6% from 2020 to 2030, reaching a market size of $1.75 trillion. By offering a more convenient and flexible transportation solution, MaaS has the potential to reduce private car ownership and alleviate congestion, as people are more likely to opt for shared and efficient modes of travel.

Conclusion

How can the US effectively tackle road congestion and improve road safety in the coming years? The answer lies in a multi-faceted approach that combines technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, public transportation enhancements, and innovative urban planning.

The implementation of intelligent transportation systems can reduce travel times by up to 20%, while investments in public transit and first-mile/last-mile solutions can increase ridership by 30%.

Policies like congestion pricing are projected to cut traffic by 15-20% in major cities. By continuing to innovate and invest in these areas, the US can create safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems for the future.

The implementation of intelligent transport systems can also reduce travel times by up to 20%, and smart traffic signals can improve travel time reliability by 10-50%.

The city can also consider investing in early warning systems, environmental regulation, and awareness campaigns to prepare for and mitigate the effects of Saharan dust storms.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

public awareness & education
implement a warning system

Regional cooperation and community participation are crucial in implementing programs aimed at mitigating the impacts of dust storms, and the city can learn from the experiences of other regions and countries that have been affected by Saharan dust storms.

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Content: Saudi News
Saudi Arabia ’ s Environment Ministry discusses the importance of international cooperation to counter the effects of dust and sand storms on development
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Thank you for following and reading a news about “Environment ” discussing the importance of international cooperation to counter the effects of dust and sand storms on development and now with details
Gulf 365 - Riyadh - Ahmed Hassan - Gulf 365 _ WAS
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Dr. Osama Faqiha, led the Kingdom ’ s delegation participating in a high-level working session on dust and sand storms, which was held in conjunction with the 21st meeting of the Committee for the Follow-up of the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Dr. Faqiha spoke about dust and sand storms as a national, regional and global phenomenon; their effects on economic, social and health development, including the environment sector, and the importance of international and regional cooperation to implement strategies, plans, initiatives, activities and programs to reduce the effects of dust and sand storms.
The 21st meeting of the Committee for the Follow-up of the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held from 13 to 17 November, during which the results of the national reports submitted by 126 States parties were reviewed and analysed, highlighting the progress made in implementing the strategic objectives of the Convention and SDG target 15.3 and the actions taken by the States parties to reduce the effects of drought, dust and sand storms.
On community participation in the implementation of programs to reduce land degradation and the effects of drought, the outcomes, report and recommendations of the 21st meeting of the Committee to Follow up the Implementation of the UNCCD, the reports of the two working groups on drought, the mid-term evaluation of the strategic framework of the Convention and other topics will be discussed during the 16th Conference of the Parties to be held in Riyadh in 2024.
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The city can develop dust monitoring capabilities to better understand and prepare for dust storms, and applied research studies on sand and dust storms can provide valuable insights for developing effective mitigation strategies.

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Content: Year / Closing of the International Workshop "Dust and Sand Storms in the Arabian Peninsula"
Thursday 03 / 11 / 1443 AH corresponding to 02 / 06 / 2022 AD
Jeddah 03 Dhu al-Qa ’ dah 1443 AH corresponding to 02 June 2022 AD
The activities of the international workshop "Dust and Sand Storms in the Arabian Peninsula", which was held in Jeddah with the participation of a group of international and national experts in meteorology and climate affairs, concluded today.
The sessions of the second and last day of the workshop discussed a number of issues, most notably the cycle of dust and ground monitoring, the climatic features of dust storm activity over the Arabian Peninsula, and improving the resilience of cities and communities to sand and dust storms.
Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, called for the importance of concerted international efforts to develop science-based plans to mitigate the effects of dust and sand storms on cities and communities, with attention to raising community awareness of the danger of this phenomenon to public life.
Dr. Ahmed Samman from King Abdul Aziz University reviewed a summary of sand and dust storms in the Arabian Peninsula, and the sources of dust in the region.
Dr. Paul Kocera confirmed the presence of about 40 chemical elements in the intense sandstorms affecting the Arabian Peninsula, noting that regional transport is a secondary source of dust.
The workshop concluded with three main recommendations of high priority: the exchange of data on sand and dust storms and other relevant information between GCC partners, the development of dust and aerosol monitoring capabilities in the GCC region, and the initiation of applied research studies on sand and dust storms in the region.
The recommendations stressed the importance of establishing an effective and permanent data exchange mechanism in the GCC region to access and exchange data in near real-time, delivered from all monitoring stations with dust monitoring capabilities and numerical weather forecasting model outputs.
The recommendations suggested the formation of a technical working group for all GCC partners within 6 months, which would develop a data dictionary of all available information about the GCC region, propose technical mechanisms and procedures for data exchange using the existing WMO infrastructure, when possible, and develop a centralized online platform to store, access and visualize all available data, within 12 months.
The recommendations called for consideration of the need to establish a standing working group to propose amendments to future requirements and methodologies for data exchange between partners in coordination with WMO, in addition to exploring all actions required in coordination with WMO to expand the coverage of WMO ’ s GAW in the GCC region, and to ensure continuity, quality and availability of data within 6 months.
It also proposed a short- and long-term plan to expand the GCC network within 6 months, reactivate WMO GAW stations in the GCC region within 12 months, assess and expand the visibility and monitoring capabilities of particulate matter in the GCC region, where the availability of relevant information is scarce within 6 months from now, and explore the opportunity to develop a common dust / aerosol monitoring framework for the GCC region. Coordinated quality controls, formats and measurement schedules within 12 months.
The workshop also recommended the initiation of applied research studies on sand and dust storms in the region, and proposed several measures to review past and ongoing research activities in the GCC region, focusing on sand and dust storms, and identify joint research priorities according to WMO recommendations and partner needs within 6 months, urging joint research initiatives in collaboration with research institutes, organizations and storm early warning system. Finally, a monitoring and reporting system has been established to track the progress and development of all research initiatives launched.
It is noteworthy that the holding of the international workshop comes within the Kingdom's efforts to raise the level of readiness, encourage scientific research to confront these natural phenomena, and work to reduce the risks resulting from them locally, regionally and internationally.
/ / Finished / /
22: 51 p.m.
0203.

Stakeholder engagement is necessary for developing effective storm mitigation strategies, and the city can work with residents, businesses, and community organizations to achieve this goal.

The city can establish a continuous monitoring system to track air quality and provide early warnings for expected wind and dust activity, and citizens can be encouraged to report air pollution complaints.

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Content: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
"Environment": Exciting wind activity for sand and continuous follow-up of air quality indicators
The Ministry of Environment issued a statement on the impact of environmental factors on air quality during the period from 27 to 28 May, and a continuous follow-up of air quality indicators through the continuous monitoring system at the level of the Republic.
According to the reports issued by the early warning system of the Ministry of Environment, it is expected during the days of Saturday and Sunday corresponding to 27 and 28 May, the presence of wind activity and be exciting sand and dust on the exposed areas of Greater Cairo and the sea face and north of Upper Egypt at intermittent intervals, and activity of southwestern winds, with gradual improvement to begin next Monday, and change the direction of the winds to the northwest.
Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, issued her directives to continuously monitor air quality indicators through the continuous monitoring system of the Ministry of Environment, which is deployed in many parts of the country.
She called on the elderly citizens and people with chest and respiratory diseases to avoid daily activities in the open air during this period to avoid the negative effects resulting from the activity of wind, sand and dust raised.
The central operations room of the Ministry of Environment receives citizens' complaints about any source of air pollution around the clock through the complaints hotline 19808.

How can the authorities prepare for a Saharan dust storm?

How does Saharan dust affect immediate weather?

The city can work with international organizations, such as the UN-Habitat, to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating dust storm impacts, and a systems approach can be used to finance and deliver urban transformation projects.

Title:

Content: ISSN 2330-717X

World Economic Forum Research Provides Comprehensive Blueprint For Future-Ready Cities

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The World Economic Forum released a series of four reports on how cities can take a systems approach to finance and deliver urban transformation projects in the wake of COVID, widening inequality and global conflicts. Each report – urban inclusion, city financing models, climate preparedness, and technology adoption – guides city leaders with case studies and toolkits to successfully manage digital projects and new financing models to achieve more climate-ready and equitable cities.

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The Global Future Council on Cities of Tomorrow (GFC) – comprised of forty-five sector experts from around the world collaborated throughout the pandemic to help struggling cities to build more future-ready communities for all citizens.

“Cities are on the frontlines of climate mitigation and adaptation. They are also under pressure to improve residents’ standard of living and increase community cohesion while progressing towards sustainable development,” said Alice Charles, Lead, Urban Transformation, World Economic Forum. “To meet these high expectations, cities need to develop strategies using a systems perspective to deliver net-zero carbon and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. The Global Future Council on Cities has done an extraordinary job with these reports to provide cities with the tools they need right now.”

Implementing a systems approach across urban sectors:

  • Rethinking City Revenue and Finance: A systems-approach to financing urban transformation depends on access to a diverse range of revenue sources to advance both traditional and green infrastructure, which also must include investment in operations and maintenance. The report is informed by a survey of 10 city administrations on potential revenue streams, planned initiatives and the policy interventions required to ensure that projects are financially viable.
    • For example, with support from UNHabitat and UNDP, Somaliland implemented a robust property tax and collection system to pay for infrastructure improvements, which increased the capital city’s property tax revenue from $384,115 in 2008 to close to $1.5 million in 2018. This represents up to one third of the city’s total revenue.
  • Using Digital Technology for a Green and Just Recovery in Cities: To move towards a systems approach, this report recommends that city leaders should start by asking, “What are the most pressing unmet needs and challenges in cities” that technology can improve, rather than, “What can we do with digital technologies?”. A 10-step action plan and 31 case studies showcase best practices and innovative digital solutions that have already been applied in 28 cities worldwide.
    • For example, ModeliScale is an energy network digital twin that allows simulation of the future energy grid. The model covers multiple inputs and outputs, including buildings, solar panels, electric vehicles and storage. This realistic view of a city’s energy needs enables better planning for investment, operations and maintenance.
  • Accelerating Urban Inclusion for a Just Recovery: Equity and inclusion are at the heart of a systems approach to every aspect of recovery and transformation. The report provides a 10-step action plan for urban inclusion to enable city leaders to create more inclusive spatial, digital, social/institutional and economic realms.
    • For example, São Paulo, Brazil, has successfully introduced an instrument called “Outorga Onerosa“, which offers property owners a density bonus to increase the maximum allowable development on a site in exchange for either direct funds or in-kind support for specified public policy goals.
  • Delivering Climate-Resilient Cities Using a Systems Approach: This report finds that cities need to engage with relevant stakeholders from government, business, academia and civil society that interact with the urban value chain. The report provides a five-step action plan to guide cities in adopting a systems approach to climate-resilient urban infrastructure delivery.
    • For example, Mexico City is leading the way in Latin America by financing green infrastructure with social impact bonds. The success of these bonds is based in part on certification by internationally independent experts who also periodically collect and publish data on performance indicators.

Together the four reports provide a roadmap for cities to become more equitable and resilient to the shocks and stressed caused by global conflict, climate change, and rapidly changing technologies. As the GFC co-chairs Carlo Ratti and Maimunah Mohd Sharif point out, preparedness on one front often has unexpected benefits elsewhere.

In the Forward to the climate preparedness report, the co-chairs write, “Systems approaches are complex – more connections lead to more complications – yet the successes of cities such as Melbourne, Fukuoka and Helsinki demonstrate that extraordinary rewards can be attained, especially if siloed thinking is dismantled. The solution to a transport query might lie in housing; the unanticipated positive impact of a new park might be felt in a nearby water treatment plant. By pursuing a systems approach, we can bring fresh ideas to fields as diverse as housing, energy, mobility, public and green spaces, water treatment, stormwater management, waste management and many others.”

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A systems approach can bring fresh ideas to fields like housing, energy, and mobility, and can help the city develop effective strategies for mitigating dust storm impacts.

The city can use social impact bonds to finance green infrastructure and reduce the effects of dust storms, and can work with stakeholders to develop strategies using a systems perspective to deliver net-zero carbon infrastructure and reduce the impacts of dust storms.