The Middle East is certainly not a region known for its environmental consciousness or prowess. Beirut, a city which was once referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, does no justice for creating a sense of environment awareness in the region. However in certain instances, some of which are accidental, the people of the Middle East shine when compared to their fellow global citizens.
Found at: http://www.shweir.com
The electrical situation of Lebanon is nothing to laugh about. Anyone who has been to the country is intimately aware of the ‘electrical cuts’ which are characteristic of individuals’ daily lives. The country runs on government provided electricity, as well as motors and generators. Yet, the residents of the nation frequently have hours without power.
In villages which sprawl the nation the electrical difficulties can be more severe than the cities. Electricity frequently stops at midnight in many village areas.
In spite of the difficulties these hours of no electricity bring to Lebanese citizens; these hours are a much needed relief for the night sky. The night skies of the villages after midnight are a sight to see. Dark, expansive skies free of lights and packed with stars.
In between the complaints of locals, remarks of delight about the night sky can be frequently heard:
“Laykeh shu hilwen il najoom”- look how beautiful the stars are!
The government failures go further than an inability to provide citizens with electricity; they also include limited drinking water. Thus, the residents of Lebanon, whether inherently or out of necessity are far more careful then their Western neighbors when it comes to water usage.
The electrical situation of Lebanon and the government’s inadequacies is by no means being praised. However the struggles of the Lebanese people and the positive things which have come as a result of these difficulties should be mentioned. Perhaps in the future the desire to have a light-free sky will be intentional as opposed to a daily ‘inconvenience’.
In the meantime the small advancements and positive things which can be found in the Middle East towards the environment should be praised. In future times once a sense ‘protecting the environment’ has graced the region, these small advancements will become the foundation for greater and better steps!
