At the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating a greener and more sustainable future for the country. Dubbed ‘Think Tomorrow’, this initiative, launched by NOC Chairman Farhat Bengdara, aims to tackle environmental challenges by adopting eco-friendly practices and reducing carbon footprint.

One of the key objectives of the ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is to eliminate gas flaring, a common practice in the oil and gas industry that releases large volumes of methane into the atmosphere. The NOC plans to achieve this goal by investing in advanced technologies that will enable it to capture and utilise the flared gas for power generation or other industrial purposes.

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Another major focus of the initiative is to address the issue of waste oil lakes, which are a significant environmental hazard in Libya. These lakes, formed due to improper disposal of oil waste, pose serious health and environmental risks.The NOC aims to eliminate these lakes by implementing a comprehensive waste management system that will ensure safe and responsible disposal of oil waste.

In addition to these initiatives, the NOC is also working on generating renewable energy to supply its oil fields with clean power. The company has already installed solar panels at some of its facilities and is planning to further expand this program. This move will not only reduce the NOC’s carbon footprint but also provide a reliable source of power for its operations.

Another project under the ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is aimed at increasing green spaces in the oil territories by planting one million trees. This initiative will not only help in mitigating climate change but also provide a much-needed boost to the local ecosystems.

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The ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future for Libya. It demonstrates the NOC’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing towards global efforts to combat climate change. By implementing these initiatives, the NOC hopes to set an example for other companies in the region and inspire them to adopt similar practices.

The launch of this initiative at COP28 is also a testament to Libya’s growing role in international climate discussions. The country’s participation in such events highlights its commitment towards addressing environmental challenges and working towards a sustainable future. As Farhat Bengdara stated during the announcement, “Libya has abundant natural resources, but we must ensure that we use them responsibly and sustainably.”

The NOC’s ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is a commendable effort towards creating a greener and more sustainable future for Libya. By eliminating gas flaring, addressing waste oil lakes, generating renewable energy, and increasing green spaces, the NOC is setting an example for other companies in the region to follow. As COP28 continues, it is heartening to see countries like Libya taking proactive steps towards addressing environmental challenges and contributing towards global efforts to combat climate change.

The NOC is also working on improving access to healthcare and education in local communities. The company is partnering with local organisations to provide healthcare services and educational opportunities to local people. This will not only improve the quality of life for local communities but also create employment opportunities for young people in Libya.Unemployment in Libya remains a significant challenge, with the latest estimates suggesting that the jobless rate is around 32%.

This high level of unemployment has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and political instability in the country. In addition to unemployment, poverty is also a major issue in Libya. According to a report by the World Bank, around 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, with many struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.

Despite these challenges, Libya has a relatively strong engineering pool, with a high number of qualified engineers per capita. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Libya has around 12 engineers per 10,000 people, which is higher than the regional average of 7.5 engineers per 10,000 people. However, many of these engineers are currently unemployed or working in low-skilled jobs due to the lack of opportunities in the country. To address this issue, there have been calls for greater investment in infrastructure projects and the creation of more jobs in the engineering sector.

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Another key aspect of the ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is collaboration and partnerships. The NOC is working with various stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and international organisations, such as The Libyan Red Crescent Society, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote sustainable development in Libya. This collaboration will enable the NOC to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in a holistic and inclusive manner.

Overall, the ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting sustainable development, reducing the NOC’s carbon footprint, and improving the quality of life for local communities. By implementing various measures such as water infrastructure projects, healthcare services, educational opportunities, collaboration and partnerships, gender equality initiatives, and transparency reporting, the NOC is setting an example for other companies in the region to follow. As Farhat Bengdara stated during the announcement, “We believe that our ‘Think Tomorrow’ initiative will not only benefit our company but also contribute towards global efforts to combat climate change while promoting sustainable development in Libya.”

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