It's not as if Qatar has in the past excelled in its efforts toward climate protection. The country does have grand plans to become more sustainable in the future. But just how "green" is Doha at present?
The climate talks will be held in Doha's brand new National Conference Center, a showcase for sustainable architecture. The building even has solar panels on the roof - oddly, a rarity in the desert country!
Qatar is blessed with massive oil and gas reserves. In fact, the country has the largest natural gas reserves on earth. At the same time, it has among the highest CO2 emissions per capita.
On Doha's wide city streets, cars zoom past up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph). Small and compact cars are hard to spot - Qatari prefer grand limousines and SUVs. A liter of petrol costs only around 20 cents ($0.26, or $0.98 per gallon).
Off-road vehicles are particularly popular with Qataris - among other things, to go speeding across expansive sand dunes in the south of the country on desert safaris. There are several private camps in the desert where people go to relax over the weekend.
Several bike paths have been introduced in the city - but no cyclists are to be found. On the main streat, the Corniche, cycling isn't even allowed. And even pedestrains are a rare sight here.
Everywhere in Qatar you'll find air conditioners - even on boats, such as this on on the roof of a tourist vessel in the Doha harbor. No wonder: temperatures in November reach around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). In summer it can get as hot as 55 degrees Celcius (131 degrees Fahrenheit).
There are big plans for the soccer 2022 World Cup in Qatar: Several new stadiums are to be built - of course, with air conditioning. The electricity for this is to come from solar panels. But skeptics doubt that this will be possible.
There's construction everywhere in Doha, including a whole lot of skyscrapers. Many are apparently to be build according to eco-friendly, sustainable criteria.
Giant shopping malls modeled on US examples are a Qatari speciality. In the latest and largest desert shopping mall, there's even an ice-skating rink.
Till now, Qatar and its capital Doha appear to be anything but green. But with plenty of plans to change this, Qatar may be looking at a green future after all.
The 18th World Climate Conference is taking place in Doha, a leading carbon dioxide producer, and a major exporter of crude oil and natural gas. Plans are afoot to change this - can Qatar have a green future?
The 18th World Climate Conference is taking place in Doha, a leading carbon dioxide producer, and a major exporter of crude oil and natural gas. Plans are afoot to change this - can Qatar have a green future?
