Lebanon faces a multitude of environmental threats, primarily driven by a neoliberal approach to urbanization. This approach prioritizes short-term private economic gains in the construction industry and associated businesses, including a dominant cement cartel, at the expense of long-term environmental collective well-being. This leads to excessive resource depletion, significant contributions to the carbon footprint, as it ultimately exacerbates climate change.
Our investigation delves deeper into the construction sector’s role in fueling climate change in Lebanon. It showcases how the government’s contradictory policies further exacerbate the issue. While signing international environmental agreements, it simultaneously enact legislation that encourages further construction, creating a stark disconnect between rhetoric and reality. The investigation concludes that urgent systemic change is necessary, including economic reform that prioritizes local economies, dismantles real estate monopolies, and empowers the state and its planning tools to effectively manage resources and the environment.
Read original article in Arabic here.
The Future and Resistance blocs facilitate construction in rural regions without addressing housing needs
Proposing the law of exemption of some building permits from fees according to prototypical designs.
It was referred to the Administration and Justice, Finance and Budget, and Public Works Committees on 10/6/2020.