Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Anna Kurbatova, Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology, presented her paper at the 5th International Conference on Water, Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development in Islamabad. For the first time in Pakistan, at NUST University, a Russian professor served as the keynote speaker.
The study's methodology is based on a numerical assessment of decoupling over a specified period of time using the ratio proposed by UNEP. We propose the decoupling index as a research method as a tool for assessing the environmental and economic sustainability of MSW management systems not only in Moscow but also in other cities, for the development of future sustainable MSW management policy scenarios in the near future. The report generated keen interest among NUST researchers and helped me in discussions regarding joint work with them.
Anna Kurbatova
At the conference, the RUDN University associate professor also took part in the work of the commission to evaluate the best reports by master's and postgraduate students from Pakistani universities.
The students presented excellent, high-level scientific reports on assessing air pollution levels (particulate matter), increasing soil sequestration activity through fertilizer application, and other topics. I can't help but note that NUST prioritizes the creation of scientific schools in various research areas and achieves high scientific results, building the country's scientific potential.
Anna Kurbatova
Water scarcity and waste management system
In addition, during her working trip, Anna Igorevna gave lectures at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on the topic of "The Interrelationship of Water, Energy, and Food."
The issue is relevant for Pakistan due to its dependence on rural areas, where most of the water used for irrigating farmland comes from rivers originating in India. If India were to suddenly cut off the river, Pakistan would face a water shortage. Furthermore, melting glaciers and unstable monsoons due to climate change pose an additional threat to the water supply. Reduced water availability could impact hydroelectric power generation, which is also critical for the country.
Anna Kurbatova
As the associate professor noted, her lectures generated lively interest and active discussions, particularly around the challenges associated with managing water, energy, and food resources. Faculty and students appreciated the importance of the WEF Nexus approach, which demonstrates the interconnectedness of these resources and the need for comprehensive solutions. They also expressed interest in Russia's transboundary challenges in the context of water diplomacy and ways to address them.
Following her visit to the university, Anna Igorevna agreed on scientific collaboration with her Pakistani colleagues from NUST.
We have already begun work on an article on the application of artificial intelligence to solving waste management problems in urban areas. Islamabad and Moscow, and the municipal solid waste management system, will be the study subjects. We will also be joined by Professor H. Abu-Qdeis from JUST University in Jordan, with whom I have co-authored a series of Q1 and Q2 articles over the past eight years, created several MOOCs (open online courses in English), a VR simulator on the energy recovery of municipal solid waste, and prepared a joint monograph on bioeconomic research.
Anna Kurbatova
Anna Igorevna also noted that a cooperation agreement between NUST and RUDN is currently being worked out.
NUST scientists are world-class, with high h-indices and cutting-edge research in water resource management, artificial intelligence, earthquake monitoring, and nanotechnology. Collaboration with the university will open new opportunities for our students and staff.
Anna Kurbatova
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