Climate Change Threats in the Middle East and North Africa: A Call for Cooperation

A new report reveals that human-caused climate change poses severe cross-border threats to the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting issues related to food security, geopolitical tensions, and the challenges of centralized governance in addressing climate impacts. The reliance on imports and the focus on export-oriented agriculture further complicate the region’s resilience to climate change, necessitating cooperative strategies that encompass the diverse landscapes and socio-political contexts across MENA.

As COP 29 convenes, a recent report from the European Centre for Development Policy Management underscores the grave challenges posed by human-induced climate change to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, emphasizing transnational risks that impact numerous countries. The region is facing accelerated warming, experiencing temperature increases at twice the global average, particularly threatening nations like Egypt and Iraq. These countries are particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, necessitating cooperative international strategies, a challenging endeavor given the complexities of regional politics. A significant concern arises from the MENA nations’ heavy reliance on imported food, particularly grains, which makes them exceedingly vulnerable to global market fluctuations triggered by climate events or conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine War. The report highlights the detrimental effects of climate-induced mega-droughts that could create similar disruptions. Moreover, the centralized governmental structures prevalent across many MENA states, often ruled by oligarchs vested in oil and gas interests, impede effective climate action and foster decision-making exclusion for grassroots organizations and marginalized groups. For instance, wealthy elites in Tunisia prioritize olive production for global markets, limiting agricultural diversity and creating vulnerability to disease and price swings. In Libya, where the economy is largely controlled by military factions, an overwhelming dependency on oil exports complicates food security, particularly during global supply chain disruptions. The country imports 75% of its food, placing Libyans in a precarious position during global crises. The report categorizes five primary cross-border risks: biophysical threats affecting ecosystems and water supplies; potential declines in foreign investments impacting infrastructure development; trade vulnerabilities linked to food security; human displacement exacerbated by conflicts and climate events; and geopolitical tensions arising from such stresses. The Middle East’s demographic landscape, with nearly 500 million individuals and a youthful median age, highlights the urgent need for effective climate adaptation strategies to accommodate both vulnerable societies and burgeoning populations. While Europe has allocated significant funds toward aiding MENA’s transition to renewable energy sources, it has reportedly provided limited support for enhancing regional climate resilience. Countries such as Morocco and Turkey are uniquely positioned, having made notable advancements in integrating renewable energy into their grids, serving as potential models for broader regional solutions.

The ongoing climate crisis poses unprecedented challenges to global ecosystems and human societies, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The area is marked by high temperatures, aridity, and geopolitical instability, which exacerbate the impacts of climate change. The reliance on imported resources, alongside political and economic structures that prioritize short-term profits over sustainable practices, significantly heightens the region’s susceptibility to climate-induced risks. In light of these complexities, the importance of cross-border cooperation and adaptive strategies becomes even more critical, as highlighted in the recent report by the European Centre for Development Policy Management.

In conclusion, the mounting threats of climate change present a formidable challenge to the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting the urgent need for cooperative action across national borders. The implications of climate-induced crises extend beyond natural disasters, affecting food security, economic stability, and geopolitical relations. As countries grapple with the dual demands of addressing pressing climate issues and fostering regional collaboration, the path forward will require innovative solutions and inclusion of diverse societal perspectives to ensure sustainable development for all constituents in the region.

Original Source: www.juancole.com