Addressing Yemen’s Climate Crisis Amidst Ongoing Conflict: A Call to Action

Yemen faces intensifying climate challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflict, according to the World Bank Group’s Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR). Immediate action is essential to address rising temperatures and water scarcity, with a projected GDP decline if no measures are taken. The report advocates for strategic investments in agriculture and disaster risk management, emphasizing the need for peacebuilding and international support. Renewable energy development is also highlighted as vital for resilience and recovery.

Yemen, burdened by a decade-long conflict, now confronts an escalating set of climate-related challenges, including severe water scarcity and food insecurity. The World Bank Group’s recently published Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) illuminates the urgent need for climate-sensitive investments addressing water, agriculture, and disaster risk management in the context of the country’s fragile state. The report outlines that rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, placing half of Yemen’s population at risk of climate hazards like extreme heat and flooding. Without immediate intervention, Yemen’s annual GDP may decrease by an estimated 3.9% by 2040, primarily attributed to diminished agricultural productivity and infrastructural degradation.

Despite these dire forecasts, the CCDR unveils pathways to bolster resilience and cultivate sustainable growth. Strategic investments in water management and adaptive agricultural practices could enhance crop productivity by 13.5% from 2041 to 2050 in optimistic scenarios. However, the fisheries sector is at risk of up to 23% losses by mid-century due to increased sea temperatures. Stephane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, remarked, “Yemen is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises — conflict, climate change, and poverty. Immediate and decisive action on climate resilience is a matter of survival for millions of Yemenis.”

The report underscores that any successful strategy must incorporate peacebuilding initiatives and foster international cooperation. While humanitarian assistance can help families adapt to climate shocks, sustainable peace is vital for unlocking the necessary funding and implementing effective resilience measures. Disaster risk management remains critical as urban areas face heightened risks from frequent floods. Additional economic pressures due to climate-related health issues could lead to over $5 billion in excess costs by 2050, underscoring the need for integrating climate resilience into public health planning, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children.

Yemen possesses substantial potential for renewable energy, which could significantly contribute to its climate response and recovery efforts. By developing renewable resources, Yemen could reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while building a more resilient energy infrastructure essential for healthcare, water supply, and food distribution, especially in conflict-affected zones. Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East, stated, “The private sector has a critical role to play in addressing Yemen’s pressing development challenges. Harnessing its potential through innovative financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments and creating a conducive investment climate can help mobilize the climate-focused funding the country urgently needs.”

Flexible decision-making informed by risk considerations is essential to adapt climate initiatives to Yemen’s unpredictable political environment. The CCDR employs a scenario-based model that allows for diverse climate investment strategies depending on the state of peace or conflict escalation. The “Peace and Prosperity” scenario promotes enhanced adaptation, translating into considerable socio-economic gains. The CCDR aims to guide governments, citizens, and stakeholders towards actionable strategies that align with climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

The intersection of climate change and conflict poses a significant threat to vulnerable nations, and Yemen exemplifies this complex dynamic. Ongoing conflict has exacerbated the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events compounding existing issues of poverty and food scarcity. The importance of addressing these challenges is underscored in the Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) released by the World Bank Group, which calls for urgent climate-responsive investments and strategic planning to deepen resilience and ensure sustainable development in the face of these compounding crises. As Yemen navigates this multifaceted crisis, the report provides a framework for understanding the necessary actions to mitigate long-term risks and mobilize substantial support from the international community.

Combating climate change in Yemen is critical for preserving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development amidst the ongoing conflict. The CCDR articulates essential strategies for improved water management and agricultural productivity, aiming to fortify resilience against climatic adversities. Collaborative efforts involving peacebuilding and community investment are key to reversing the potential economic downturn. The insights from the report provide a roadmap for future investments and sustainable recovery initiatives, highlighting the necessity of combining climate actions with socio-political stability to benefit the Yemeni population moving forward.

Original Source: www.worldbank.org