The European Centre for Development Policy Management’s report highlights the severe threats of human-induced climate change to the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on cross-border issues like food security and environmental impacts. With the region warming at twice the global average, inadequate cooperation among governments presents significant challenges. Key threats include reliance on food imports, environmental degradation, and geopolitical tensions, particularly affecting nations like Libya, Iraq, and Tunisia—the call for regional collaboration at COP 29 is critical to address these challenges.
As COP 29 commences, the European Centre for Development Policy Management highlights the dire threats posed by human-induced climate change within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The report emphasizes the region’s alarming rate of warming, which is occurring at twice the global average, severely impacting countries like Egypt and Iraq. Amidst this backdrop, inadequate governmental cooperation presents challenges to addressing cross-border threats, such as food security, exacerbated by reliance on imported grains and the increased risk of climate-related droughts. Countries in the MENA region suffer from a lack of resilience against climate impacts, largely due to centralized power structures dominated by oligarchs who prioritize profit over sustainable practices. For instance, the cultivation of water-intensive crops for export, such as citrus fruits in arid nations, compromises local food security while enriching a select few. Additionally, monoculture practices in Tunisia’s olive industry reveal vulnerabilities, as the overemphasis on a single crop hinders agricultural diversity and sustainability. In Libya, the military’s grip on the economy further compounds the issue, with the nation’s over-reliance on oil exports leading to severe food import challenges during global disruptions. Climate change’s transboundary nature threatens vital ecosystems and fisheries, particularly the Euphrates River, jeopardizing livelihoods in Iraq and beyond. Key threats emanate from five main categories: biophysical risks affecting international ecosystems, financial impacts due to reduced foreign investment, trade vulnerabilities linked to climate-sensitive crops, and significant human displacement spurred by conflict and climate crises. Moreover, geopolitical tensions exacerbate these challenges, evidenced by the humanitarian fallout in Lebanon. While Europe has committed substantial funds to facilitate renewable energy transitions in the region, assistance aimed specifically at enhancing resilience to climate change remains notably limited. MENA’s geographical diversity – encompassing deserts, mountains, and waterways – presents both challenges and opportunities for implementing sustainable solutions. The region’s burgeoning youth population, alongside both impoverished and affluent areas, underscores the need for inclusive strategies to navigate the green transition. Finally, Morocco and Turkey stand out as leaders in renewable energy advancements, yet the disparity in progress across the region serves as a call to action for concerted efforts toward climate resilience.
The European Centre for Development Policy Management’s recent report sheds light on the implications of climate change across the Middle East and North Africa, drawing attention to cross-border impacts that affect food security and environmental stability. As the region faces warming at double the global rate, countries must grapple with both environmental and socio-economic challenges, particularly in relation to agricultural practices and geopolitical tensions. The report sets the stage for discussions at COP 29 regarding the urgent need for inter-governmental collaboration towards climate adaptation and resilience-building.
The findings presented by the European Centre for Development Policy Management underscore the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted threats posed by climate change in the MENA region. As countries face increasing environmental degradation alongside economic challenges, it is imperative that both regional governments and international partners prioritize sustainable practices that enhance food security and ecological resilience. The disparities in progress among MENA countries further highlight the urgency of implementing comprehensive strategies to facilitate a transition toward sustainable energy sources while safeguarding the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.juancole.com
