Vulnerable Populations and Regions: Middle East as a Case Study
Wael K. Al‐Delaimy
Abstract
SummaryThere are published analyses predicting that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will be the most affected by climate change and global warming. This region has a multitude of factors that makes it more vulnerable to climate change. It is the first region in the world expected to run out of fresh water. It has diversity in income levels between one country and another, but most low-income countries rely on farming and agriculture that is rain-dependent, and there is poor governance and lack of resources to address the impact of climate change through adaptation. There is genuine interest by the MENA countries to address climate change through submission of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions by many countries in the region, but there is a lack of implementation with regard to climate change action plans and no public awareness within countries in the region. The heat waves, sand storms, declines in agriculture and food security, declines in water access, and associated health outcomes in this region are going to drive more migration within and outside the specific countries. The health impact from these climate change scenarios will be overwhelming in many regions in MENA, even if the target 2 °C global minimum temperature increase is achieved. There is a dearth of data from the MENA region regarding climate change and its impact on health.