Key Highlights and Discussion Paper
The devastating effects of climate change will acutely affect the MENA region in dire and far-reaching ways, amplifying long-standing problems of governance and sharpening socioeconomic inequalities while also creating new disruptions. Water scarcity has been one of the most headline- grabbing issues aggravated by climate change. With the rise of temperature and the decrease in rains, water from the Nile, the Tigris and the Euphrate rivers, on which millions of people are dependent for a livelihood, will be even more rarified. The projection of more frequent extreme climate events such as droughts and floods, yet recurring challenges in the region, is expected to cause new movements of population, whereas little planned relocations are in sight. However, with challenges come opportunities for renewed regional cooperation, especially in the new sector of the transboundary policies and mechanisms needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change and its effects.
The EU also shares an interest in climate adaptation strategies in the MENA region, not least due to its geographical proximity and possible spillover effects from instability in the MENA related to climate change. Despite the EU’s growing support to neighboring countries, there is still greater space to craft more comprehensive climate policy, including specific actions with partner MENA countries on water resources and climate-related migration management.
Given the foreseeable impacts of climate change and water scarcity on the MENA region, and the EU’s vested interest in assisting adaptation of such impacts, this event seeks to bring together policymakers, experts, think tanks and academics for a dialogue with an aim to discern practical policy recommendations for the way forward. In general terms, to what extent could water-related issues and climate be a catalyst for movement of population and displacement in MENA? How can the EU involve itself more in MENA-related climate change adaptation strategies?
