Arab environment: climate change and the impact of climate change on Arab countries
This report analyses the Arab response to the urgent need for adaptation measures, and uses the latest research findings to describe the vulnerabilities of natural and human systems in the Arab world to climate change and the impacts on different sectors. It is designed to provide information to governments, business, academia and the public about the impact of climate change on the Arab countries, and encourage concrete action to face the challenge.
In an attempt to help shape adequate policies, the report discusses options for a post-Kyoto regime and outlines the state of international negotiations in this regard. It finds that little work is being carried out to make Arab countries prepared for climate change challenges. It aims to provide information to governments, business, academia and the public about the impact of climate change on the Arab countries, and encourage concrete action to face the challenge.
Recommendations on specific areas affected by impact include: (i) On fresh water: changing cropping patterns, adopting water saving techniques, introducing integrated water resources management, developing new varieties of crop resistant to higher temperatures and soil salinity and initiating desalination techniques; (ii) On food production: crop varieties, fertilisers, irrigation techniques and other water management practices need to altered in light of climate variability; (iii) On tourism: future tourism development must take anticipated changes into account through integrated and inclusive planning such as clearer guidelines on the allowed distance between permanent structures and the shoreline. Options for sustainable alternatives such as cultural tourism and inland and desert tourist destinations should be explored; (iv) On infrastructure: current infrastructure should be enhanced to withstand climate change, design criteria and operations should be upgraded, new technologies need to be utilised and the public needs to be brought into decision-making processes; (v) On biodiversity: an interlinked geographical entity should be developed and implement regional mechanisms for coordinating conservation activities.
The report is the second of a series of annual reports produced by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED). The first, released in 2008 under the title 'Arab Environment: Future Challenges', covered the most pressing environmental issues facing the region.