Impacts of Climate Change on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and North Africa Region and the Water–Energy Nexus

Abstract

The present paper aims to elucidate impacts of climate change on the availability and security of water and energy in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA region; including the Eastern Mediterranean) in the context of the water–energy nexus. It largely builds on existing knowledge and understanding and aims to present a review of existing information on this topic. The region is particularly challenged by a number of factors, including the large variability of bio-geographical characteristics, extreme population growth over the last few decades, and substantial societal and economical transitions, as well as armed conflicts in some of the countries in the region. Anticipated changes in climate conditions will exacerbate the challenges regarding water and energy security in the region. Major impacts of climate change include a significant increase in summer temperatures, which will lead to a growing number of heat waves, primarily in urban structures. A general decrease in precipitation in many of the MENA countries is foreseen, resulting in enhanced droughts and a growing number of dry spells. In addressing energy and water scarcities and their mutual interrelationships, an integrated water–energy nexus concept offers promising prospects to improve environmental, climate, human, and political security. However, only very few countries in the MENA region have presently implemented such a concept. Mitigation and adaptation strategies addressing water and energy scarcity include enhanced efficiency of resource use, integrated technology assessments regarding electricity generation, and a stronger reliance on renewable/solar technologies. While looking at the MENA region as a whole, some emphasis will be given to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Business-as-usual will lead to super and ultra-extreme heatwaves in the Middle East and North Africa

“…The potential intensification of heatwaves in the already harsh, hot and arid MENA environment is expected to have direct negative impacts on human health 18,19 , agriculture 20 , the water and energy nexus 21,22 , and many other socioeconomic sectors. For example, heat stress can cause substantial loss of labor productivity 23 and may also be linked to conflict and migration 24 .…”

Interdisciplinary Regional Collaboration for Public Health Adaptation to Climate Change in the Eastern Mediterranean

“…Furthermore, extreme weather conditions are known to increase the incidence of certain illnesses, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and climate change affects the occurrence and behavior of infectious and vectorborne diseases (e.g., Negev et al 2015). The practical problems facing local health systems were also a subject of discussion, including underfunding, lack of preparation for dealing with climate-related illnesses, and the adverse effect of regional political conflict (e.g., Lange 2019).…”

Aspects of environmental impacts of seawater desalination: Cyprus as a case study

“…At the same time, climate models predict a rise in the annual mean temperature, which further exacerbates the water scarcity problem in Cyprus [21]. Years of drought have led to the depletion of reservoir-stored surface water and the over-exploitation of aquifers, which are direct climate change effects especially for agriculture as the irrigation period elongated [22,23]. For instance, the drought in 2008 resulted in 100% reduction of water supply for irrigation/agricultural purposes and nowadays the water demand often exceeds the water supply.…”