Middle East Feels Effects of Climate Change as Temperatures Reach 54 Celcius
While 2016 set a heat record globally, further temperature increases, reduction in rainfall, seasonal shifts and decline in agricultural activities are predicaments looming over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region because of climate change.
The region is suffering from extreme summer temperatures, which reached 54 degrees Celsius in Kuwait, cyclones in Oman and Yemen, snow in the Saudi deserts and drought that wiped out half the wheat crop in Morocco.
The challenges are enormous but adaptation through mitigation of sources of energy, especially water, is a prerequisite for the survival of future generations in the world’s hottest and driest region, which will be the hardest hit by changing climate conditions, UN experts said.
Khaleel Haidar