Regional Effects of Climate Change
Climate Change Impacts in the Middle East
The following climate change impacts are of particular concern
to people living in North Africa and Southwest Asia:
Ecosystems: The Middle East contains the world's hottest
deserts, already inhospitable to most forms of life. Most of
the region is expected to remain as very hot deserts under climate
change scenarios. Climate change may put stresses on those areas
which are more hospitable, such as the Mediterranean basin.
Water Supply: Lack of water is one of the greatest problems
in the region. With increased heat and increased evaporation,
the problem may become even worse under global warming and cause
conflict between nations.
Security: The Middle East is already the flashpoint
for many of the world's conflicts. Environmental stresses, especially
contracting water supplies, could only exacerbate animosities
in the region.
Coastal Erosion: Sea level rise poses a particular problem
for Egypt, one of the few countries in the region with fertile
land. The extremely low elevation of arable cropland in the Nile
delta makes sea level rise a clear threat for the nation.
Health: As extreme temperatures already occurring in
the Middle East rise even further, heat-related mortality is also
expected to rise.
Climate change effects in other regions:
North America
Latin America
Europe
Sub Saharan Africa
Asia
Oceania
Polar Regions
