COP27: RELAUNCHING CLIMATE ACTION IN A BURNING MENA REGION
The MED This Week newsletter provides expert analysis and informed comments upon the MENA region’s most significant issues and trends. Today, we place the spotlight upon COP27, the 27th annual UN meeting, hosted this year in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh.
The Mediterranean region is currently warming 20% faster than the global average: devastating heatwaves, water shortages, loss of biodiversity, and risks to food production are already affecting this ‘climate change hotspot’. From 6 to 18 November 2022, Sharm El-Sheikh is hosting the 27th annual UN meeting (COP27): heads of state and climate leaders are gathering in the Egyptian resort city in an attempt to relaunch global action on climate mitigation and adaptation and find possible solutions to limit global warming. The implementation of existing climate agreements, and their respective financial commitments, is at the very centre of negotiations. Nevertheless, in a year characterized by the return of war in Europe and the consequent geopolitical and economic repercussions, furthering climate ambitions seems an extremely difficult mission. Along with COP28, to be held in November 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, this year’s edition marks the growing commitment of MENA countries to global climate action. However, balancing climate engagements with the over-dependence of the region upon fossil fuels presents several economic and political challenges. How will the countries of the region tackle the effects of global warming upon their environment, biodiversity, and natural resources? Will food security be impacted? What opportunities for economic diversification, regional and international cooperation could emerge from such climate action?
Experts from the ISPI MED network react on the latest developments from Sharm El-Sheik, the growing impact of climate change within the MENA region, and the economic and diplomatic opportunities stemming from direct climate action.
