The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) First of all Report on the state of climate in the Arab region paints a grim picture of a region under constant pressure from rising temperatures and increasingly extreme weather conditions.
The UN agency noted that “a number of countries [in the Arab region] reported temperatures above 50°C (122°F) last year, while average regional temperatures for 2024 were 1.08°C higher than that from 1991 to 2020.
Highlighting the importance of these data, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that the scorching temperatures marked by intense and long-lasting heatwaves “are pushing society to its limits… it’s just too hot to deal with it,” she said.
“Human health, ecosystems and economies cannot cope with prolonged periods of over 50°C. » »continued the head of the WMO. “Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in one of the most water-stressed regions of the world. And at the same time, we have seen disruptive and dangerous deluges.”
Hostile climate
The UN report indicates a 83 percent increase in disasters recorded in Arab countries between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019.
In addition to record heat, the region – which includes 15 of the most water-poor countries in the world – endured dust storms, prolonged drought and destructive floods.
Drought worsened in 2024 in western North Africa after six consecutive unsuccessful rainy seasons, including Morocco, Algeria and TunisiaWMO said. While in otherwise arid countries, notably Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emiratesextreme rainfall and flash floods caused death and destruction.
These climate shocks have increased pressure on communities already struggling with conflict, rapid population growth, urbanization and economic fragility. The WMO has warned that without stronger adaptation measures, these pressures will only intensify as temperatures continue their rapid upward trajectory..
• 2024 was the hottest year on record in the Arab region
• Temperatures are rising nearly twice the global average
• Heat, drought and extreme rains all intensified last year
• Nearly 60 percent of Arab countries now have early warning systems
• WMO calls for greater coordination of climate action
These extreme temperatures are already reshaping daily life in the Arab region, where water shortages are worsening as higher temperatures accelerate evaporation and strain groundwater reserves.
Daily life in danger
Urban centers face increasing threats to energy supplies, transport networks and public health, particularly for people working outside or living in informal settlements. In rural areas, prolonged drought erodes food production and forces difficult trade-offs between agriculture, domestic water use and environmental protection.
Claire Ransom, associate scientist at WMO’s Climate Monitoring and Policy Section, stressed that extreme heat is just one of many extreme weather threats. “Dust storms, severe flooding and other extreme weather events have placed immense pressure on communities across the region in 2024, disrupting lives and affecting millions of people. » she said.
These events have caused significant economic losses, displacing families, damaging crops and overwhelming emergency response systems, which are unevenly distributed across the region.
Coordinated action
Despite these challenges, the WMO assessment identifies areas for progress. Many countries have expanded their preparedness systems and begun to invest more strategically in adaptation. “Progress has been made: almost 60% of Arab countries now have multi-hazard early warning systems, and many are prioritizing water security strategies to address the growing climate risks we have seen in 2024 and beyond,” Ms Ransom said.
As adaptation efforts grow, the report concludes that only rapid, sustained and collaborative action will be enough to prevent the harsh climate of 2024 from becoming the new normal.
The pressure for coordinated solutions increases as temperatures rise. The combination of extreme heat, water scarcity and rapid population growth amplifies existing vulnerabilities and threatens development goals in many countries. Many governments are already struggling to maintain essential services during heatwaves, while poorer communities face the greatest risks from rising temperatures and worsening storms.
“The key message of the report is clear. The Arab region is truly on the front lines of climate change, and timely information and coordinated action are no longer optional. They are absolutely essential,” Ms Ransom said.
The report was produced by the UN agency in partnership with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the League of Arab States. This is the first climate assessment devoted entirely to the Arab region and aims to provide actionable scientific information to help decision-makers in this water-scarce region.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
