The Middle East is among the world’s most hydroclimatically vulnerable regions, experiencing growing risks of drought, water scarcity, and environmental degradation due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. This chapter provides a qualitative overview of hydroclimate vulnerability across the region, focusing on patterns of drought exposure and the adaptive capacity of selected countries. Drawing on open-access literature, institutional reports, and global datasets, the study analyzes how governance structures, socio-economic sensitivity, and infrastructure influence regional resilience. Case examples from countries including Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, and southeastern Türkiye highlight the diversity of hydroclimatic challenges and responses across political and ecological contexts. Without relying on quantitative models, the chapter synthesizes the common vulnerabilities and localized strategies adopted under varying institutional and environmental conditions. Special attention is given to low-cost, community-based adaptation practices and the pressing need for enhanced regional cooperation. The aim is to provide an accessible yet insightful contribution to ongoing discussions about climate resilience in arid and semi-arid regions.

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Hydroclimate Vulnerability in the Middle East: A Qualitative Overview of Drought Exposure and Adaptive Capacity

  • Tayfun Kurt

摘要

The Middle East is among the world’s most hydroclimatically vulnerable regions, experiencing growing risks of drought, water scarcity, and environmental degradation due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. This chapter provides a qualitative overview of hydroclimate vulnerability across the region, focusing on patterns of drought exposure and the adaptive capacity of selected countries. Drawing on open-access literature, institutional reports, and global datasets, the study analyzes how governance structures, socio-economic sensitivity, and infrastructure influence regional resilience. Case examples from countries including Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, and southeastern Türkiye highlight the diversity of hydroclimatic challenges and responses across political and ecological contexts. Without relying on quantitative models, the chapter synthesizes the common vulnerabilities and localized strategies adopted under varying institutional and environmental conditions. Special attention is given to low-cost, community-based adaptation practices and the pressing need for enhanced regional cooperation. The aim is to provide an accessible yet insightful contribution to ongoing discussions about climate resilience in arid and semi-arid regions.