Climate Change as an Emerging Security Threat in MENA and GCC
摘要
The area covering the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and as wide as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. The GCC countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, flooding, water scarcity, public health risks, and threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. Compared to climate-induced environmental threats, the interplay between climate change and conflicts is more complicated and intertwined with a wide range of factors. Through its cascading effects, climate change can indirectly influence access to resources, socioeconomic and demographic structures, and power dynamics, which can drive security risks and determine the level of exposure and vulnerabilities to hazards and conflicts. The chapter discusses a number of clear cases of the interplay of climate-conflict nexus, such as the Arab Spring and case of Syrian conflict. Addressing various negative impacts of climate change on the region requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach at domestic and regional levels. Concerted action and strategic collaboration are desired for the region, as it seeks to navigate towards a more resilient and secure future.