Applied Environmental Diplomacy for Regional Security

Tareq Abuhamed, Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (Israel)

The Middle East is a global hot spot for climate change and environmental stress on water, energy, agriculture, health and other essential necessities. Many cities in our region are predicted to become uninhabitable by the end of the century. In recognition of this pressing reality, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and its partners from the MENA region conduct regional environmental diplomatic activities, academic research, and initiate and execute projects throughout the Middle East.

In this presentation, the role of environmental diplomacy in advancing regional security, climate justice and resilience in conflict zones will be presented by giving examples of trans-boundary environmental projects, such as water production, wastewater treatment, solar energy applications and water-energy-food nexus projects.