Half Billion People at Risk Due to Climate Change

A report from the Global Economic Forum has highlighted that a significant rise in temperatures is posing a threat to the livelihoods of nearly half a billion people in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The report indicates that there are signs suggesting that temperatures in the region could increase by as much as 4 degrees Celsius by 2050.

This rapid temperature rise, twice the global average, endangers the lives of nearly 575 million people living in the area due to the negative impact on agriculture caused by climate shocks and prolonged drought periods.

The report sheds light on the sustainability challenges facing the region and offers solutions that could contribute to carbon reduction and provide new economic opportunities.

Borge Brende, the President of the Global Economic Forum, emphasized that the Middle East and North Africa region is one of the fastest-growing regions over the past decade.

It has the potential to position itself at the forefront of sustainability efforts while maintaining its economic growth trajectory.

He further stressed that countries in the region need to take bold and coordinated action by policymakers and businesses to execute an energy transition and achieve climate and development-related goals.

The Global Economic Forum report also noted that governments in the Middle East and North Africa have pledged to reduce around 60% of emissions in the region gradually to reach zero carbon emissions.

Tom De Waele, the Managing Partner at Bain & Company, stated that sustainability efforts in the region require substantial investments in time and resources.

However, they also present significant economic opportunities through the transition to renewable energy sources.

The report will offer a tailored roadmap, considering the unique characteristics and needs of each country in the region, whether in the Gulf states or elsewhere.

To safeguard economic growth from being impacted, the report suggests that Gulf states, in particular, should focus on utilizing technology solutions that reduce emissions in the most challenging sectors of the energy transition.

Other countries outside the Gulf region should prioritize renewable energy use and phase out reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation.