Workshop on Climate Change and Mobility in the Middle East Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Vulnerable Populations
Amman, Jordan – April 25, 2024 – The Workshop on Climate Change and Mobility in the Middle East, held at the Mena Tyche Hotel in Amman, Jordan, concluded with an urgent call for action to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in the region. The workshop convened experts from various fields, including migration, displacement, climate, and sustainable development, to discuss the impacts of climate change on mobility and migration patterns in the region.
Discussions highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations. Mohammad Alyatari, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (AYSDN), participated in the workshop, providing valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on youth, and the challenges they face such as limited economic opportunities and forced displacement.
The Middle East: A Region Highly Vulnerable to Climate Change
The Middle East is one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, facing multiple challenges such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and increasing desertification. Projections indicate that the region will experience a significant increase in displacement due to climate change, necessitating special attention from policymakers.
In a geopolitical context that includes countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, which have experienced ongoing conflicts and crises, internal and external displacement is exacerbated. The topic of climate change and its impacts on mobility becomes a vital issue that requires special attention from decision-makers, especially with approximately 46.6 million migrants in the region.
Workshop Objectives and Discussion Outcomes
The objectives of the workshop included:
Discussing the findings of the Mixed Migration Centre report on the impacts of climate change on mobility in the region.
Strengthening communication networks between experts and policymakers to enhance cooperation in this field.
Identifying information gaps that require further research to understand the relationship between climate and mobility.
Discussions covered key topics, including:
The complex relationship between climate change and mobility, which involves social, economic, and political factors.
The impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups, such as refugees and migrants, and the need to enhance their legal and social protection.
The importance of research and future studies to provide reliable data that supports policy-making.
The need for effective adaptation strategies targeting the most vulnerable groups, especially youth and women.
Contributions of the Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (AYSDN)
Mohammad Alyatari provided valuable insights into the situation in Yemen, where climate change leads to severe water shortages and mass displacement. He also addressed the impacts of displacement due to climate changes, such as droughts and floods, which exacerbate humanitarian crises.
Workshop Recommendations
The workshop concluded with key recommendations, including:
Enhancing field research to collect reliable data on the impacts of climate change on mobility.
Developing clear adaptation strategies in government policies to support the most vulnerable groups.
Enhancing international cooperation to address common climate challenges.
Conclusion
The workshop emphasized the urgent need to take action to address the challenges of climate change in the Middle East. Policymakers must develop effective strategies to enhance resilience and address the impacts of climate change on mobility.
The workshop contributed to the exchange of knowledge and enhanced communication between experts, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on mobility in the region.