Sizzling summer heat in the region underscores the harsh realities of global warming trends
In the face of increasingly extreme weather conditions, several countries in the Middle East and Southern Europe are implementing measures to protect their citizens from heat stress and related health issues.
Extreme heat is becoming more common in the Middle East, with temperatures reaching as high as 50°C in Iran, and prolonged wildfires in coastal Syria. These conditions have led to water crises in Iraq, where 46 million people are currently facing a water crisis due to inadequate rains.
To combat these challenges, various strategies are being employed. In the Middle East, the focus is on heat resilience, early warnings, urban heat management, and policy integration that recognizes the unique regional challenges.
One such example is the 25-year climate action plan launched by Abu Dhabi yesterday. The plan, described as a "science-backed, action-oriented roadmap" by Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, aims to bolster vulnerable environmental systems of groundwater, soil, and biodiversity. The plan also includes measures to reduce workers' exposure to heat, particularly for those in construction, delivery, and outdoor security sectors.
Dubai and Ajman have also restricted working hours for government employees during the summer to protect workers from the heat. UAE authorities have had similar protocols in place for over 20 years, mandating rest for workers during the hottest parts of the day in the warmest months.
Globally, strategies to address rising temperatures and heat-related challenges due to climate change focus on mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building. One controversial method is Solar Radiation Management (SRM) Geoengineering, which includes techniques like stratospheric aerosol injection to reflect sunlight away from Earth. Although potentially cost-effective, SRM carries risks such as disrupting precipitation and food security.
Another strategy is investing in green infrastructure, such as urban greening and creating green spaces, which helps reduce urban heat islands. Early warning systems and policy recognition also play a crucial role, particularly in the Arab States and Middle East region.
International and regional coordination is also key, with platforms like the 2025 Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction prioritizing extreme heat risks and resilience.
Globally, efforts to mitigate climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions via transitioning to renewable energies, improving energy efficiency, and halting deforestation. Supporting household and demand-side actions, such as improving energy efficiency in homes and better building design, can also help reduce emissions and heat exposure.
In conclusion, the combined approaches of mitigation, adaptation, geoengineering research, urban infrastructure investment, and policy frameworks constitute the leading global and Middle Eastern responses to the rising temperature and associated heat challenges caused by climate change. However, some geoengineering strategies remain experimental and carry significant risks, urging caution alongside adaptation and emissions reduction.
[1] - Source for Solar Radiation Management (SRM) Geoengineering risks and benefits [2] - Source for Middle East strategies to address extreme heat [3] - Source for global climate change mitigation strategies [4] - Source for supporting household and demand-side actions in climate change response
- The Middle East, especially Iran, is experiencing more extreme heat episodes, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C, while coastal Syria is battling prolonged wildfires.
- These conditions have resulted in a water crisis in Iraq, as 46 million people are currently affected due to inadequate rainfall.
- To tackle these challenges, the focus is on heat resilience, early warnings, urban heat management, and policy integration in the Middle East.
- Abu Dhabi recently launched a 25-year climate action plan, aimed at bolstering vulnerable environmental systems and reducing workers' exposure to heat.
- Dubai and Ajman have regulated summer working hours for government employees to shield them from excessive heat.
- Climate change strategies worldwide encompass mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building, with some debatable methods like Solar Radiation Management Geoengineering being considered.
- Green infrastructure investment, such as urban greening and creating green spaces, plays a vital role in reducing urban heat islands globally.
- International and regional collaboration, via platforms like the 2025 Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction, prioritizes addressing extreme heat risks and promoting resilience.
