How extreme weather is aggravating humanitarian crises in the Middle East

Environmental expert Aaron Tanner explains how humanitarian agencies must focus on resilience and flexibility to counter the region’s climate crisis  

15 May 2024 

In the Middle East, geopolitical tensions often overshadow environmental concerns. Yet, one of the most pressing challenges facing humanitarian organisations in the Middle East is the compounding effect of climate change on existing humanitarian crises often caused or aggravated by those tensions.  

Take, for instance, the protracted conflict in Syria. As if the violence and displacement were not enough, the region now grapples with prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and desertification, all of which are attributed to climate change. These environmental stressors further strain already overstretched resources, deepen poverty, and escalate tensions over access to water and arable land.  

For a region fraught with conflict and socio-economic disparities, the spectre of a rapidly changing climate presents an additional layer of complexity, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and threatening the livelihoods of millions. It also amplifies the pressure on humanitarian organisations; records from 2021 show that 84% of refugees were fleeing climate vulnerable countries and almost a quarter of all displacement was induced by climate change related impacts such as droughts, or floods. 

Recently the surge in such disasters in countries such as Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have caused the loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure. Humanitarian organisations are tasked with not only providing immediate relief to affected populations but also with building resilience and adaptation capacities to mitigate the impact of future disasters.  

However, in a region plagued by political instability and resource scarcity, such endeavours are often stymied by a lack of funding, infrastructure, and political will.  For many oil rich countries in the region the appetite to transitions towards renewable energy and decarbonisation, is fraught with economic dilemma, constraining political will and decisive action.   

What can humanitarian organisation like ours do in the face of this multiplicity of challenges? We can and should bolster resilience to climate change, reduce dependence on external aid, and promote long-term well-being in the region. What does this look like?  

First, investing in early warning systems and community preparedness; engaging with weather hazard-related data and prediction platforms to grow fit early and effective local responders for when disasters strike.  

Next, to bolster the resilience of people where they live, work with them on land restoration projects enhance their food security, restore ecosystems and provide vulnerable communities the chance to earn income. This not only help address the impact of climate change, but also reduces dependency on external aid, and promotes long-term economic well-being in the region. 

No-one says this is easy. The region faces chronic water scarcity challenging irrigation and reforestation efforts. Water management assets can be damaged by extreme weather events if not designed properly. Flexibility in programming approaches is key: adapting to changing environmental conditions through diversifying planting schedules or vegetation types that are more resilient to heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.  

We must be humble. The Middle East is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, knowledge systems, and human ingenuity all of which offer insights and opportunity to promote sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Some practices on water conservation and sustainable agriculture go back millennia and new technologies and thinking can be easily assimilated to build resilience to climate change and foster sustainable development.  

We must also recognise when traditional and cheaper techniques such as rainfed agriculture will need to give way and communities need to receive additional support to allow transitional forms of agriculture to thrive.  

Humanitarian crises in the Middle East are both caused and amplified by conflict and extreme weather, we must all respond by meeting immediate needs, boosting people’s resilience, encouraging powerholders to act for the most vulnerable, and by praying for peace. 

To learn more about World Vision’s approach to the climate crisis and its work in the Middle East and Eastern Europe region click here. 

Aaron Tanner is World Vision’s Environmental Stewardship and Climate Adaptation Adviser for the Middle East and Eastern Europe, He boasts over 12 years of specialised expertise in Water and Sanitation sectors. He's adept at international project delivery, capacity building, and cultivating strategic partnerships. With a focus on initiatives like Papua New Guinea's Smart Village program and Nigeria's Community Water Safety Planning, he's committed to behavior change, stakeholder engagement, and project resilience. Aaron collaborates with World Vision offices enhancing the ESCA portfolio and building the organisations environmental practices. Holding a PhD in Organizational Sustainable Development and an MSc in Water Sanitation and Community Development, he's also a member of CIWEM. you can email him at : aaron_tanner@wvi.org