The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) inaugural State of the Climate in the Arab Region report reveals alarming trends in a region increasingly afflicted by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The report highlights that several countries in the Arab region recorded temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) last year, while the average regional temperatures for 2024 were found to be 1.08°C higher compared to the baseline period of 1991 to 2020. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the relentless heat and prolonged heatwaves are “pushing society to the limits” and that it’s “simply too hot to handle.” She further warned that human health, ecosystems, and economies are struggling under these extreme conditions, which have resulted in more frequent and severe droughts across one of the world’s most water-scarce regions.
The report notes an 83 percent increase in disaster incidents in Arab nations from 1980-1999 compared to 2000-2019. Alongside record-breaking heat, the region, home to 15 of the world’s most water-strapped nations, has faced a barrage of environmental challenges including dust storms, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods. Particularly dire is the situation in western North Africa, where 2024 saw drought worsen following six consecutive failed rainy seasons affecting Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Meanwhile, countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates experienced extreme rainfall and flash floods, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. These climatic shocks exacerbate the hardships faced by communities already dealing with conflict, rapid population growth, and economic vulnerability.
In 2024, the Arab region marked its hottest year on record, with temperatures rising at nearly double the global average. The combined impact of heat, drought, and extreme rainfall has stressed the region’s water resources, causing shortages and alarming rates of evaporation that threaten groundwater supplies. Urban centers are grappling with increasing risks to energy supplies, transport networks, and public health, significantly impacting outdoor workers and those in informal housing. Rural areas face diminishing agricultural productivity, forcing difficult decisions between agricultural needs, domestic water use, and environmental conservation.
Claire Ransom, an Associate Scientific Officer at the WMO’s Climate Monitoring & Policy Section, explained that extreme heat is only one facet of the climate crisis affecting the region. “Dust storms, severe flooding, and other climate extremes placed immense pressure on communities all across the region in 2024,” she stated, highlighting the widespread disruption these events have caused.
Despite the daunting challenges presented, the WMO report does recognize notable progress in the region. Many Arab countries have enhanced their disaster preparedness systems and are investing strategically in climate adaptation measures. Ms. Ransom pointed out that nearly 60 percent of these nations now have multi-hazard early warning systems and prioritize water security strategies to combat rising climate risks. However, the report stresses that only rapid, sustained, and cooperative action can prevent the dire conditions of 2024 from becoming the norm.
The combination of soaring temperatures, water scarcity, and fast-growing populations compounds existing vulnerabilities, threatening developmental objectives across the region. Governments are increasingly challenged to maintain essential services during heatwaves, with the most marginalized communities facing the greatest risks from escalating temperatures and severe storms. Ms. Ransom summarized the report’s crucial message: “The Arab region truly stands on the front lines of climate change, and timely information and coordinated action are non-negotiable.” This landmark report, developed in collaboration with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the League of Arab States, aims to equip decision-makers with vital, science-based insights for a water-scarce future.
Original Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/12/1166509
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Publish Date: 2025-12-04 17:30:00
