Adaptation to a Changing Climate in the Arab Countries: A Case for Adaptation Governance and Leadership in Building Climate Resilience

by Dorte Verner (Editor)

Overview

In the Arab countries, climate change is a risk to poverty reduction and economic growth, threatening to unravel many of the development gains that have been achieved. The Arab Region is already suffering adverse consequences from climate variability and change. This book provides information on climate change and its impact in the Arab Region, as well as technical guidance on climate adaptation options for policy makers. The areas addressed include the economic impacts of climate change (as measured by the reduction in household income and GDP); the impacts of climate change on the water, health, and tourism sectors; livelihoods and well-being in rural and urban areas; biodiversity; disaster risk management; as well as gender and other social relations. The report is written through a participatory and collaborative process, led by the World Bank in partnership with the League of Arab States, incorporating both regional and international experts on the topics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780821394588
Publisher:	World Bank Publications
Publication date:	11/16/2012
Series:	MENA Development Report
Pages:	440
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword xv

Acknowledgments xix

Contributors xxv

Abbreviations xxxi

Overview 1

Climate Has Shaped the Cultures of Arab Countries 1

Climate Change is Happening Now, and People Are Affected in Arab Countries 9

A Harsh Environment Has Shaped the Cultures in the Region 9

1 Climate Change Is Happening Now 11

The Effects of Climate Change Are Socially Differentiated 14

Climate Change Adaptation Is about Reducing Vulnerability 25

Climate Change Adaptation Should Be an Integrated Part of Public Sector Management for Sustainable Development 28

Notes 33

References 36

2 Ways Forward for Climatology 39

Despite Sparse Observational Data, the Projections Are That Most of the Arab Region Is Becoming Hotter and Drier 42

IPCC AR4 Projects Warming and Aridity 53

Downscaled Projections Are Available for the Region 60

Sea Levels Will Continue to Rise 72

A New Round of Improved Projections Is Coming 75

Annex 2C: Dealing with Climate Risks-A Checklist 86

Notes 92

References 92

Spotlight 1 Climate Resilience Disasters Risk Management Increases Climate Resilience 100

Climate Disasters Are Increasing in Frequency 100

Disaster Risk Management Increases Climate Resilience 100

The Hazard Risk Profile of the Arab States Is Changing 101

Arab States Are Responding to Mitigate Climate Threats 102

Gaps and Constraints Exist in Arab DRM Policies 103

Recommendations to Build Resilience in the Arab Countries 104

Notes 106

References 106

3 Climate Change Contributes to Water Scarcity 109

Climate Change Will Have Diverse Impacts on Hydrometeorological Conditions 110

The Arab Region Is Water Scarce 114

Managing Water Resources Is Critical in a Changing Climate 128

Long-Term Adaptation Strategies Can Reduce the Water Gap 144

Notes 147

References 148

Spotlight 2: Climate Adaptation Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Have a Role in Climate Adaptation 152

Biodiversity in the Arab Region is of Global Importance for Agriculture and Adaptation 152

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services are Important for Economies and Livelihoods 153

Managing Risks from Climate Change and Other Pressures Is Imperative 156

Management of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Is Essential 159

References 159

4 Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods, and Food Security Are Stressed in a Changing Climate 163

Agriculture Is Essential for the Economy, Food Security, and Livelihoods in the Region 163

Agriculture Is under Stress from Water Scarcity and Population Growth 164

Climate Change Affects Farming Systems and Rural Livelihoods 169

A Range of Adaptation Options Are Available 173

Effective Adaptation Requires Policy Reforms and Support Programs 185

Ways Forward to Reduce Climate Stress 190

Note 202

References 202

5 Climate Change Affects Urban Livelihoods and Living Conditions 207

Climate Change Threatens Cities 208

Cities Are Changing and Becoming More Exposed 209

Cities Struggle to Provide Water for an Increasingly Difficult Scenario 218

Arab Cities Are Responding to Climate Changes 221

Weak Governance Contributes to Lack of Adaptation Action 223

Policy Makers Have Opportunities to Make Cities More Resilient 225

Note 234

References 234

6 Tourism Can Promote Economic Growth and Climate Resilience 241

Tourism Is Important for Economic Growth, Foreign Exchange, and Employment 241

Climate Change Has a Significant Impact on the Tourism Industry 249

The Tourism Industry Depends on Climate Adaptation 257

Private and Public Sector Interventions Are Needed for Sustainable Tourism 267

Notes 269

References 270

7 Gender-Responsive Climate Change Adaptation: Ensuring Effectiveness and Sustainability 277

Background 278

Gender Roles and Relations Help Shape Responses to Climate Change in Arab Countries 281

Regional Case Studies Demonstrate How Gender Consideration Makes a Difference in Adaptation 290

Multiple Approaches Are Needed to Incorporate a Gender Perspective in Adaptation 295

Key Messages 299

Notes 304

References 305

8 Human Health and Well-Being Are Threatened by Climate Change 309

Climate Change Threatens Human Health in the Region 312

Some Population Groups Are Particularly Vulnerable 320

Data and Research Are Needed to Fill Gaps 323

Adaptive Strategies Exist to Improve Human Health and Strengthen the Health Sector 325

Upgrading of Public Health Systems Is Necessary 334

Key Messages 335

Notes 336

References 336

9 Implement Policy Responses to Increase Climate Resilience 347

Adaptation Is an Integrated Part of Public Sector Management for Sustainable Development 348

Leadership Is Central for Successful Adaptation 352

Policy Options Are Available to Support Climate Change Adaptation 352

1 Facilitate the Development of Publicly Accessible and Reliable Information and Analyses Related to Adaptation 353

2 Provide Human and Technical Resources and Services to Support Adaptation 358

3 Build Climate Resilience of the Poor and Vulnerable through Social Protection and Other Measures 361

4 Develop a Supportive Policy and Institutional Framework for Adaptation 363

5 Build Capacity to Generate and Manage Revenue and to Analyze Financial Needs and Opportunities 368

Applying Policy Recommendations to Address Key Climate Change Issues 369

Note 378

References 378

Index 381

Boxes

1.1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Definitions: Climate, Climate Change, and Climate Variability 13