Perspectives of the UN Economic Commission of West Asia regarding climate action

The Arab region presents the most adversely affected around the World regarding the impacts of climate change, and least resilience to cope, adapt and mitigate the anticipated shocks associated with the climate crisis. The region Is also faced with huge challenges of water scarcity, shortage or lack of arable land among others. These also predispose the region to enormous challenges arising from socio-economic perspectives; political instability, poverty among others.

According to the United Nations Economic commission for the Arab region climate change is not an environmental issue, but rather a fundamental challenge to human livelihoods, health and well-being. A lag and reluctance towards tackling the climate crisis results into proportionate impacts on health systems; which further would accelerate and escalate the already existing socio-economic challenges, thereby limiting sustainable development.

Climate responsiveness has been noted to be least within the Arab regions. The United Nations Economic Commission from the Arab region, in collaboration with various stakeholders has taken initiatives on capacity building among the member states so as to equip with the knowledge and technical skill required to advance, tackle and contribute towards addressing and finding solutions towards the climate crisis within this region.

The Arab region, alongside north Africa are the most water stressed regions of the World, leading to resulting impacts such as absolutely low agricultural output or absence of arable land. These have made these regions more prone to the climate crisis more than any other around the World. The UN Decade on Ecosystems Restoration provides an agenda to enhance efforts targeted to streamline and rebuild the potential of these ecosystems to regain their resilience. Adoption of nature based solutions, commitment and multi-stakeholder collaboration within this regions is required to enhance efforts aimed at tackling the adverse impacts of climate change.

Chopped by

Joshua Apamaku Aiita