المملكة العربية السعودية، المصنفة كواحدة من أجف البلدان في العالم، تواجه نقصاً حاداً في المياه يزيد عنه تزايد سريع للسكان مما يزيد من التوتر الحراري بسبب تغير المناخ. على الرغم من وجود هطول مطري سنوي متوسط يبلغ حوالي 50 مم/سنة، وهو غير كافٍ لتلبية احتياجات المياه العذبة، إلا أن البلاد تعتمد بشكل كبير على عمليات تحلية المياه التي تتطلب الكثير من الطاقة ومياه الجوف “الأحفورية” غير المتجددة لتلبية احتياجات الاستهلاك البلدي والزراعي. ورغم وجود تقليل حديث في إجمالي استهلاك المياه العذبة، إلا أن القطاع الزراعي يظل أكبر مستهلك، حيث يشكل 67% من الإجمالي، حيث تتطلب بعض المحاصيل مثل التمور والحبوب ما يصل إلى ثلاث مرات استهلاك المياه العالمي المتوسط.
Water in the MENA
As the global community grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region find themselves on the front lines of a challenging water crisis. The intricate interplay of climate change, population growth, and mismanagement has created a precarious situation with profound implications for the livelihoods of millions.
In this region, the convergence of arid landscapes and expanding populations amplifies the challenge of water scarcity, particularly in the face of disputes over transboundary rivers. Countries like Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq are collectively grappling with these shared challenges.They’re currently addressing the challenge of managing water resources amid the intricate landscape of geopolitics. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the essential mission of ensuring water security.
The environmental challenge of desertification, intensified by unsustainable agricultural practices, further compounds the region's water woes. A staggering 85% of water in the Middle East is devoted to agricultural irrigation, leading to changing landscapes and rendering large tracts of land unusable.
The Middle East faces significant vulnerabilities to climate change, heightening existing water challenges through altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased extreme weather events. Concurrently, pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and untreated sewage further threatens water quality, posing health risks and impacting ecosystems.
Insufficient water access exacerbates food insecurity, leading to dependence on water-rich countries for food imports. The political and socio economic landscape in the region influences water management, with political considerations and socioeconomic disparities affecting the equitable distribution of water. As the demand for water rises and its availability decreases, there is a growing concern that water, akin to oil, may become a source of geopolitical tension and conflict, potentially leading to wars in the 21st century, as predicted by World Bank Vice President Ismail Serageldin.
In conclusion, the MENA region finds itself at a critical juncture, where urgent and coordinated efforts are needed to address the complex web of issues surrounding water scarcity. The paradox of wealth juxtaposed with harsh living conditions underscores the need for sustainable solutions that balance economic development with responsible water stewardship.
المملكة العربية السعودية، المصنفة كواحدة من أجف البلدان في العالم، تواجه نقصاً حاداً في المياه يزيد عنه تزايد سريع للسكان مما يزيد من التوتر الحراري بسبب تغير المناخ. على الرغم من وجود هطول مطري سنوي متوسط يبلغ حوالي 50 مم/سنة، وهو غير كافٍ لتلبية احتياجات المياه العذبة، إلا أن البلاد تعتمد بشكل كبير على عمليات تحلية المياه التي تتطلب الكثير من الطاقة ومياه الجوف “الأحفورية” غير المتجددة لتلبية احتياجات الاستهلاك البلدي والزراعي. ورغم وجود تقليل حديث في إجمالي استهلاك المياه العذبة، إلا أن القطاع الزراعي يظل أكبر مستهلك، حيث يشكل 67% من الإجمالي، حيث تتطلب بعض المحاصيل مثل التمور والحبوب ما يصل إلى ثلاث مرات استهلاك المياه العالمي المتوسط.
Libya faces critical water stress, ranking among the top six globally (WRI, 2019) and projected to worsen by 2040 under a Business-as-Usual Scenario (WRI, 2015). Water scarcity, defined when demand surpasses available supply (GFDRR, 2021), brings hazards such as waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and socio-political instability. Libya’s vulnerability intensifies these risks, with different regions experiencing varying levels of water stress (WRI, 2019).
In 2023, Algeria faced the impact of water stress as rain provided relief from months of drought but also brought tragic consequences. Despite the destructive weather causing substantial material damage, persistent challenges like haphazard construction near riverbeds, fragile buildings, and inadequate preparedness were glaring. The water scarcity issues in Algeria have heightened since 2015, marked by deficits in soil recharge and a rising demand for irrigation and drinking water. To address recurrent water cuts in various regions, the government has turned to solutions such as seawater desalination plants and the implementation of rationing plans.
Morocco confronts an escalating water crisis driven by climate change, population expansion, and inefficient water utilization. The predominantly arid climate, coupled with a 70% decline in water resources over four decades, has led to a one-meter-per-year decline in the water table, affecting both agricultural and domestic requirements. The combination of more frequent droughts, a doubled population in 30 years, and outdated irrigation systems compounds the economic and social repercussions, necessitating immediate measures such as infrastructure investment, irrigation modernization, and increased public awareness to effectively tackle water scarcity.
Lebanon faces a severe water crisis, impacting nearly 2.8 million people struggling to access safe drinking, sanitation, and domestic water. Issues like intermittent supply, non-functional wastewater plants due to power cuts, and unaffordable fuel contribute to public health risks. With 87% of water systems affected by electricity shortages, reports of inadequate water access are on the rise. Despite bottled water being the main source, a six-fold price increase in 2022 adds strain, making it challenging for households to access hygiene items amidst economic hardships.
Yemen finds itself entangled in a complex crisis, with more than 10 million people grappling with food insecurity, and an additional 12 million lacking access to safe water or sanitation.
In Egypt, more than 90% of the population, totaling 105 million, relies on the Nile for freshwater. Nevertheless, the construction of a dam on the Blue Nile upstream in Ethiopia poses a severe threat, sparking disputes over water usage and resulting in tensions in the region.
Jordan stands as one of the most water-scarce nations globally, with a mere 100 cubic meters of water available per person annually—well below the UN’s threshold for “absolute scarcity” at 500 cubic meters. A growing population, coupled with mismanagement and climate change, compounds the strain on this precious resource.
Iraq grapples with water scarcity, significantly impacting its agricultural sector, a lifeline for a third of its 44 million population. Despite contributing less than 4% to the GDP, agriculture sustains almost 75 percent of the Iraqi population, highlighting the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on vulnerable communities.
In Syria, the intersection of soaring temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and unpredictable weather patterns is expected to result in 60% of its land area facing the threat of desertification. This concerning prediction emphasizes the critical need to tackle climate change promptly and adopt sustainable water management practices.
المملكة العربية السعودية
Libya
Libya faces critical water stress, ranking among the top six globally (WRI, 2019) and projected to worsen by 2040 under a Business-as-Usual Scenario (WRI, 2015). Water scarcity, defined when demand surpasses available supply (GFDRR, 2021), brings hazards such as waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and socio-political instability. Libya’s vulnerability intensifies these risks, with different regions experiencing varying levels of water stress (WRI, 2019).
Algeria
In 2023, Algeria faced the impact of water stress as rain provided relief from months of drought but also brought tragic consequences. Despite the destructive weather causing substantial material damage, persistent challenges like haphazard construction near riverbeds, fragile buildings, and inadequate preparedness were glaring. The water scarcity issues in Algeria have heightened since 2015, marked by deficits in soil recharge and a rising demand for irrigation and drinking water. To address recurrent water cuts in various regions, the government has turned to solutions such as seawater desalination plants and the implementation of rationing plans.
Morocco
Morocco confronts an escalating water crisis driven by climate change, population expansion, and inefficient water utilization. The predominantly arid climate, coupled with a 70% decline in water resources over four decades, has led to a one-meter-per-year decline in the water table, affecting both agricultural and domestic requirements. The combination of more frequent droughts, a doubled population in 30 years, and outdated irrigation systems compounds the economic and social repercussions, necessitating immediate measures such as infrastructure investment, irrigation modernization, and increased public awareness to effectively tackle water scarcity.
Lebanon
Lebanon faces a severe water crisis, impacting nearly 2.8 million people struggling to access safe drinking, sanitation, and domestic water. Issues like intermittent supply, non-functional wastewater plants due to power cuts, and unaffordable fuel contribute to public health risks. With 87% of water systems affected by electricity shortages, reports of inadequate water access are on the rise. Despite bottled water being the main source, a six-fold price increase in 2022 adds strain, making it challenging for households to access hygiene items amidst economic hardships.
Yemen
Yemen finds itself entangled in a complex crisis, with more than 10 million people grappling with food insecurity, and an additional 12 million lacking access to safe water or sanitation.
Egypt
In Egypt, more than 90% of the population, totaling 105 million, relies on the Nile for freshwater. Nevertheless, the construction of a dam on the Blue Nile upstream in Ethiopia poses a severe threat, sparking disputes over water usage and resulting in tensions in the region.
Jordan
Jordan stands as one of the most water-scarce nations globally, with a mere 100 cubic meters of water available per person annually—well below the UN’s threshold for “absolute scarcity” at 500 cubic meters. A growing population, coupled with mismanagement and climate change, compounds the strain on this precious resource.
Iraq
Iraq grapples with water scarcity, significantly impacting its agricultural sector, a lifeline for a third of its 44 million population. Despite contributing less than 4% to the GDP, agriculture sustains almost 75 percent of the Iraqi population, highlighting the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on vulnerable communities.
Syria
In Syria, the intersection of soaring temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and unpredictable weather patterns is expected to result in 60% of its land area facing the threat of desertification. This concerning prediction emphasizes the critical need to tackle climate change promptly and adopt sustainable water management practices.
