The Arab region endured its hottest year ever in 2024, with temperatures soaring 1.08°C above the 1991-2020 average. Consequently, heatwaves intensified, especially in North Africa and the Near East, pushing limits beyond 50°C. Moreover, warming accelerated at twice the global rate, straining health and economies severely.
Droughts ravaged western North Africa after six failed rainy seasons, hitting Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia hardest. However, extreme rains then triggered deadly flash floods in arid Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and UAE. Thus, these contrasts highlight escalating climate volatility.
Extreme Events Toll
Nearly 3.8 million people suffered from 2024 disasters, causing over 300 deaths mainly from heat and floods, says The State of the Climate in the Arab Region 2024 report. Furthermore, recorded disasters rose 83% between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019 periods. As a result, economic losses remain underestimated amid conflicts and poverty. How can early warnings mitigate this?
Nearly 60% of Arab countries now deploy multi-hazard systems, surpassing global averages yet demanding expansion. Therefore, these tools save lives as investments, not costs. What gaps persist in coverage?
Water Security Push
Acute water stress drives strategies like desalination, wastewater reuse, and smarter irrigation across the region. Additionally, 15 Arab nations rank among the world’s most water-scarce. Consequently, population growth and urbanization amplify vulnerabilities urgently.
IPCC projections warn of up to 5°C temperature rises by century’s end under high emissions, plus sea-level threats to coasts. Declining rains jeopardize food production further. So, how do leaders integrate foresight now?
Q&A: Report Insights
Q: Why was 2024 the hottest for Arabs?
A: Long-term warming doubled global rates, extending heatwaves since 1981 with peaks over 50°C.
Q: How do floods hit dry areas?
A: Intense deluges caused destruction in Saudi Arabia and UAE after prolonged droughts elsewhere.
Q: What future risks loom?
A: Models predict 5°C warming, rising seas, and less rain, threatening cities and farms.
FAQ
What sparked this first WMO Arab report?
Firstly, it partners ESCWA and Arab League for tailored data beyond Asia-Africa overviews. Secondly, NMHSs and experts contributed regionally.
How does conflict worsen climate hits?
Rapid urbanization, poverty, and wars intersect extremes, hindering resilience builds effectively.
Are water fixes scaling fast enough?
Dam builds and reuse grow, but 15 scarce nations need accelerated investments urgently.
Can early warnings cover all?
60% have systems, yet full rollout prevents undercounted losses from heat and storms.