Impact of Pandemic and War on Arab Environment is the fourteenth in the State of Arab Environment... more Impact of Pandemic and War on Arab Environment is the fourteenth in the State of Arab Environment series launched by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) in 2008.
The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine caused major disruptions to supply chains, energy and food availability, high prices and inflation, which also hampered environmental and climate initiatives and investments. It also turned out that the Arab countries most affected by these crises were those that had to deal with them in conjunction with wars and internal conflicts, as well as colossal economic downfalls.
In addition to historically large water deficits, the rush to produce more food domestically in some Arab countries, in order to meet shortages in external supplies, added pressure on fragile lands and outdated, inefficient irrigation systems. Most Arab countries' spending on social protection, health and sustainable development goals in general was among the lowest in the world, making the Arab population less prepared to face emerging challenges. While a previous report from AFED indicated a deficit in financing sustainable development goals in the Arab countries, as a group, exceeding $230 billion annually, the new report expected an increase in this figure that could reach 50 percent as a result of the war and the pandemic.
The report shows that energy market turmoil and exponentially higher prices due to the war in Ukraine hit non-oil and gas-producing countries with a major blow, because most of them were already lagging behind in implementing renewable energy and efficiency programs. As for the Arab oil-exporting countries, the report noted that higher prices were beneficial in terms of increasing their revenues. However, it warns that this situation is temporary, because the energy crisis caused by the Ukrainian war may accelerate the global transition to domestically produced renewable energies more than expected, to reduce dependence on external sources. The report recommended investing the current additional revenues from oil and gas to accelerate the regional energy transition, by enhancing efficiency, in addition to adopting clean and renewable energy sources.
AFED report concluded that, despite conflicts and wars, more regional cooperation remains an inevitable destiny for Arab countries, because this is an investment in stability as well. The countries of the region should also make the most, individually and collectively, of various climate change funds, and focus on adaptation programs through the newly created Loss and Damage Fund, which opens the door to many opportunities. However, the report warned of the need to reallocate the current budgets to focus on programs that support the achievement of sustainable development goals and greening the economy, in conjunction with fighting waste and corruption, before searching for new funding sources, as reform must precede greening.
The AFED 2020 annual report discusses the main environmental drivers that impact various aspects ... more The AFED 2020 annual report discusses the main environmental drivers that impact various aspects of human health in the Arab countries, and proposes an action plan leading to the region meeting sustainable Development Goal 3, encompassing good health for all. These are placed within an integrated context of sustainable development, by tackling health in terms of social, economic and environmental aspects. The report’s seven chapters deal with the relationship between health, water, air, waste, ocean pollution and climate change, as well as progress and obstacles in achieving the environmental health content of the SDGs. The impact of COVID-19 is discussed throughout the report. The emergence, spread and impact of many diseases and illnesses can be mitigated by the management of environmental risks, which makes it necessary to tackle the underlying environmental causes. While this is a global fact, it is more significant in the Arab region, where environmental risks are higher and rates of development, in most countries, are slower. This report is the 13th in the series on the State of Arab Environment, launched by AFED in 2008. The series, which has highlighted environmental challenges and recommended solutions, has inspired policy changes, knowledge sharing, and actions across the Arab region. It has covered major topics, including climate change, water, energy, green economy, ecological footprint, sustainable consumption, financing sustainable development, and environmental education, among others.
When discussing environmental changes and challenges, and their relation to sustainable developme... more When discussing environmental changes and challenges, and their relation to sustainable development, the role of education cannot be underestimated. This report on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development in the Arab Countries aims at encompassing both Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), by increasing knowledge and awareness about the environment and its interconnectedness with social and economic factors. Beyond enhancing the level of scientific knowledge, it serves as a catalyser for participation and positive action. There are signs that the Arab world has begun to appreciate the key role that the environment should claim in its education systems. The next step is its effective and region-wide implementation into school and university curricula. Although a strong trend can be seen in the inclusion of environmental topics in curricula, progress remains uneven across Arab countries and educational institutions. More so, it is evident that there is a clear gap between the Arab region and other parts of the world when it comes to environmental education. This report notes that many of the plans announced by various countries to include environmental education in the curricula have not been implemented. In part this is due to the ongoing unrest and conflict in some Arab countries, besides not considering environment a high priority area. Another problem is the lack of funding for national and regional initiatives to promote sustainable development topics at schools and universities. As most initiatives are dependent on international donors, they are largely not sustainable. There has been a rapid increase in programs and plans related to environment and sustainable development in the Arab region over the last ten years. This momentum should now be used to trigger a much needed policy debate on the urgency of further reforming education systems in order to mainstream environmental issues in Arab curricula. Moreover, funds should be raised independently of international donors in order to enhance both the quality and evidence base of environmental topics.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2017; Saab, N.,
(Ed.); Beirut, Leban... more Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2017; Saab, N., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
AFED (2014). Arab Environment: Food Security. Annual Report of the Arab Forum for
Environment and... more AFED (2014). Arab Environment: Food Security. Annual Report of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2014; A. Sadik, M. El-Solh and N. Saab (Eds.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
AFED (2018). Financing Sustainable Development in Arab Countries.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for... more AFED (2018). Financing Sustainable Development in Arab Countries. Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2018; Saab, N., Sadik, A.K., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF ARAB COUNTRIES ARAB ENVIRONMENT: SURVIVAL OPTIONS EDITED BY: NAJIB SAAB I... more ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF ARAB COUNTRIES ARAB ENVIRONMENT: SURVIVAL OPTIONS EDITED BY: NAJIB SAAB Incorporating ARAB ATLAS OF FOOTPRINT AND BIOCAPACITY by Global Footprint Network
Impact of Pandemic and War on Arab Environment is the fourteenth in the State of Arab Environment... more Impact of Pandemic and War on Arab Environment is the fourteenth in the State of Arab Environment series launched by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) in 2008.
The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine caused major disruptions to supply chains, energy and food availability, high prices and inflation, which also hampered environmental and climate initiatives and investments. It also turned out that the Arab countries most affected by these crises were those that had to deal with them in conjunction with wars and internal conflicts, as well as colossal economic downfalls.
In addition to historically large water deficits, the rush to produce more food domestically in some Arab countries, in order to meet shortages in external supplies, added pressure on fragile lands and outdated, inefficient irrigation systems. Most Arab countries' spending on social protection, health and sustainable development goals in general was among the lowest in the world, making the Arab population less prepared to face emerging challenges. While a previous report from AFED indicated a deficit in financing sustainable development goals in the Arab countries, as a group, exceeding $230 billion annually, the new report expected an increase in this figure that could reach 50 percent as a result of the war and the pandemic.
The report shows that energy market turmoil and exponentially higher prices due to the war in Ukraine hit non-oil and gas-producing countries with a major blow, because most of them were already lagging behind in implementing renewable energy and efficiency programs. As for the Arab oil-exporting countries, the report noted that higher prices were beneficial in terms of increasing their revenues. However, it warns that this situation is temporary, because the energy crisis caused by the Ukrainian war may accelerate the global transition to domestically produced renewable energies more than expected, to reduce dependence on external sources. The report recommended investing the current additional revenues from oil and gas to accelerate the regional energy transition, by enhancing efficiency, in addition to adopting clean and renewable energy sources.
AFED report concluded that, despite conflicts and wars, more regional cooperation remains an inevitable destiny for Arab countries, because this is an investment in stability as well. The countries of the region should also make the most, individually and collectively, of various climate change funds, and focus on adaptation programs through the newly created Loss and Damage Fund, which opens the door to many opportunities. However, the report warned of the need to reallocate the current budgets to focus on programs that support the achievement of sustainable development goals and greening the economy, in conjunction with fighting waste and corruption, before searching for new funding sources, as reform must precede greening.
The AFED 2020 annual report discusses the main environmental drivers that impact various aspects ... more The AFED 2020 annual report discusses the main environmental drivers that impact various aspects of human health in the Arab countries, and proposes an action plan leading to the region meeting sustainable Development Goal 3, encompassing good health for all. These are placed within an integrated context of sustainable development, by tackling health in terms of social, economic and environmental aspects. The report’s seven chapters deal with the relationship between health, water, air, waste, ocean pollution and climate change, as well as progress and obstacles in achieving the environmental health content of the SDGs. The impact of COVID-19 is discussed throughout the report. The emergence, spread and impact of many diseases and illnesses can be mitigated by the management of environmental risks, which makes it necessary to tackle the underlying environmental causes. While this is a global fact, it is more significant in the Arab region, where environmental risks are higher and rates of development, in most countries, are slower. This report is the 13th in the series on the State of Arab Environment, launched by AFED in 2008. The series, which has highlighted environmental challenges and recommended solutions, has inspired policy changes, knowledge sharing, and actions across the Arab region. It has covered major topics, including climate change, water, energy, green economy, ecological footprint, sustainable consumption, financing sustainable development, and environmental education, among others.
When discussing environmental changes and challenges, and their relation to sustainable developme... more When discussing environmental changes and challenges, and their relation to sustainable development, the role of education cannot be underestimated. This report on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development in the Arab Countries aims at encompassing both Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), by increasing knowledge and awareness about the environment and its interconnectedness with social and economic factors. Beyond enhancing the level of scientific knowledge, it serves as a catalyser for participation and positive action. There are signs that the Arab world has begun to appreciate the key role that the environment should claim in its education systems. The next step is its effective and region-wide implementation into school and university curricula. Although a strong trend can be seen in the inclusion of environmental topics in curricula, progress remains uneven across Arab countries and educational institutions. More so, it is evident that there is a clear gap between the Arab region and other parts of the world when it comes to environmental education. This report notes that many of the plans announced by various countries to include environmental education in the curricula have not been implemented. In part this is due to the ongoing unrest and conflict in some Arab countries, besides not considering environment a high priority area. Another problem is the lack of funding for national and regional initiatives to promote sustainable development topics at schools and universities. As most initiatives are dependent on international donors, they are largely not sustainable. There has been a rapid increase in programs and plans related to environment and sustainable development in the Arab region over the last ten years. This momentum should now be used to trigger a much needed policy debate on the urgency of further reforming education systems in order to mainstream environmental issues in Arab curricula. Moreover, funds should be raised independently of international donors in order to enhance both the quality and evidence base of environmental topics.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2017; Saab, N.,
(Ed.); Beirut, Leban... more Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2017; Saab, N., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
AFED (2014). Arab Environment: Food Security. Annual Report of the Arab Forum for
Environment and... more AFED (2014). Arab Environment: Food Security. Annual Report of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2014; A. Sadik, M. El-Solh and N. Saab (Eds.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
AFED (2018). Financing Sustainable Development in Arab Countries.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for... more AFED (2018). Financing Sustainable Development in Arab Countries. Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2018; Saab, N., Sadik, A.K., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF ARAB COUNTRIES ARAB ENVIRONMENT: SURVIVAL OPTIONS EDITED BY: NAJIB SAAB I... more ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF ARAB COUNTRIES ARAB ENVIRONMENT: SURVIVAL OPTIONS EDITED BY: NAJIB SAAB Incorporating ARAB ATLAS OF FOOTPRINT AND BIOCAPACITY by Global Footprint Network
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The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine caused major disruptions to supply chains, energy and food availability, high prices and inflation, which also hampered environmental and climate initiatives and investments. It also turned out that the Arab countries most affected by these crises were those that had to deal with them in conjunction with wars and internal conflicts, as well as colossal economic downfalls.
In addition to historically large water deficits, the rush to produce more food domestically in some Arab countries, in order to meet shortages in external supplies, added pressure on fragile lands and outdated, inefficient irrigation systems. Most Arab countries' spending on social protection, health and sustainable development goals in general was among the lowest in the world, making the Arab population less prepared to face emerging challenges. While a previous report from AFED indicated a deficit in financing sustainable development goals in the Arab countries, as a group, exceeding $230 billion annually, the new report expected an increase in this figure that could reach 50 percent as a result of the war and the pandemic.
The report shows that energy market turmoil and exponentially higher prices due to the war in Ukraine hit non-oil and gas-producing countries with a major blow, because most of them were already lagging behind in implementing renewable energy and efficiency programs. As for the Arab oil-exporting countries, the report noted that higher prices were beneficial in terms of increasing their revenues. However, it warns that this situation is temporary, because the energy crisis caused by the Ukrainian war may accelerate the global transition to domestically produced renewable energies more than expected, to reduce dependence on external sources. The report recommended investing the current additional revenues from oil and gas to accelerate the regional energy transition, by enhancing efficiency, in addition to adopting clean and renewable energy sources.
AFED report concluded that, despite conflicts and wars, more regional cooperation remains an inevitable destiny for Arab countries, because this is an investment in stability as well. The countries of the region should also make the most, individually and collectively, of various climate change funds, and focus on adaptation programs through the newly created Loss and Damage Fund, which opens the door to many opportunities. However, the report warned of the need to reallocate the current budgets to focus on programs that support the achievement of sustainable development goals and greening the economy, in conjunction with fighting waste and corruption, before searching for new funding sources, as reform must precede greening.
The emergence, spread and impact of many diseases and illnesses can be mitigated by the management of environmental risks, which makes it necessary to tackle the underlying environmental causes. While this is a global fact, it is more significant in the Arab region, where environmental risks are higher and rates of development, in most countries, are slower.
This report is the 13th in the series on the State of Arab Environment, launched by AFED in 2008. The series, which has highlighted environmental challenges and recommended solutions, has inspired policy changes, knowledge sharing, and actions across the Arab region. It has covered major topics, including climate change, water, energy, green economy, ecological footprint, sustainable consumption, financing sustainable development, and environmental education, among others.
as a catalyser for participation and positive action. There are signs that the Arab world has begun to appreciate the key role that the environment should claim in its education systems. The next step is its effective and region-wide implementation into school and university curricula.
Although a strong trend can be seen in the inclusion of environmental topics in curricula, progress remains uneven across Arab countries and educational institutions. More so, it is evident that there is a clear gap between the Arab region and other parts of the world when it comes to environmental education.
This report notes that many of the plans announced by various countries to include environmental education in the curricula have not been implemented.
In part this is due to the ongoing unrest and conflict in some Arab countries, besides not considering environment a high priority area. Another problem is the lack of funding for national and regional initiatives to promote sustainable development topics at schools and universities. As most initiatives are dependent on international donors, they are largely not sustainable.
There has been a rapid increase in programs and plans related to environment and sustainable development in the Arab region over the last ten years. This momentum should now be used to trigger a much needed policy debate on the urgency of further reforming education systems in order to mainstream environmental issues in Arab curricula. Moreover, funds should be raised independently of international donors in order to enhance both the quality and evidence base of environmental topics.
(Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
Environment and Development, 2014; A. Sadik, M. El-Solh and N. Saab (Eds.); Beirut,
Lebanon. Technical Publications.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2018; Saab, N.,
Sadik, A.K., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine caused major disruptions to supply chains, energy and food availability, high prices and inflation, which also hampered environmental and climate initiatives and investments. It also turned out that the Arab countries most affected by these crises were those that had to deal with them in conjunction with wars and internal conflicts, as well as colossal economic downfalls.
In addition to historically large water deficits, the rush to produce more food domestically in some Arab countries, in order to meet shortages in external supplies, added pressure on fragile lands and outdated, inefficient irrigation systems. Most Arab countries' spending on social protection, health and sustainable development goals in general was among the lowest in the world, making the Arab population less prepared to face emerging challenges. While a previous report from AFED indicated a deficit in financing sustainable development goals in the Arab countries, as a group, exceeding $230 billion annually, the new report expected an increase in this figure that could reach 50 percent as a result of the war and the pandemic.
The report shows that energy market turmoil and exponentially higher prices due to the war in Ukraine hit non-oil and gas-producing countries with a major blow, because most of them were already lagging behind in implementing renewable energy and efficiency programs. As for the Arab oil-exporting countries, the report noted that higher prices were beneficial in terms of increasing their revenues. However, it warns that this situation is temporary, because the energy crisis caused by the Ukrainian war may accelerate the global transition to domestically produced renewable energies more than expected, to reduce dependence on external sources. The report recommended investing the current additional revenues from oil and gas to accelerate the regional energy transition, by enhancing efficiency, in addition to adopting clean and renewable energy sources.
AFED report concluded that, despite conflicts and wars, more regional cooperation remains an inevitable destiny for Arab countries, because this is an investment in stability as well. The countries of the region should also make the most, individually and collectively, of various climate change funds, and focus on adaptation programs through the newly created Loss and Damage Fund, which opens the door to many opportunities. However, the report warned of the need to reallocate the current budgets to focus on programs that support the achievement of sustainable development goals and greening the economy, in conjunction with fighting waste and corruption, before searching for new funding sources, as reform must precede greening.
The emergence, spread and impact of many diseases and illnesses can be mitigated by the management of environmental risks, which makes it necessary to tackle the underlying environmental causes. While this is a global fact, it is more significant in the Arab region, where environmental risks are higher and rates of development, in most countries, are slower.
This report is the 13th in the series on the State of Arab Environment, launched by AFED in 2008. The series, which has highlighted environmental challenges and recommended solutions, has inspired policy changes, knowledge sharing, and actions across the Arab region. It has covered major topics, including climate change, water, energy, green economy, ecological footprint, sustainable consumption, financing sustainable development, and environmental education, among others.
as a catalyser for participation and positive action. There are signs that the Arab world has begun to appreciate the key role that the environment should claim in its education systems. The next step is its effective and region-wide implementation into school and university curricula.
Although a strong trend can be seen in the inclusion of environmental topics in curricula, progress remains uneven across Arab countries and educational institutions. More so, it is evident that there is a clear gap between the Arab region and other parts of the world when it comes to environmental education.
This report notes that many of the plans announced by various countries to include environmental education in the curricula have not been implemented.
In part this is due to the ongoing unrest and conflict in some Arab countries, besides not considering environment a high priority area. Another problem is the lack of funding for national and regional initiatives to promote sustainable development topics at schools and universities. As most initiatives are dependent on international donors, they are largely not sustainable.
There has been a rapid increase in programs and plans related to environment and sustainable development in the Arab region over the last ten years. This momentum should now be used to trigger a much needed policy debate on the urgency of further reforming education systems in order to mainstream environmental issues in Arab curricula. Moreover, funds should be raised independently of international donors in order to enhance both the quality and evidence base of environmental topics.
(Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.
Environment and Development, 2014; A. Sadik, M. El-Solh and N. Saab (Eds.); Beirut,
Lebanon. Technical Publications.
Annual Report of Arab Forum for Environment and Development, 2018; Saab, N.,
Sadik, A.K., (Ed.); Beirut, Lebanon. Technical Publications.