Climate and Conflict in the Middle East: Adaptation Opportunities for COP28 – A zoom webinar with Middle East Institute

The Middle East has already seen a 1.5°C increase in average temperatures since the 1990s, but the worst is not over — in the coming decades, the region is expected to experience extended heatwaves and temperature spikes that threaten human survival unless sufficient climate adaptation strategies are implemented. This would be difficult in the best of circumstances, but in places like Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, climate risks will be further compounded by the impact of conflict. No one sector can respond to these challenges alone. Experts from a broad variety of fields — including humanitarian aid, economic development, and climate study — must work together to formulate and strengthen resilience and adaptation efforts in conflict-affected communities across the Middle East. Complementarity between these efforts, implemented at various scales, will be critical to ensure the realization of comprehensive responses that meet the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by war, terrorism, disease, and deprivation.

The Middle East Institute (MEI) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are pleased to hold a panel on the intersection of armed conflict and climate change and the impact on vulnerable communities in the Middle East. Our experts will discuss ways that different governmental and civil society sectors can collaborate on climate action for those most affected — particularly with respect to water security, local development, humanitarian diplomacy, and climate financing.

Speakers

Clare Dalton, Opening Remarks, Head of Mission, United Arab Emirates, ICRC

Hayder Alabdali , Distinguished Climate and Environment Officer, Baghdad, ICRC

Megan Ferrando, Non-Resident Scholar, Climate and Water Program, Middle East Institute

Christopher Frassetto, Senior Advisor, Partnerships, COP28

Mohammed Mahmoud, Senior Fellow; Director, Climate and Water Program, Middle East Institute

Meaghan Parker, Moderator, Executive Director, Society of Environmental Journalists

Registration