Harmonization of sectoral public policies to reach climate justice

Many people in MENA countries feel that developing and poorer nations, like those in their region, are unfairly burdened by the impacts of climate change, despite contributing little to its causes. They bear the highest economic and social costs, while major industrialized nations, responsible for this crisis, must take the lead in addressing it. MENA countries are often preoccupied with their own pressing domestic issues, which they prioritize over tackling climate change. As a result, affected citizens are left to find their own ways to adapt to the devastating consequences of this global challenge.

Large present of the people in MENA countries depend on agriculture for living, the decline in agricultural income triggered by the drought caused by climate change has worsened the already high unemployment rate, creating not only economic challenges but also psychological stress across the community, there is a growing sense of fear about worsening climate conditions, increasing droughts, and further declines in agricultural production, leading many to believe that the future will be even harsher than today. This pervasive fear has driven many individuals to abandon agriculture, seeking work in other sectors. As a result, internal migration to the outskirts of larger cities has risen, as people search for better job opportunities. Additionally, there has been an increase in external migration, with many residents selling off their property and attempting illegal migration or seeking asylum in European Union countries and elsewhere. A notable example of the impact of climate change on agricultural land can be seen in Dar’a Governorate, located in southern Syria near the Jordanian border. Historically, Dar’a has been a key agricultural region, known for its fertile soil and productive farms, supplying food to both local residents and other parts of Syria. However, climate change is now threatening this crucial sector and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Farmers who once grew crops like olive trees, onions, and tomatoes are now limited to planting only wheat and barley because these crops can tolerate drought to some extent.

In many MENA countries, there are no comprehensive state-level strategies to address climate change causes and effects, but some local initiatives have emerged to help adapt to its consequences.

The Syrian experience suggests that a more effective ways to tackle the climate crisis are:

1. Redirecting government subsidies from fuel and electricity prices to the renewable energy sector. This could be achieved by offering loans to support the installation of solar energy systems for homes and industries. Although the decision to remove subsidies was driven by economic concerns rather than climate change, the ongoing electricity shortages caused by the Syrian crisis have made a shift towards renewable energy. As a result, many individuals and businesses in Syria have increasingly adopted solar energy solutions to mitigate power shortages. However, the high cost of installing a solar energy system—around 35,000,000 Syrian pounds (approximately 2,350 US dollars)—is beyond the reach of most middle- and low-income households, making financial support necessary for wider adoption.
2. Shifting away from traditional farming practices that have been in place for generations, opting to cultivate crops that are more resilient to high temperatures and drought, and adapting an efficient irrigation systems. In Syria, the government has taken steps to reduce the area dedicated to water-intensive crops like cotton, redirecting these lands toward more drought-resistant crops such as wheat and barley. These crops, being winter varieties, are planted during the cooler months, making them better suited to the changing climate.
3. Transition to renewable energy. There are many factors accelerating the transition to renewable energy:
   • Rapidly rising electricity and fuel prices: The steep increase in electricity costs, both for industrial and domestic use, aligns with the government’s policy of gradually reducing subsidies for petroleum products and other energy sources, encouraged the transition towards renewable energy.
   • Increased humanitarian needs for electricity: This rapidly increasing need has made it essential to find affordable and sustainable solutions to the ongoing electricity and energy shortage.
   • Pursuit of energy independence: Frequent power outages and fuel shortages have pushed families and communities to seek energy independence, allowing them to meet their own energy needs through renewable sources. This shift reduces their reliance on the limited supply of government-provided energy.
   • Economic benefits: Advances in renewable energy technology have improved its efficiency and made it more cost-effective, motivating more individuals and businesses to adopt it.
   • International aid: Some NGOs and international organizations have begun supporting renewable energy projects as part of humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts, helping to promote the use of sustainable energy sources.
   • Focus on sustainability: Growing awareness of the need for environmental protection has led both local and international actors to back renewable energy initiatives, framing them as key components of the long-term rebuilding and sustainability efforts for the country.

Policies Steps should be taken to support the transition to renewable energy:

• Developing legislation and policies for energy investment: governments should update laws and policies to promote renewable energy use, including offering tax incentives and reducing customs duties on solar panels and renewable energy equipment.

• Government projects: governments should initiate several medium and large-scale renewable energy projects, aiming to establish a foundation for sustainable energy substructure.

• Financial support: Soft loans should be provided to citizens and investors interested in installing renewable energy systems in their homes or businesses, making renewable energy more accessible.

• Including renewable energy in construction strategies: Renewable energy projects should be incorporated into the country’s long-term sustainable development and construction plans, ensuring that the plans align with climate goals.

Additionally, as in Syria, the Syrian government has facilitated the installation of solar home systems and supported industrialists with interest-free loans. Humanitarian organizations are also offering grants and loans to help citizens rebuild, while integrating climate recovery into their efforts. The United Nations’ reconstruction programs in Syria have also incorporated climate-conscious strategies in their rebuilding efforts.

Transparency and Information Sharing in Climate Governance Across the MENA Region

In many MENA countries, including Syria, climate change has not yet received the attention it warrants from governments, social organizations, or the public. A widespread sentiment among people in these nations is that they are not the cause of the climate crisis but rather its victims—a perception that is largely justified. However, studies on the effects of climate change in the region are still in their infancy, most existing studies are carried out by international organizations, such as those affiliated with the United Nations or research institutions, rather than local entities.

There are key reasons why accurate data on the effects of climate change in the Middle East is often unavailable or unreliable:

1. Underestimating or ignoring the true impact of climate-related events
2. Optimistic bias: Some data may downplay the negative impacts of drought and other climate-related issues to avoid increasing public anxiety and unrest.
3. Pessimistic bias: In contrast, some data may exaggerate the severity of the losses and dangers associated with climate change, aiming to raise awareness and encourage adoption of environmentally friendly policies. This approach may also bring more international attention and aid for climate resilience efforts.
4. Climate change researches are a long-term study, and that doesn’t encourage students or researchers to work in this filed.

Climate change is already transforming the agricultural landscape in the Middle East. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are making it difficult for farmers to plan planting and harvesting schedules. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, coupled with extreme heat, are causing crop failures and significant losses, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity and growing uncertainty among farmers. This lack of reliable data and transparency in climate governance hinders effective responses to these challenges, both locally and regionally.