2024 was the hottest year ever in the Arab region

The report, prepared by the organization in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the League of Arab States, explained that these climate threats intersect with ongoing social and economic challenges, such as rapid urbanization, conflicts, poverty, and population growth, which highlights the urgent need to build resilience, invest in reducing risks, and achieving water security.

Heat exhausts society

Secretary-General of the Organization, Celeste Saulo, said that the rise in temperature in the Arab region is a continuation of a long-term trend.

added: “Temperatures are rising at a rate more than double the global average, accompanied by severe heat waves that are exhausting society.”.

She stated that human health, ecosystems and economies cannot deal with extended periods in which temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius.

The report revealed that the average temperature in 2024 was 1.08 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the period 1991-2020. The length of heat waves has increased, especially in North Africa and the Near East, with a clear upward trend since 1981. According to the organization, a number of countries have reported temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in 2024.

Possible rise of up to 5 degrees

The report also explained that the drought in 2024 will worsen in western North Africa after six consecutive failed rainy seasons, especially in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. By contrast, torrential rains and flash floods have caused death and destruction in arid countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Extreme events in 2024 affected nearly 3.8 million people and resulted in more than 300 deaths, mostly due to heat waves and floods, according to the report.

Rula Dashti, Executive Secretary of ESCWA, said: “Climate models covering the Arab region predict a possible rise in average temperatures of up to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century under high emissions scenarios.”.

It also warned that rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, and decreased rainfall affects water scarcity and puts food production at risk.