[This is a monthly roundup of news articles and other materials related to environmental issues in the Middle East. It does not reflect the views of the Environment Page of Jadaliyya.]
Regional News:
The War in Ukraine and the New Reality in Asian Oil Markets
Middle East Institute (1 June 2022)
Increasing imports of Russian oil to Asia could change the market for Gulf oil in the region.
Keywords: Energy
OPEC+ Considers Suspending Russia from Oil Production Deal: Report
Middle East Eye (1 June 2022)
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is considering suspending Russian membership due to sanctions.
Keywords: Energy
EXCLUSIVE UAE-Egypt Consortium Set To Buy African Renewables Firm Lekela
Reuters (2 June 2022)
Energy companies in Abu Dhabi and Egypt plan to buy a large stake in renewable power generation company.
Keywords: Energy
OPEC Agrees To Boost Oil Production Ahead of Biden Visit to the Region
Middle East Eye (2 June 2022)
OPEC has decided to significantly increase oil production in July and August.
Keywords: Energy
'Vicious Cycle': Storms Intensify in the Gulf as Climate Changes
Al Jazeera (2 June 2022)
Iran, Iraq, and some Gulf states have been facing increasing numbers of sand and dust storms.
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Air, Pollution, Health
Middle East Institute (2 June 2022)
Athra Khamis discusses how observations in a recent expedition to Antarctica can help indicate future impacts of climate change.
Keywords: Climate & Weather
'Apocalyptic Skies': The Dust Storms Devastating Gulf States and Syria
The Guardian (3 June 2022)
Dust storms this year have begun earlier in the season than usual, are occurring more frequently, and are impacting a wider area ranging from Jordan to the Gulf.
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Air, Pollution, Health
Jordan, Iraq Electricity Grid Interconnection to Start Supply Next Year
Reuters (6 June 2022)
An interconnected electrical grid between Jordan and Iraq will begin supply in early 2023.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure
WHO to Get Monkeypox Tests for Africa, as New Cases Reported
Al Jazeera (16 June 2022)
The World Health Organization is working to secure monkeypox tests and smallpox vaccines, which are effective against monkeypox, for distribution across Africa.
Keywords: Health
Posidonia Oceanica: The Sea Plant Protecting Life in and around the Mediterranean
Middle East Eye (17 June 2022)
Declines in the area of Posidonia Oceanica, or Neptune grass, raise concerns of loss of oxygen and habitat in the Mediterranean.
Keywords: Water, Wildlife
Five of the Highest Mountains in the Middle East and North Africa
Middle East Eye (20 June 2022)
An exploration of the climates and ecosystems of the tallest peaks in MENA.
Keywords: Land, Wildlife
Marseille, Alexandria and Istanbul Prepare for Mediterranean Tsunami
The Guardian (23 June 2022)
UNESCO warns that a Mediterranean tsunami in the coming decades is imminent due to rising sea levels, emphasizing the importance of coastal cities becoming “tsunami-ready.”
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Water
Damascus, Tripoli and Algiers Are Least Liveable Cities in the World, Says Study
Middle East Eye (23 June 2022)
An Economist Intelligence Unit study ranked the Syrian, Libyan, and Algerian capitals as the least liveable cities in the world, while cities in the UAE ranked as the most liveable in MENA.
Keywords: Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Health
Algeria:
Algeria Plays Balancing Act as Europe Tries Cut Russian Gas
Al Jazeera (9 June 2022)
Domestic demand challenges Algeria’s ability to export gas to Italy.
Keywords: Energy
Algeria, Niger, Nigeria Resume Talks on Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline
Al Jazeera (23 June 2022)
Talks to establish a trans-Saharan pipeline are revived amid Europe’s search for new energy imports.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure
Egypt:
As End of Local Harvest Approaches, Egypt Buys 465,000 Tons of Wheat from Russia, Bulgaria, Romania
Mada Masr (2 June 2022)
Egypt purchased wheat from Russia, Bulgaria, and Romania after a Supply Minister’s mid-May announcement that they would not be importing the grain.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Egypt's Strategic Wheat Reserves Sufficient until End of this Year - Supply Ministry
Reuters (8 June 2022)
An Egyptian Supply Ministry official says the country has enough strategic wheat reserves for the year.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Government Hunt for Local Wheat Grows Tense as End of Season Approaches
Mada Masr (8 June 2022)
The Egyptian Supply Ministry is increasing the enforcement of legal penalties against local farmers who do not supply the expected wheat yield.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Mada Masr (9 June 2022)
The global wheat crisis puts pressure on Egypt to rely on domestic yields and new import sources.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
المستبعدون من صورة مصر الحضارية: عُمال الحفائر الأثرية
Mada Masr (11 June 2022)
Antiquities workers in all positions are important, and often unmentioned, contributors to archeological discovery and are integral to transferring professional experience and knowledge to future generations.
Keywords: Labor, Historic Preservation, Tourism
Egypt To Invest in Gold, Mineral Mining
Al Monitor (13 June 2022)
Egypt has awarded eight mining exploration licenses to search for gold and minerals in the Golden Triangle between the Qena and Red Sea governorates.
Keywords: Natural Resources
Doctors: Expired Sinovac-Vacsera Doses Being Used in Cairo COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign
Mada Masr (20 June 2022)
Expired, locally-produced Sinovac vaccines are being offered as booster shots to residents in Cairo who decline Pfizer shots.
Keywords: Health
Egypt Destroys Nile Houseboats, Washing Away a Living Lore
New York Times (29 June 2022)
An area of central Cairo that has historically been lined with wooden houseboats will see the demolition of current residences which the government has labeled unsafe and unlicensed.
Keywords: Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Tourism
Outcry in Egypt as Iconic Nile Houseboats Are Destroyed
BBC (29 June 2022)
The last remaining houseboats in Cairo are set to be demolished by order of Egyptian authorities.
Keywords: Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Tourism
Iran:
Train Derailment in Eastern Iran Kills 21
BBC (8 June 2022)
A train accident caused by an excavator near the tracks kills 21 passengers.
Keywords: Infrastructure
Iran Says It Expects Confiscated Oil Cargo To Be Returned in Full
Al Jazeera (9 June 2022)
A Greek court ruling will see the return of confiscated oil to Iran.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Iran Says Oil Sales Strong Despite Effect of Ukraine War
Al Jazeera (11 June 2022)
Iran assures that it is maintaining strong oil sales despite China purchasing more oil from Russia.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Iraq:
Iraq Reports Bird Flu Outbreak on Poultry Farm
Reuters (3 June 2022)
The World Organisation of Animal Health reports an outbreak of avian influenza on a farm southeast of Baghdad.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Health
Iraq's Parliament Passes Emergency Food Bill
Reuters (8 June 2022)
A newly passed emergency bill will allocate 25 trillion Iraqi dinars for the purchase of wheat, rice, gas, and energy.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Energy
Third Rocket Attack in 72 Hours Targets Northern Iraq Gas Complex
Al Jazeera (25 June 2022)
Energy infrastructure in the Kurdish region continues to be targeted as the Khor Mor gas complex is struck by a rocket. No damage or casualties were reported.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure
Kuwait:
Magnitude 5 Earthquake Strikes Kuwait
Reuters (3 June 2022)
Kuwait experienced a magnitude 5 earthquake. The Kuwait Fire Force reported no damage.
Keywords: Climate & Weather
Morocco:
Morocco Reports First Case Of Monkeypox - State TV on Twitter
Reuters (2 June 2022)
Morocco reported the first monkeypox case in a traveler coming from Europe.
Keywords: Health
Lebanon:
Lebanon's Hospitals Are Running Out of Medicine and Staff in Ongoing Economic Crisis
NPR (5 June 2022)
The economic crisis in Lebanon has resulted in difficulty affording medical care and medication shortages.
Keywords: Health, Labor
Gas Dispute with Lebanon To Be Resolved Diplomatically, Says Israeli Defmin
Reuters (6 June 2022)
Israel says an offshore natural gas dispute with Lebanon will be mediated by the United States.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Hezbollah 'Ready' to Use Force If Lebanon Says Israel Violating Water Rights
Middle East Eye (6 June 2022)
Hezbollah says it will take action if Israel drills for oil and gas in contested waters.
Keywords: Water, Natural Resources, Energy
Back to the Land: Lebanese Family Turns to Farming To Survive Crises
Reuters (13 June 2022)
Farming has become a tool of self-sufficiency for some in Lebanon during a time of crisis.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Lebanon's Natural Heritage Threatened by Rampant Development
Middle East Eye (18 June 2022)
Largely unregulated development and construction threatens Lebanon’s natural heritage in urban spaces, while sand and stone quarries have contaminated groundwater and reshaped the mountains.
Keywords: Land, Urban Planning, Wildlife, Pollution
Aunt Amaline's Mouneh: Living off the Land in Lebanon
Al Jazeera (20 June 2022)
Mouneh, or provisions, were an important part of Lebanese culinary tradition, and this practice of preserving food is seeing a resurgence.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Historic Preservation
Libya:
Eastern Forces in Libya Expand Oil Blockade
Middle East Monitor (10 June 2022)
Eastern-aligned factions continue their shutdown of Libyan oil output, stating they will continue to halt production until Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh relinquishes power.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Oman:
Oman Oil Discoveries To Boost Production by up to 100,000 Barrels, Minister Says
Reuters (4 June 2022)
The Omani Energy Minister says newly discovered oil will allow for an increase of production by 50,000 to 100,000 barrels within the next three years.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Palestine, Israel, and Jordan:
Israel Moves Blood Bank Underground To Safeguard it from Attacks
New York Times (1 June 2022)
Within the year the national blood bank in Israel will relocate to a subterranean facility designed to withstand weapon attacks, earthquakes, and cyber attacks.
Keywords: Health, Infrastructure
Palestinians Pay Partial Wages amid Protests over Rise in Food Prices
Reuters (7 June 2022)
The Palestinian Authority has been unable to pay full wages since November, citing Israel withholding tax revenue. Employees, who are struggling with rising costs, will be receiving part of their salaries after Israel transferred some of this revenue.
Keywords: Labor
For the First Time in Years, Gazans Enjoy Clean Seawater
Reuters (9 June 2022)
Internationally-funded sewage treatment plants have increased operations in Gaza, resulting in the lowest rates of pollution in the sea for years.
Keywords: Water, Pollution, Waste
Israel Occupation Forces Fire Tear Gas at Gaza Farmers
Middle East Monitor (11 June 2022)
Palestinian farmers are targeted by Israeli forces who try to maintain a wide buffer zone along the border.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Rumbling through Modern Jordan, a Railway from the Past
New York Times (11 June 2022)
The Hejaz Railway, which once traveled from Damascus to Medina, still runs locally through Jordan as a nostalgic attraction.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Historic Preservation, Tourism
Largest Palestinian Displacement in Decades Looms after Israeli Court Ruling
Reuters (12 June 2022)
1,200 Palestinians in Masafer Yatta are facing forced removal after an Israeli court decision ruled in favor of establishing an army firing zone in the area.
Keywords: Land, Urban Planning
‘The Land Beyond the Road Is Forbidden’: Israeli Settler Shepherds Displace Palestinians
The Guardian (20 June 2022)
Israeli highways and strategically placed settlements block pasture and herding routes from Palestinian shepherds who once used them for their sheep and goats.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Land, Infrastructure
Israel Excludes Arab Communities from Solar Energy Project
Middle East Monitor (20 June 2022)
A pilot solar project available exclusively to Jewish communities in Israel could exclude Arab Israeli access to solar power for years.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure
Israel Levels Land in Palestinian Village to Expand Stone-Cutting Factory
Middle East Monitor (21 June 2022)
Israeli Settlers leveled areas of the Palestinian village of Kisan in anticipation of expanding a stone-cutting factory.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Urban Planning
One of Earliest Known Mosques Found in Israeli Desert, Say Experts
The Guardian (22 June 2022)
Remains of a 1,200 year old mosque in the Bedoin city of Rahat helps to illuminate the regions transition from Christianity to Islam.
Keywords: Historic Preservation
In Jordan, 'Mansaf in a Cup' Creates a Food Controversy
New York Times (26 June 2022)
A restauranteur’s to-go style Mansaf–the Jordanian national dish which is typically eaten from a communal platter–has sparked passionate debate about tradition and heritage.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Historic Preservation
Toxic Gas Leak at Jordan's Aqaba Port Kills 13, Injures Hundreds
BBC (28 June 2022)
A crane malfunction in Aqaba caused a toxic chlorine gas leak.
Keywords: Pollution, Health
Qatar:
Eni to Join Exxon, Total, Shell, Conoco in Qatar's Mega-LNG Expansion
Reuters (8 June 2022)
Qatar selects partners in expansion of the world’s largest liquefied gas project, including Italian company Eni.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources, Infrastructure
Life at 50C: Qatar Accused of Under-Reporting Deaths in Gulf's Killer Heat
BBC (8 June 2022)
Extreme heat in the gulf is especially dangerous for millions of migrant workers. A BBC investigation reveals Qatar may be underreporting deaths of workers caused by heat-related illnesses.
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Health, Labor
QatarEnergy signs deal with TotalEnergies for North Field East
Al Jazeera (12 June 2022)
Qatar continues to secure partnerships in its $30 billion expansion of the North Field Project for liquified natural gas.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources, Infrastructure
Qatar Expects 34-36 Million Passengers through Hamad Airport this Year
Reuters (13 June 2022)
Hamad National Airport, home of Qatar Airways, anticipates serving double the number of passengers than they served last year.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Tourism
Qatar Advances Talks over China Investment in Gas Field
Middle East Monitor (17 June 2022)
China looks to invest in Qatar’s North Field project expansion and secure long term contracts for purchasing liquified natural gas.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Saudi Arabia:
Saudis Boycott Dairy Products in Protest at Price Increases
Middle East Eye (1 June 2022)
Frustration at increases in food costs have led to consumer boycotts against the dairy, poultry, and coffee industries.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Saudi Arabia Receives 1st Foreign Hajj Pilgrims since COVID Began
Al Jazeera (4 June 2022)
A hajj group from Indonesia are the first foreign pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia in two years.
Keywords: Health, Tourism
Hajj-Muslim Pilgrims Face Losing out from Online Booking to Mecca
BBC (12 June 2022)
A new online registration system will select who is able to go on Hajj. Some pilgrims are concerned about the new reservation system, and are unsure how it will impact the cost and itinerary of the trip.
Keywords: Tourism
Saudi Arabia Eases Some COVID Precautions before the Hajj
New York Times (15 June 2022)
Saudi Arabia lifts most in-country COVID precautions, no longer requiring facemasks or proof of vaccination in most public settings.
Keywords: Health
Saudi Arabia Cuts back Oil Supplies to China, amid Global Shift in Energy Supplies
Middle East Monitor
Saudi Aramco will deliver less than contracted volumes of crude oil to at least four refineries in China.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Sudan:
Russia's Wagner Group 'Getting Rich in Sudan' from Gold Mines and Government
Middle East Eye (7 June 2022)
Russia is suspected of smuggling gold from Sudan in partnership with the Wagner Group, a private military contractor.
Keywords: Natural Resources
More than 15,000 Sheep Drown after Live Export Ship Sinks in Sudan
The Guardian (12 June 2022)
A ship overloaded with sheep coming from Saudi Arabia sank in Suakin. All crew members survived, while nearly all of the livestock perished.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
UAE to Build Red Sea Port in Sudan in $6 Billion Investment Package
Middle East Monitor (20 June 2022)
The UAE will build a new Red Sea port north of Port Sudan with a small international airport, a large agricultural project, and a free trade zone.
Keywords: Infrastructure
Syria:
'Heavy' Damage to Damascus Airport Confirmed after Israeli Attack
Al Jazeera (11 June 2022)
An Israeli missile attack has severely damaged the Damascus airport, leaving the runways out of service and causing flights to be suspended.
Keywords: Infrastructure
'Blood money': Europe's Secretive Trade in Syrian Phosphates
The Guardian (30 June 2022)
A secretive phosphate trade out of Syria evades European sanctions and channels money to Bashar al-Assad’s government and Russian billionaire Gennady Timchenko.
Keywords: Natural Resources
Tunisia:
قضية إكسيلو: غرق سفينة في خليج قابس يعرّي تهاون السلطات البحرية
Inkyfada (9 June 2022)
New information on the sinking of the Xelo tanker in the Port of Gabes in April raises questions about if the incident was premeditated, perhaps for insurance purposes.
Keywords: Water, Pollution
Tunisia's Labor Union Rejects IMF Conditions for Economic Reform
Middle East Monitor (11 June 2022)
The International Monetary Fund asked the Tunisian government to cut subsidies and regulate payroll as the country seeks a loan. The Tunisia General Labor Union rejects these conditions.
Keywords: Labor
Avorter en Tunisie : Une Loi Pionnière mais un Droit Non Garanti
Inkyfada (13 June 2022)
Tunisia became the first Arab country to gaurantee the right to abortion in 1973, but half a century later obstacles still impact access to the procedure.
Keywords: Health
Türkiye:
Russia-Ukraine: Ambassador Accuses Moscow of Exporting 'Stolen' Grain to Turkey
Middle East Eye (4 June 2022)
The Ukrainian ambassador to Türkiye has accused Russia of stealing Ukrainian wheat and sending it abroad to places like Türkiye. The ambassador has appealed for Türkiye’s help and says they are launching criminal investigations.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Russia, Turkey Discuss Grain Export Corridor from Ukraine
Al Jazeera (7 June 2022)
Türkiye discusses with Russia the possibility of negotiating a corridor for exporting grain, sunflower, and other agricultural products from Ukraine. The Russian navy has blocked Ukrainian Black Sea ports since the invasion.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Turkey, Russia Discuss Efforts to Restart Ukrainian Grain Exports
Al Jazeera (8 June 2022)
Türkiye finds the UN proposal to restart Ukrainian grain exports to be a reasonable solution. The plan would utilize Turkish naval escorts to assist tankers across the Black Sea.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture
Israel-Egypt-EU Deal Temporary but Turkiye Pipeline Offers Long-Term Solution
Middle East Monitor (20 June 2022)
A current gas deal between Israel, Egypt, and the EU suffers bottlenecks in supplying energy to Europe and is limited in export capacity. Constructing new pipelines that pass through Türkiye may be a more affordable and stable future supply line for the EU.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure, Natural Resources
UAE:
UAE Achieves 100% COVID Vaccination Target - State News Agency
Reuters (2 June 2022)
The state news agency WAM reports that all Emirati residents who must be vaccinated against COVID-19 have been vaccinated.
Keywords: Health
South Korean Companies To Build $1 Billion Green Hydrogen Plant in UAE
Reuters (3 June 2022)
Three South Korean companies have partnered to build a green hydrogen and ammonia production plant in the KIZAD Industrial Area near Abu Dhabi.
Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure
France in Talks with UAE To Replace Russian Oil Supplies
Reuters (5 June 2022)
France enters energy talks with the United Arab Emirates as a possible replacement to Russian oil following an EU ban on Russian crude.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources
Yemen:
UN Appeals to Public for $20m To Stop Feared Catastrophic Oil Spill from Tanker
The Guardian (13 June 2022)
The UN calls on the public to raise $20 million to offload 1.14 million barrels of oil off an old cargo ship along the coast of Yemen before winter, when higher winds and stronger current would create a greater risk of damaging the ship and the oil spilling.
Keywords: Energy, Water, Pollution, Natural Resources
