Environment Page Media Roundup (February 2023)

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Mar 28, 2023
People and emergency teams rescue a person on a stretcher from a collapsed building in Adana, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Elifaysenurbay/AP People and emergency teams rescue a person on a stretcher from a collapsed building in Adana, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Elifaysenurbay/AP

Environment Page Media Roundup (February 2023)

By : Environment Page Media Roundup Editors

[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


Death Toll Soars from an Earthquake that Has Struck Turkey and Syria NPR (6 February 2023) 
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Gaziantep, Türkiye has been felt across the region in Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Iraq, and Egypt. Significant damage has been reported in Türkiye and Lebanon.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Infrastructure

Severe Weather Hampers Earthquake Rescuers in Turkey and Syria Al Jazeera (6 February 2023) 
Rescue efforts following the earthquake in Türkiye have been hampered by severe weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, rain, and snow.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Climate & Weather 

In Turkey and Syria, Outdated Building Methods All but Assured Disaster from a Quake NPR (7 February 2023) 
Many buildings in the areas impacted by the 7.8 magnitude Syria-Türkiye earthquake were built either prior to more stringent earthquake codes or constructed recently without enforcement of these codes, contributing to the scale of damage.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Urban Planning, Natural Disaster

Cyprus: Washed up Whales Linked to Syria-Turkiye Earthquake Middle East Monitor (11 February 2023) 
Seven whales have washed up across the Cypriot coast after the Syria-Türkiye earthquake.
Keywords: Wildlife, Natural Disaster

Iraq To Provide Fuel Support to Quake-Hit Turkiye, Syria Middle East Monitor (15 February 2023)
Iraq is providing 90,000 tons of high-sulfur fuel to Türkiye and Syria.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Disaster

Flooding along the Orontes River NASA Earth Observatory (25 February 2023) 
The Orontes River Basin has flooded following the major earthquake in Türkiye. The flooding is most significant in Idlib, Syria.
Keywords: Water, Natural Disaster, Food & Agriculture 

Lack of Safety, Fear, Distress: Mental Health of 7m Children at Risk after Quakes Middle East Monitor (27 February 2023) 
The children impacted by the Türkiye-Syria earthquake are in need of mental health support. The stress of the natural disaster can cause lifelong health implications without this intervention.
Keywords: Health, Natural Disaster

Algeria


Climate Change Tests Algeria’s Olive Farmers' Resilience Raseef 22 (1 February 2023) 
Climate change and wildfires have significantly decreased the olive oil yield in Algeria in recent years.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Climate & Weather 

The Sad Stories of Algerians during the Snow Season Raseef 22 (16 February 2023) 
Algerians living in mountainous regions often experience complete isolation during snowy winters. Mountain roads are not equipped for these conditions and often become impassable, closing local establishments and preventing travel in either direction.
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Infrastructure 

"غيّروا مهنتهم وتخلّوا عن بساتينهم"... معاناة منتجي الحمضيات مع تغيّر المناخ في الجزائر Raseef 22 (21 February 2023)
Changing weather patterns, pests, and increased soil salinity have damaged Algeria’s citrus yields.  
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Climate & Weather, Water 

Egypt


Egypt Sweeps Its Climate Policy Loopholes under the Rug of Propagandaas-Safir al-Arabi (5 February 2023) 
Current environmental policy in Egypt is largely driven by donor interests of climate-related grants.
Keywords: Climate & Weather 

في مصر... "مشاتل نباتات الزينة" الطريق الأقصر إلى التصحّر Raseef 22 (7 February 2023) 
Some farmers in Egypt are converting their agricultural land into ornamental plant nurseries due to the increased potential for profit. Changing patterns of land management may lead to greater desertification.  
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Land, Climate & Weather 

المعمارية إنجي الحسيني: زراعة الأسطح حل سهل نحو العمارة الخضراء في القاهرة Raseef 22 (14 FEbruary 2023) 
Green architecture may be the future of a more sustainable Cairo as it can reduce energy demands and resource consumption.
Keywords: Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Climate & Weather 

Iran


Last of Iran’s Endangered Asiatic Cheetah Cubs in Captivity Dies The Guardian (28 February 2023) 
The last Asiatic cheetah cub in captivity in Iran has died from kidney failure. The total population of cheetahs in Iran is now only one dozen.
Keywords: Wildlife, Conservation 

Iraq 


Winter Rains Revive Iraq’s Famed Marshlands Al Jazeera (2 February 2023) 
Winter rains bring some relief to parched marshlands in Iraq following a critically dry summer.
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Water, Food & Agriculture 

Prominent Iraq Environmental Activist Kidnapped near Baghdad Middle East Monitor (5 February 2023) 
Jassim Al-Asadi, prominent conservationist and co-founder of the NGO Nature Iraq, was kidnapped outside of Baghdad.
Keywords: Conservation

Iraq Oil Flow to Turkiye Resumes Middle East Monitor (9 February 2023) 
The flow of crude oil to Ceyhan has resumed after an Iraqi pipeline was suspended in the wake of the Turkish earthquakes.
Keywords: Energy, Natural Disaster

Water Levels in Iraq’s Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Hit New Lows Middle East Monitor (27 February 2023) 
Water levels in the TIgris and Euphrates rivers reach unprecedented lows. The Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources has attributed the decline to dam construction in Türkiye and Iran as well as irrigation.
Keywords: Water, Climate & Weather, Infrastructure, Food & Agriculture 

Jordan, Palestine, And Israel


Strong Winds, Cold Temperatures Hit Gaza Middle East Monitor (7 February 2023) 
A low pressure weather system brings cold temperatures and strong winds to Gazans who face difficulty heating their homes due to Israeli electricity cuts.  
Keywords: Climate & Weather, Energy

The Effects of Waste on Palestinians’ Health and Environment Raseef 22 (14 February 2023) 
Unsanitary waste management is one of the greatest environmental challenges in Palestine currently. Land management and Israeli settlements significant barriers to solving the crisis.
Keywords: Waste, Health, Pollution, Land 

Palestinian Death Toll in Turkiye-Syria Earthquakes Rises to 104 Middle East Monitor (16 February 2023) 
104 Palestinians in Türkiye and Syria have died from the 6 February earthquake.  
Keywords: Natural Disaster

Palestine: Israel Settlers Cut Dozens of Olive Saplings South of Nablus Middle East Monitor (22 February 2023) 
Israeli settlers have cut down eighty olive saplings in Al-Lubban Al-Sharqiya, south of Nablus.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture

Are Palestinians Prepared for a Major Earthquake of Their Own? 972 Magazine (24 February 2023) 
The earthquake in Türkiye and Syria has raised preparedness concerns across the region for future seismic events. Israeli planning restrictions and an under-resourced public health system in Palestine are central concerns for Palestine’s ability to cope with a major earthquake.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Urban Planning

Using AI To Listen to Jordan’s Date Palms Al Jazeera (26 February 2023) 
The startup Palmear uses acoustic AI to detect red palm weevil activity in palm trees. This early detection can help prevent large scale destruction of trees and subsequent economic loss, and provides an alternative to large-scale pesticide application.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture

Lebanon


Une escorte de l'armée pour fermer une décharge à Baalbeck L’Orient Le Jour (1 February 2023) 
The Kayyal landfill in Bekaa was closed in late January due to its harmful effects on the health of nearby residents.
Keywords: Waste, Pollution, Health

Snow Spell Adds to Pain of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Middle East Monitor (5 February 2023) 
About 120,000 refugees living in the area around Arsal without access to heating face deteriorating living conditions as cold winter weather brings snow.
Keywords: Climate & Weather

Plenty More Fish in the Sea? The Catastrophic Repercussions of Illegal Fishing in Lebanon Raseef 22 (20 February 2023) 
The use of explosives for fishing in Lebanon threatens fish populations and marine ecosystem stability. Although the practice is banned, it has gained popularity in recent years.
Keywords: Wildlife, Food & Agriculture

How Ancient Seeds in Lebanon Could Help Us Adapt to Climate Change NPR (24 February 2023) 
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, a Lebanese seed bank, may contain the genes needed to help some countries improve food security in the face of climate change and drought.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Climate & Weather 

Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia To Establish 3,000 Temporary Houses for Quake Victims in Turkiye, Syria Middle East Monitor (15 February 2023) 
Saudi Arabia plans to erect thousands of temporary shelters to house victims in earthquake stricken areas of Türkiye and Syria.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Natural Disaster

Syria


Shattered Roads Slow Aid to Quake-Hit Syria Middle East Monitor (8 February 2023) 
Road damage at the Bab Al-Hawa crossing between Türkiye and Syria has hindered the delivery of aid to Syria.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Infrastructure

Amid Cholera Outbreak, Health Fears Grow in Quake-Hit Syria Al Jazeera (12 February 2023) 
Experts fear that a preexisting outbreak of cholera, which emerged in Syria late last year, may worsen in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Keywords: Health, Natural Disaster, Infrastructure, Water

Syria Earthquake: Flooding Wipes out Vital Farmland after Dam Bursts Its Banks Middle East Eye (13 February 2023)
A dam has collapsed near the Syrian-Turkish border from the recent earthquake. Thousands of acres of wheat and bean fields have been destroyed, raising concerns about worsening food security.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Food & Agriculture 

Engineers Count Cost of Rebuilding in Quake-Hit, War-Weary Syria Al Jazeera (22 February 2023) 
The Syrian Engineers Association has begun evaluating the safety and stability of buildings across more than 100 Syrian cities and towns impacted by the major earthquake and its aftershocks.
Keywords: Natural Disaster, Urban Planning, Infrastructure 

Cholera Outbreak in Quake-Hit Northwestern Syria Kills Two People Al Jazeera (28 February 2023) 
Cholera spreads in northwest Syria as the recent earthquake has further damaged sewage and water systems.
Keywords: Health, Infrastructure, Water, Waste, Natural Disaster

Türkiye


Disease the New Threat as Turkiye Faces Post-Quake Water Shortage Middle East Monitor (15 February 2023) 
Damage from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake has damaged water infrastructure, leaving residents in affected areas without access to clean water and raising concerns about the possible spread of disease.
Keywords: Health, Infrastructure, Water, Natural Disaster

Why Did a Turkish City Withstand the Earthquake When Others Crumbled? New York Times (17 February 2023) 
The city of Erzin is still standing after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, while many surrounding towns are not. This is due in part to the city being built atop more sturdy soil and bedrock, as opposed to soft sediments which lie beneath much of the region.
Keywords: Land, Urban Planning, Natural Disaster

Erdoğan Faces Backlash over Building Standards in City Wrecked by Quake The Guardian (19 February 2023) 
The scale of destruction caused by this month’s major earthquake raises concern in Türkiye over corruption in the building industry and failure to enforce structural regulations.
Keywords: Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Natural Disaster

Turkey and Syria Quakes Prompt Fresh Worries about Istanbul's Building Safety NPR (20 February 2023) 
This month’s earthquakes raise questions over whether Istanbul is ready in the event of future earthquakes.
Keywords: Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Natural Disaster

A New Earthquake Hits Turkey, as Teams Still Respond to Earlier Catastrophic Quake NPR (20 February 2023) 
A 6.4 and a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Gaziantep, Turkey as aftershocks from the 6 February earthquake continue.
Keywords: Natural Disaster 

Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Jolts Turkey’s Central Nigde Province Al Jazeera (25 February 2023) 
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake shakes Nigde, no casualties have been reported.
Keywords: Natural Disaster 

New Earthquake Strikes Turkey, Rattling an Already Devastated Region New York Times (27 February 2023) 
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Malatya in southern Turkey. Seventy casualties have been reported and twenty-nine buildings have
collapsed.
Keywords: Natural Disaster 

United Arab Emirates


UAE Oil Company Employees Given Roles in Office Hosting COP28 The Guardian (3 February 2023) 
A dozen employees of the UAE’s state-owned oil company have been appointed to organize COP28. Critics are concerned about the influence of the fossil fuel industry in a climate summit.
Keywords: Climate & Weather 

Yemen


Wars Taught Yemenis To seek Food Self Sufficiency Raseef 22 (9 February 2023) 
The war in Yemen has encouraged the restoration of many abandoned farms in order to secure access to food.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture 

"عصارة" النفايات... خطر خفي يتسرب إلى حياة اليمنيين Raseef 22 (9 February 2023)
Failure to sort waste in a ninety meter mountain of waste outside Sana’a results in the mixing of toxins which leach out beyond the dump, creating a health and environmental disaster.
Keywords: Health, Waste, Pollution 

Yemen: Sanaa Gov’t Launches Solar-Powered Project for Coffee Irrigation Middle East Monitor (20 February 2023) 
Many Yemeni coffee farmers struggle to afford electricity to power irrigation pumps. A new solar irrigation project opening in the Sana’a governorate is expected to promote coffee cultivation.
Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Energy, Water 
Feb 20, 2023 Lebanon
Environment Page Media Roundup Editors By :
Environment Page Media Roundup Editors

Environment Page Media Roundup (January 2023)

[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


Cooperation on Climate Is Emerging in the Middle EastThe New York Times (14 January 2023) 

The signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020 has generated progress and cooperation in addressing the climate crisis in MENA. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather

Middle East Primed To Pounce When EU Bans Russian DieselMiddle East Eye (18 January 2023) 

A European ban on Russian petroleum and diesel goes into effect February 5. The Gulf states hope to take advantage of new opportunities for crude exports. 

Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources 

The Struggle for Climate Justice in the Arab RegionAs-safir Al-arabi (21 January 2023) 

The governments responding to climate change are also the ones responsible for contributing to the crisis. A just green transition must also transform the global political and economic systems which are still oriented around colonial systems. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

Libya-Turkey Energy Deal 'Valid' Despite Court Ruling, Oil Minister SaysMiddle East Eye (25 January 2023) 

A Mediterranean energy exploration deal between Libya and Türkiye in territory contested by Greece and Egypt has been suspended by a Libyan appeals court. 

Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources 

Yemen and Lebanon Landmarks Added to UNESCO Endangered ListAl Jazeera (26 January 2023) 

UNESCO has added seven archeological sites of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba in Yemen and Lebanon’s Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli to the List of World Heritage in Danger. 

Keywords: Historic Preservation 

Algeria


The Reality of Dealing with Climate Change in AlgeriaAs-safir Al-arabi (6 January 2023) 

In 2005 Algeria established the National Agency for Climate Change to mitigate contribution to climate change, including reducing GHG emissions. Without regular statistical reports, however, it is difficult to tell how the country is advancing towards their climate goals. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather

Gas from Faulty Heaters Kills Nearly 20 in Algeria Cold SnapAl Jazeera(11 January 2023) 

At least seventeen people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning as cool temperatures drive families to use heaters that burn natural gas or liquid fuels. 

Keywords: Health, Climate & Weather, Energy 

"كل عام أسوأ مما قبله"... التغيّرات المناخية تعصف بإنتاج زيت الزيتون الجزائريRaseef 22 (28 January 2023) 

Algerian farmers report that higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and increasing occurrences of wildfires are contributing to decreasing olive yields. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather, Food & Agriculture, Water

Egypt


Wheat, Grain Prices Rise Again This Week as Release of Imports Slows Down, Market Anticipates Pound DevaluationMada Masr (5 January 2023)

An ongoing dollar shortage crisis has caused the price of wheat to rise and the supply to fall.  

Keywords: Food & Agriculture 

الإنذار المبكر في مصر… لتقليل خسائر التغيّرات المناخية وأضرارهاRaseef 22 (12 January 2023) 

Early warning systems that can warn farmers of, for example, unusual weather patterns will be an important part of future climate adaptation. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather, Food & Agriculture 

أبطالها أشجار ونحل وشعاب مرجانية... كتب لتوعية الأطفال حول البيئة والمناخRaseef 22 (16 January 2023) 

Children’s books increasingly hope to introduce kids to topics of nature and the environment from a young age.

Keywords: Art 

بممارسات صديقة للبيئة... الزراعة العضوية طريق أخضر للتخفيف من حدّة تغيّر المناخRaseef 22 (17 January 2023)

Some farmers are turning to organic agricultural management as a more sustainable method of production, but lower yields and the growing food gap in a growing population are reasons that prevent other small farmers from applying these methods.  

Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Climate & Weather, Land, Water, Health 

En Égypte, les start-up vertes s’attaquent au fléau du plastiqueL’Orient Le Jour (19 January 2023)

Startups in Egypt are collecting plastic from the Nile and the Mediterranean and converting the waste into bricks. 

Keywords: Pollution, Waste

New LE150 bn Program Aims To Support Small Agricultural, Industrial BusinessesMada Masr (22 January 2023) 

A new program led by the Egyptian ministries of agriculture, trade, and industry will offer financial support to businesses in the agricultural and industrial sectors. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture 

Butchers Begin Closing Shop as Consumers Balk at Soaring Meat PricesMada Masr (23 January 2023) 

As inflation rises, Egyptian customers are largely unable to afford meat. For butchers to keep up with inflation, they will have to hike the price of meat even higher, which will further push customers away. As a result, many butchers are either closing their doors or striking in protest of supplier costs. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture 

زراعة الإسمنت في الحدائقMada Masr (24 January 2023) 

A development project in the International Park of Nasr City has bulldozed over 7,000 square meters of green space. 

Keywords: Urban Planning, Land 

Climate Justice Beyond the Loss and Damage FundAs-safir Al-arabi (25 January 2023) 

COP27 focused heavily on strategies of climate mitigation and adaptation, but failed to confront the countries which majorly produce and consume fossil fuels. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

البكاء على اللبن المفقودMada Masr (31 January 2023) 

Intensification of the import crisis has generated rising prices and a shortage of imported feed for Egyptian dairy farmers. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture 

Iran


Earthquake in Iran’s Khoy Kills Three, Injures HundredsAl Jazeera (29 January 2023) 

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake shook the northwestern city of Khoy, along with at least forty aftershocks. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

Iraq


Report: Iraq Achieves More than $115bn in Oil Revenues in 2022Middle East Monitor (4 January 2023) 

Iraq records their highest annual oil revenue since the collapse of oil prices during the pandemic. 

Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources 

Iraq’s Date Palms, A Fading National SymbolRaseef 22 (12 January 2023) 

Despite being an important national symbol, date palm production has declined since 2003. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Land, Water

آفات البيئة ترفض مغادرة العراق... و"البطل" هذه المرة مياه الصرف الصحيRaseef 22 (25 January 2023) 

Sewage systems in Baghdad are unfit to handle the current population, causing flooding, disease, and pollution. 

Keywords: Waste, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Water 

Jordan, Palestine, And Israel


The Palestinian Ecovillage Putting Grassroots Democracy into Action+972 Magazine (10 January, 2023)  

Farkha, Palestine’s first ecovillage, is aiming to be an entirely self-sufficient community by 2030. 

Keywords: Urban Planning, Food & Agriculture, Land, Water, Energy

Debt-Ridden Jordan Follows Egypt's Lead and Plans New City in the DesertMiddle East Eye (12 January 2023)

Jordan has announced plans for the construction of a new city east of Amman. 

Keywords: Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Water

Israel’s New Wall Separates Palestinians from Their FarmlandMiddle East Monitor (12 January 2023) 

Israel has erected forty-five kilometers of concrete wall in the northern West Bank, separating Palestinians in Qaffin from thousands of acres of their agricultural land. 

Keywords: Infrastructure, Food & Agriculture, Land 

Israel Refills the Sea of Galilee, Supplying Jordan on the WayMiddle East Monitor (30 January 2023) 

Israeli desalination plants along the Mediterranean coast are used to replenish receding water levels at the Sea of Galilee. Fresh water produced at the plants is also sold to Jordan. 

Keywords: Water, Infrastructure, Restoration 

Lebanon


Lebanon: How Does a Failed State Fight the Battle of Climate Change?As-safir Al-Arabi (2 January 2023) 

The limited jurisdiction of the Lebanese Ministry of Environment has inhibited their power to manage environmental degradation and the consequences of climate change. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

"يقطعون الأشجار من جذوعها"... التحطيب كارثة بيئية في لبنان  Raseef 22 (5 January 2023) 

The high cost of heating in Lebanon has triggered deforestation in the mountains as people turn to firewood for fuel. 

Keywords: Energy

Environmental Initiatives in Lebanon Aim To Solve Crises in Innovative WaysRaseef 22 (6 January 2023) 

Lebanese citizens are looking for creative solutions to pollution and waste that the government has failed to address. 

Keywords: Pollution, Waste, Infrasture, Health 

حُفر الصرف الصحي في لبنان... "قنابل موقوتة" تحت المنازل وفي الطبيعةRaseef 22 (18 January 2023)

Many Lebanese towns are not connected to adequate sewage networks. As a result, many homes have turned to the use of waste pits.  

Keywords: Pollution, Waster, Infrastructure, Health 

Y aura-t-il une saison de Ski cette année au Liban?L’Orient Le Jour (19 January 2023)

Skiers have been unable to ski yet this year due to low accumulations of snow in the mountains. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather

Essence Cultivation in Lebanon: Combatting the Crisis with Thyme and SaffronRaseef 22 (25 January 2023) 

The financial collapse in Lebanon has inspired farmers to look to aromatics as a potential new source of income due to demand in the food, pharmaceutical, and perfume industries. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture

Chutes de neige, grêle, routes inondées: rude météo au libanL’Orient Le Jour (31 January 2023) 

At the end of a mild January, snow and ice cover the northern Lebanese mountains. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

Libya 


'The Day the Desert Wind Cried': French Nuclear Tests Cast Long Shadow in Libyan Sahara (29 January 2023) 

Sand from the southern Algerian desert tests positive for radiation after French testing of nuclear weapons in the 1960s. Populations near the testing sites still experience higher rates of health complications and birth defects. 

Keywords: Waste, Pollution, Health, Land 

Morocco


SAMIR Refinery: The Pride of Moroccan Industry Turns into a Financial DisasterRaseef 22 (20 January 2023) 

The SAMIR Oil Refinery, one of Morocco’s first projects after gaining independence, closed six years ago when it failed to pass to a buyer following a judicial liquidation ruling. 

Keywords: Energy, Infrastructure 

Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia: Makkah Mountains Turn Green after Heavy RainMiddle East Monitor (9 January 2023) 

Weeks of rain in the mountains surrounding Mecca bring lush green.

Keywords: Water, Climate & Weather, Wildlife, Land 

حرّ شديد وفيضانات في السعودية... هل تهدد التغيّرات المناخية مستقبل موسم الحج؟Raseef 22 (31 January 2023) 

Climate change raises concerns for the future of hajj and the health of pilgrims. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather, Tourism, Health 

Sudan


How Does an Overburdened and Underdeveloped Sudan Face the Climate Crisis?As-safir Al-arabi (16 January 2023) 

Lacking state presence in Sudan has resulted in an increase of environmental problems and a lack of preparation for climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

Syria


Syria Cholera Outbreak May Worsen if UN Cross-Border Aid StopsAl Jazeera (6 January 2023) 

An upcoming vote by the UN Security Council will determine the future of humanitarian aid in northwestern Syria. Health workers fear ceasing aid to the region will worsen the ongoing cholera outbreak. 

Keywords: Health 

Syrian Farmers Lose Crops after Regime Allegedly Pollutes Orontes RiverL’Orient Le Jour (9 January 2023) 

A sugar factory in Tal Salheb is suspected of polluting the waters of the Orontes River with improperly disposed waste. 

Keywords: Food & Agriculture, Water, Waste, Pollution

Syria and Climate Change: Disregard Is the Order of the DayAs-safir Al-arabi (27 January 2023) 

The Syrian state has focused its approach to climate change on addressing emergencies versus mitigation or sustainability policies. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather 

L’ONU met en garde contre un risque de famine inégalé en SyrieL’Orient Le Jour (28 January 2023) 

Rates of hunger in Syria are the highest they have been since the start of the civil war. 

Keywords: Health, Food & Agriculture 

Türkiye


Bulgaria Signs Long-Term Agreement To Use Turkish Gas TerminalsAl Jazeera (3 January 2023) 

Bulgargaz, the Bulgarian state gas company, has signed a thirteen-year deal to access Turkish LGN. 

Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources

Turkiye Signs 10-Year Gas Deal with Oman -Turkish Energy MinisterMiddle East Monitor (31 January 2023) 

Türkiye will be purchasing 1.4 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Oman for the next decade. 

Keywords: Energy, Natural Resources

United Arab Emirates


UAE Names Oil Company Chief To Lead UN’s COP 28 Climate TalksAl Jazeera (12 January 2023) 

Zayed Al-Nahyan, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, has been voted by the UAE to preside over COP28 in Dubai. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather, Energy 

UAE: Dubai To Have World’s First 3D-Printed MosqueMiddle East Monitor (22 January 2023) 

Dubai plans to complete a 3D printed mosque by 2025. Construction is expected to begin in October 2023. 

Keywords: Urban Planning

UAE Companies Explore Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel with BPMiddle East Monitor (22 January 2023) 

BP, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Masdar are working together to study the production of sustainable aviation fuel. 

Keywords: Energy 

Yemen


Heating and Cooking with Coal: A Silent Killer in Yemeni HomesRaseef 22 (5 January 2023) 

Electric heaters are inaccessible to many Yemenis. Many people turn to wood or charcoal as a heating alternative in the winter, despite the impact of smoke on air quality and respiratory health. 

Keywords: Energy, Health, Air, Food & Agriculture

Yemen’s Climate: From Tree Day to the Race of the Tortoise and the HareAs-safir Al-arabi (31 January 2023) 

The Sanaa Authority has transitioned reforestation efforts to the cultivation of almonds and coffee. Both the Sanaa Authority and the Internationally Recognized Government lack plans to address the impacts of climate change anticipated to impact the country. 

Keywords: Climate & Weather, Land