Climate change and migration are major concerns in the MENA region, yet the empirical evidence on the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on migration remains limited. Information is broadly lacking on how households in vulnerable areas perceive changes in the climate, how they are affected by extreme weather events, whether they benefit from community and government programs to help them cope with and adapt to a changing climate, and how these conditions influence the decision of household members to migrate, either temporarily or permanently. This introductory chapter summarizes briefly the main results of the study which relied on existing data as well as focus groups and new household surveys collected in 2011 in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, and Yemen. The results suggest that households do perceive important changes in the climate, and that many households are being affected by extreme weather events resulting in losses in income, crops, and livestock. The coping and adaptation strategies used by households to deal with weather shocks are diverse, but also limited, with most households not able to recover from the negative impact of weather shocks. The ability of community level responses and government programs to support households is also very limited. Finally, while climate change is not today the main driver of migration flows, it does appear to contribute substantially to these flows, so that worsening climatic conditions are likely to exacerbate future migration flows.

While there are instances where individuals or households are forcibly displaced or leave because they feel a decent life is no longer possible, migration is more than just a response to an unfolding crisis. Under certain conditions, migration can be a proactive livelihood diversification strategy that contributes to rural households’ capacity to adapt to changing conditions.

Cambridge, UK : Cambridge University Press, 1998.

This open access book not only describes the challenges of climate disruption, but also presents solutions. The challenges described include air pollution, climate change, extreme weather, and related health impacts that range from heat stress, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and chronic diseases to malnutrition and mental well-being. The influence of humans on climate change has been established through extensive published evidence and reports. However, the connections between climate change, the health of the planet and the impact on human health have not received the same level of attention. Therefore, the global focus on the public health impacts of climate change is a relatively recent area of interest. This focus is timely since scientists have concluded that changes in climate have led to new weather extremes such as floods, storms, heat waves, droughts and fires, in turn leading to more than 600,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly 4 billion people in the last 20 years. Previous work on the health impacts of climate change was limited mostly to epidemiologic approaches and outcomes and focused less on multidisciplinary, multi-faceted collaborations between physical scientists, public health researchers and policy makers. Further, there was little attention paid to faith-based and ethical approaches to the problem. The solutions and actions we explore in this book engage diverse sectors of civil society, faith leadership, and political leadership, all oriented by ethics, advocacy, and policy with a special focus on poor and vulnerable populations. The book highlights areas we think will resonate broadly with the public, faith leaders, researchers and students across disciplines including the humanities, and policy makers.

The Near East and North Africa (NENA) has always been affected and in many ways shaped by the high levels of human mobility. However, rural migration - or migration to, from and between rural areas - is often overlooked, despite its important ramifications for food security, agriculture, rural development and regional disparities. In the next decade, persistent poverty, climatic threats and increasing competition for natural resources may fuel greater levels of migration across NENA countries. This report was designed to provide policy makers, practitioners and development partners with an overview of the main challenges and opportunities of rural migration in the NENA region.

Unveiling developmental disparities in the Middle East is essential for understanding the complex socio-economic landscape of the region, often containing critical inequalities and varied economic growth. Despite being rich in resources and cultural heritage, many countries in the Middle East face significant challenges, including political instability, economic volatility, and social unrest, which hinder equitable development. Examining these factors contributing to inequality may help scholars and government officials better address the barriers to sustainable development. Understanding present disparities in the region is crucial for policymakers, international organizations, and communities aiming to promote inclusive growth and improved quality of life. Unveiling Developmental Disparities in the Middle East examines the role of international relations and domestic policies in shaping Middle Eastern economic outcomes, with a particular focus on how governance and institutional development have diverged across these regions. By examining the influence of oil wealth, geopolitical dynamics, and historical legacies, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of why these nations have evolved so differently despite geographical proximity and cultural ties. This book covers topics such as sustainability, gender studies, and political governance, and is a useful resource for government officials, policymakers, gender scientists, healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, academicians, and researchers.