Workshop: Environment and Security in the Eastern Mediterranean region - Policy directions in the context of climate change and regional crisis

Climate change is already evident in the Eastern Mediterranean in the form of rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. Scientists project that the region will warm much faster than the global mean rate. Such physical changes contribute to the vulnerability of states and societies that are already heavily strained by political turmoil, economic and fiscal crises, and the impact of regional conflicts.

The overarching objectives of the workshop were a) to analyse the potential ramifications of climate change on Eastern Mediterranean regional security, drawing inter alia on recent research by the PCC; and b) to devise a set of recommendations which, if taken forward, would help international and regional actors to understand and address potential negative political and security consequences of climate change in this region. This workshop also helped to create a dynamic informal network of professionals working on related issues in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

The workshop was facilitated by Elizabeth Sellwood, who presented her recent research for FES and PCC on regional climate security risks, and by Peter Brorsen, who brings both extensive regional experience and expertise in quantitative and qualitative systems for early warning. We provided an informal, specialized, idea-and action-generating forum within which experts with thematic and regional expertise discussed policy options and potential for collaboration.