Climate Change and the Middle East
Climate change and global warming have both been extensively studied by scientists around the world. Scientists have warned many nations and governments that climate change could lead to huge problems down the road. Of course, the first thing we think of when we hear this is rising temperatures and sea levels. Rising sea levels threaten the biggest cities around the world, as these cities tend to be coastal. However, another significant impact that climate change is already having on the world is its role in increasing conflict. In fact, new studies are showing that Syria’s civil war was likely hastened into being by climate change in the region.
Syria’s Civil War has been raging since 2011. It was and is an incredibly complex involvement that has involved numerous local factions and foreign powers. The results from the war have been devastating, killing upwards of 400,000 syrians and causing millions to flee to Europe and other parts of the world. But how did it start? The general cause was civil unrest. It started with government protest that turned violent. These eventually escalated into war. The people were tired of the Assad regime, and they wanted him out. But that begs another question. Why now? A study done by Scientific American may have some answers. From 2006 to 2011, Syria experienced the worst drought in its recorded history. This drought destroyed agriculture all around the country, and forced people to leave their farms and villages and head into more urban centers, adding to the unrest. The drought also shot up food prices, further increasing struggle for those in poverty or near poverty.
Secretary of Defense James Mattis recently spoke about how climate change is already destabilizing parts of the world where US troops are located. The Scientific American study also looked at other parts of the middle east, saying that the entire region is suffering greatly, and will continue to suffer due to effects from climate change. Water will become a huge problem as it gets hotter and droughts continue. Saudi Arabia is already having water troubles, increasing the cost of living for its citizens. Obviously, climate change is a real problem that needs an answer as soon as we can find one. Unfortunately, a lot of damage has already been done.
By Nicholas Tenreiro
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I never thought about how climate change has had a hand in adding to conflict around the world. Now that this has been brought to my attention it makes a lot of sense, especially when climate change can cause people to have to relocate and can affect the prices of necessities. -Karrina J.
ReplyDeleteSome historians believe the dark ages in Europe were in part the result of a miniature ice age. Our fate is most certainly connected to our environment.
ReplyDeleteSince so much destruction and misery resulted on both sides from this war, I wonder if future ME leaders will take climate change more seriously. Probably not if there's still money in oil.
ReplyDeleteit is interseting to see how much the war and attacks can effect the atmosphere and the air we breathe. so technically they are doing more damage than what is seen
ReplyDeleteI was completely unaware of the drought that preceded the war in Syria. Terrible events unfold when people cannot grow food and provide for their families and the country.
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