Environment and Climate in the Middle East

news, conferences, policy discussions and academic publications on environmental issues and climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean

Environment and Climate in the Middle East

Archives for May, 2020

Scientists say Israel may become a desert by the end of the century – YNET

As temperatures around the country averaging at 40°C, environmental experts warn that greenhouse gas emissions stand behind the extreme weather, side effects from atmospheric damage will be severe Noa Fisher | Published: 05.19.20 , 12:46 Experts believe that the extreme heatwave besetting Israel, which might give 2020 the dubious title of “warmest year in history,” […]

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Extreme Heat Wave in Israel – Haaretz

Rare Lengthy Heat Wave in Israel Could Break Records Zafrir Rinat Published on 18.05.2020 Temperatures in eastern valleys have topped a sweltering 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) The Meteorological Service says that Israel’s current heat wave could break records for duration, assuming it lasts for the six days that are forecast. In many places […]

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Power disruptions continue to hit water supply — ministry – Jordan Times

Bahaa Al Deen Al Nawas – May 20,2020 Power cuts are causing ‘major disruptions’ to water distribution around the Kingdom, according to the Water Ministry (File photo) AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Wednesday said that power outages at main water sources are still occurring in light of an “unprecedented and continuous […]

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Egypt accepts Ethiopia-Sudan proposal to renegotiate dam dispute Al Jazeera

Agreement needs to allow for ‘Egypt’s water interests as well as those of Ethiopia and Sudan’ says foreign ministry. 22 May 2020 Egypt has said it is willing to resume negotiations with Sudan and Ethiopia over the filling of a controversial mega-dam that has been a source of tension between all three Nile basin countries. […]

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EIB offers up to 2m euros in technical assistance to Jordan Valley water project – Jordan Times

Rabadi, Abul Saud sign agreement with bank for providing consultancy services By JT – May 21,2020 AMMAN — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Wissam Rabadi on Thursday signed a grant agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) of up to 2 million euros to provide consultancy services to support the Jordan Valley Water Resources […]

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Israeli start-up focused on AI agricultural solutions secures $7 million – Jerusalem Post

“We are thrilled to have JVP, an international leading VC fund, and Syngenta as strategic and industry expert investors to help fuel Greeneye’s growth,” said co-founder and CEO Nadav Bocher. By ZACHARY KEYSER   MAY 26, 2020 18:07 Israeli start-up Greeneye Technology has secured $7 million during a seed-funding round led by Jerusalem Venture Partners […]

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Syrian builds rooftop farm – Al Jazeera

A Syrian civil engineer has built a hydroponic farm on his rooftop to save resources and overcome economic hardship. 19 May 2020 10:52 GMT Abdulrahman al-Masri’s farm saves on resources and produces nearly 25 tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually. He started the project in 2018 with a loan that he is paying off by selling […]

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Environmental Group Objects to Israeli Army’s Plan to Build Roads Through Nature Reserve – Haaretz

Zafrir Rinat 18.05.2020 Military aims to shore up Lebanese border region, but activists fear damage to the area’s rare flora and fauna The Israeli army is continuing to promote plans to build roads through nature reserves as part of its effort to shore up the Lebanese border region, much to the chagrin of environmentalists, and […]

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Work in Jerusalem Nature Spot Will Harm Gazelles, Wildlife, Israeli Activists Say – Haaretz

Zafrir Rinat 12.05.2020 Activists protest agricultural work being done during animals’ birthing season, while Parks Authority says work not done within reserve and is covered by permit setting conditions to prevent damage The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and environmentalists in Jerusalem are accusing the Israel Nature and Parks Authority of abandoning […]

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Qatar’s birdlife thriving amid coronavirus restrictions – Al Jazeera

Lockdown and movement restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic are having a positive effect on Qatar’s wildlife. by Stefanie Dekker 26 May 2020 Lockdowns and restrictions on human movement due to the coronavirus pandemic have allowed nature to flourish around the world. In Qatar, where a string of strict measures have been imposed to prevent […]

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Can the Middle East afford to care about the climate emergency? – The New Arab

Gaia Caramazza 10 December, 2019 Public opinion around the world is rightly panicked about the climate emergency, but despite being projected to be among the hardest-hit regions by global warming, Middle Eastern governments and citizens have been late to take interest, let alone act. Climate change is already affecting the Middle East and North Africa, […]

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Israel should be funding alternative energy, not another gas pipeline – Jerusalem Post

A pipeline only serves interests of the gas tycoons and not the taxpayers or the environmentally minded residents of the region. By YOSEF ISRAEL ABRAMOWITZ MAY 2, 2020 The Energy Ministry has announced an ambitious NIS 25 billion investment and development plan in the shadow of the corona crisis. This is a welcome step. Yet […]

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The Sea of Galilee is full, but its beaches are empty – YNET / Haaretz

The water level in Israel’s only freshwater lake is currently at -208.92 meters (minus 685 feet), the highest it has been in decades; but, due to coronavirus, tourists and pilgrims will only be able to return to its shores sometime this autumn or winter Associated Press | Published: 05.02.20 After an especially rainy winter, the […]

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Israeli billionaire hopes to bring water to parched Gaza – Haaretz

Israeli authorities hasten process that normally takes years in order to install machine in Gaza hospital, at behest of businessman close to Netanyahu The Associated Press | May 7, 2020 | 10:51 PM | 1 A Georgian-Israeli billionaire believes he has found a solution to the Gaza Strip’s chronic water crisis. Michael Mirilashvili wants to […]

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Cyberattack by Iran targeted Israel’s water and sewage systems, report says – Haaretz

Official tells Fox News there is ‘ongoing investigation’ ■ Cybersecurity instructions sent to employees of companies involved systems reportedly mention water chlorination Haaretz | May 7, 2020 | 7:16 PM | 1 A cyberattack that targeted Israeli water and sewage systems last month was likely carried out by Iran via servers in the United States, […]

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Israel’s beaches becoming haven for sharks – Jerusalem Post

While species of sharks such as the dusty shark, or the sandbar shark are seemingly endangered in the Mediterranean, it seems as though Israel’s shores are a safe place for the sharks to be. By CELIA JEAN MAY 4, 2020 Many things are associated with Israel’s Mediterranean shores: Tel Aviv’s tourist-dense beaches, people playing the […]

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