While countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region have increased their climate commitments by updating their NDCs, cities are still struggling to understand the potential costs and potential economic risks of climate change impacts. At the same time, MENA cities have great potential as drivers for climate action and can contribute to a just transition, given the appropriate resources.
About 65% of MENA’s population lives in urban areas – exceeding the global average of 55% – and these areas consume about 78% of countries’ energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. The potential for an energy transition is heightened by the regions’ natural resources: MENA receives 22-26% of all solar energy striking the Earth and 75% of the region experiences wind speeds eligible for utility-scale wind farms.
Noting the diversity of socio-economic, human, natural resources, as well as the characteristics of risk management, sustainability governance and implementation capacities across cities and local governments in the region, it is important to enhance effective cross-regional knowledge exchanges, and multi-level governance co-operation to help direct funds and technical assistance to sub-national governments.
Today at COP28, ICLEI’s Senior Expert on Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation Dr. Nuha Eltinay moderated a session which explored the implications of the region hosting two consecutive UNFCCC COPs and how this can help identify the needs and response to climate change at the local level.
Mayor Mohamed Sefiani of ICLEI Member Chefchaouen (Morocco), and a member of ICLEI Global Executive Committee spoke about the city’s efforts towards enhancing biological diversity and developing ecotourism. The city is facing several climate challenges, but mostly focused on water shortages which are addressed by several mechanisms, applying a multi-level governance system that can ensure access to clear water is inclusive and provided for the people most in need.
Similarly, ecotourism is another action the city is undertaking to help protect the natural ecosystem and promote cultural and environmental tourism. This is done in collaboration and partnership with the national government, which is critical in strengthening action for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Being an active member of global city networks and organisations has helped build the municipality’s resilience and take concrete actions to combat climate change impacts at the local level. Wider presence of international city networks needs to be expanded in the region to support other MENA cities, better define their needs and priorities for sustainable development.
Similarly, Dr. Ahmad Albitar of Arab Towns Organization (ATO) emphasised the important role that ATO plays in fostering cooperation, exchange and expertise between Arab cities with the aim to support sustainable development and modernisation of municipal and local institutions and to promote the development and standardisation of legislation and municipal systems.
Reflecting on the session, Dr. Eltinay noted "This session was a key milestone in ICLEI's history of engagements at COP, showcasing the impact of COP28 in strengthening the local voice in MENA and empowering decision makers to help best communicate their messahes and deliver impacts on climate change, calling for other cities in the region to join city networks." Cities across the MENA region contain great capacity for climate action and a multilevel governance approach can help facilitate that transition.