Regional Cooperation: Key to Shared Prosperity and Security
February 23, 2022
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Eastern Mediterranean is characterized by fresh water scarcity, concentration of economic activities in coastal areas and reliance on climate-sensitive agriculture. In short, it is a climate change hotspot. For example, four countries are considered water poor: Egypt, Israel, Syria and Libya, with projections forecast to increase from around 180 million people today to over 250 million over the next 15 years. Innovation in the conversion of waste water is another classic example of how these countries must work together to realize the basic needs of growing populations. While it is often overlooked in the discussions on hydrocarbons and renewables, access to fresh water is as vital to the security and prosperity of the region as ample supplies of energy.