Climate change and geopolitical conflicts often go hand in hand, creating a cycle that depletes natural resources and stalls progress on environmental cooperation. The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is proving that environmental diplomacy can break this cycle by fostering dialogue and driving climate solutions, even in challenging conditions.
Climate change doesn’t recognize borders, and its impact is often magnified in regions already struggling with geopolitical conflicts. In the Middle East, these challenges are compounded by strained natural resources and limited opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, Executive Director of AIES, states “At Arava Institute, we use the environment, we use science as a diplomacy tool to build understanding and to build trust in the region. We do this via academic programs, research and projects on the ground.”
At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (the 29th Conference of the Parties — COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dr. Abu Hamed and his team shared how the Institute’s work is helping to address the climate crisis in one of the most politically complex areas in the world.
How Conflict Impacts the Region’s Climate Efforts
The ongoing war in the Middle East has a devastating effect on environmental and climate initiatives. Collaborative projects are halted, and rebuilding trust among stakeholders takes significant time. The war directly contaminates air, water, and soil. Major environmental issues include untreated wastewater being discharged into the Mediterranean Sea and Gaza’s agricultural lands, chemical pollutants in the air and soil from weapon use, and the accumulation of construction debris.
Another pressing issue is the region’s massive carbon dioxide emissions, which intensify the greenhouse effect and accelerate climate change. Military activities, often reliant on extensive use of fossil fuels, significantly increase harmful emissions in the atmosphere.
The war also severely damages the region’s ecosystems. Green spaces are disappearing, leading to soil degradation and reduced fertility. Marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean are being disrupted by toxic chemicals and wastewater, threatening biodiversity. These environmental consequences compound the broader climate crisis, leaving the region even more vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.
As Dr. Abu Hamed emphasizes, for 27 years the Arava Institute has actively implemented projects aimed at solving climate and environmental issues in the region, using innovative technologies and scientific approaches.
Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza
One particularly noteworthy initiative is Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza, developed in partnership with Palestinian NGO Damour for Community Development (DCD). Presented at COP29, this program addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by creating sustainable off-grid infrastructure for displaced communities. Thanks to the key involvement of DCD, with its deep understanding of the local context, the project has achieved significant results.
As for now, four pilot shelters in Al-Mawasi, Hamad and Dir Albalah, provide refuge and essential services to over 5,000 people. Necessary resources, such as food, shelter equipment, and basic necessities, have also been delivered to establish stability for these communities. Additional measures include the installation of desalination systems for consistent access to clean water, solar panels for sustainable energy, autonomous wastewater treatment systems, and biodigesters that convert waste into energy.
In the upcoming months more shelters are to be built to provide services to approximately 20,000 individuals in Gaza with safe, autonomous shelters featuring advanced off-grid water, sanitation, and energy (WASH) solutions. These shelters are designed for long-term sustainability and independence for affected communities, with the capability for rapid deployment, scaling, and replication in other regions. Approved by the Israeli government, the collaborative effort of the Arava Institute, Damour, and their international partners demonstrates that united efforts can tackle global challenges more efficiently, even in the midst of war.
Arava Institute’s Innovative Technologies
The Arava Institute actively implements projects aimed at solving climate and environmental issues in the region, using innovative technologies and scientific approaches. Key achievements of the Gaza initiative include:
- Solar-powered desalination systems, which provide access to drinking water for remote and vulnerable communities, minimizing reliance on centralized infrastructure. These systems operate efficiently even in areas with limited electricity.
- Autonomous wastewater treatment technologies, which reduce environmental pollution and enable water reuse in agriculture, a particularly important solution in the region’s arid climate.
- Agri-photovoltaics, an innovative combination of solar panels and agricultural land that allows for simultaneous energy generation and enhanced agroecosystem resilience. This solution helps improve food security and combats soil degradation.
The work of the Arava Institute is all about the power of environmental diplomacy. It shows that this approach can not only address climate change but also build bridges between people.
