Yemen faces worsening climate change impacts amid ongoing conflict, with urgent need for investments in water and agriculture, according to the World Bank’s CCDR. Rising temperatures and extreme weather threaten food security, economic stability, and public health. Strategic actions could enhance resilience, while the private sector’s involvement is crucial for mobilizing climate-focused funding.
Yemen is currently grappling with intertwined crises resulting from prolonged conflict and escalating climate change, which exacerbates issues like water scarcity and food insecurity. The recent “Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR)” from the World Bank Group emphasizes the urgent requirement for climate-responsive investments to address these multifaceted challenges. Due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather patterns, the livelihoods of many Yemenis are at risk, with the potential for an average GDP decline of 3.9% by 2040 if no significant intervention occurs.
The CCDR indicates feasible pathways for enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development through strategic investments in water resources and adaptive agricultural practices. Optimistic scenarios suggest these measures could increase crop yields by up to 13.5% from 2041 to 2050. Yemen’s fisheries, however, face severe threats, with projections estimating losses of up to 23% by mid-century due to climate-related impacts.
In light of these challenges, urgent calls for climate resilience strategies have been voiced. According to Stephane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, “Immediate and decisive action on climate resilience is a matter of survival for millions of Yemenis.” He further highlights that investing in water security, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy can significantly enhance the nation’s resilience.
The report underscores that disaster risk management must be prioritized to mitigate the increasing severity of climate-related events, particularly in urban centers and critical infrastructure, which are particularly susceptible to economic shocks. Moreover, it warns that health issues linked to climate change could impose costs exceeding US$5 billion by 2050, requiring the integration of climate resilience in public health planning for vulnerable demographics.
Yemen possesses substantial renewable energy potential that could contribute positively to its climate recovery efforts while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Such advancements will not only bolster its power infrastructure but also support essential services amidst ongoing conflicts.
The report stresses the necessity for private sector involvement to tackle Yemen’s developmental hurdles. As per Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East, “Harnessing its potential through innovative financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments can help mobilize the climate-focused funding the country urgently needs.”
Furthermore, the CCDR suggests that adaptable, risk-informed decision-making is essential due to Yemen’s unpredictable political climate. The report presents a scenario-based framework for climate investments that accommodate varying degrees of peace and conflict, suggesting that a “Peace and Prosperity” scenario could facilitate more effective adaptation strategies, yielding substantial socio-economic benefits.
Yemen has been embroiled in conflict for over a decade, which has severely diminished its socio-economic fabric and compounded the effects of climate change. The country faces acute challenges, particularly in the domains of food and water security, aggravated by climate risks such as rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. Such environmental changes threaten the livelihoods of millions and pose a dire risk to Yemen’s already fragile economy. The World Bank Group’s CCDR aims to integrate climate change considerations into Yemen’s developmental framework, presenting a comprehensive analysis of the necessary actions to counter these escalating crises.
In summary, Yemen’s battle against ongoing conflict and climate change necessitates immediate and concerted action focusing on climate resilience and sustainable development. The findings from the World Bank Group’s CCDR expose the grave economic implications if urgent measures are not adopted while also illuminating pathways toward recovery through enhanced water and food security initiatives. International support and private sector engagement are essential to mobilize necessary funding and to create a conducive environment for long-term resilience amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
