Energy, Water and Climate Change - Building Bridges
The region encompassing the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, with a combined population of approximately 500 million people, is characterized by strong environmental gradients, climate extremes and diverse economic, social and cultural identities. From a global perspective, the region is a climate change “hot spot.” Adverse impacts of climate change throughout the 21st century are expected, and major challenges in energy and food security, threats to environmental integrity, as well as decreasing availability of fresh water are anticipated.
Science and technology are key determinants for economic growth and societal well-being. In addressing the many and growing challenges for humanity, scientific research is crucial to help find sustainable solutions in a region with limited resources. A true European-MENA partnership on science and technology is needed, to be developed by co-operations between international research and educational institutions.