Minister of Water: Climate change intensifies challenges faced by the government.

Minister Highlights Urgency of International Support

In a recent virtual roundtable organized by Chatham House, British Minister of Water and Environment, Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, emphasized the escalating climate challenges facing Yemen. These challenges arise amid the complex turmoil caused by the Houthi militia’s insurgency, ongoing warfare, and the resultant economic and humanitarian crises.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Yemen

During the roundtable, which attracted policymakers, international experts, and academics, participants discussed the implications of climate challenges on Yemen’s peace-building efforts. The discussions also focused on the limitations of current political responses to climate issues and explored ways to enhance international support for the Yemeni government’s initiatives to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.

Minister Al-Sharjabi outlined the Yemeni government’s efforts to address climate threats, highlighting the activation of climate action initiatives in 2019. This marked a significant shift after a four-year hiatus due to the ongoing conflict. The government aims to establish robust institutional and technical frameworks to counter the worsening climate impacts, which directly affect various sectors and the livelihoods of citizens. These challenges pose significant security, economic, and developmental risks.

Threats from Houthi Attacks on Marine Resources

The minister also addressed the alarming impact of Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. He noted that these assaults not only jeopardize the environment but also complicate adaptation and mitigation efforts against climate change. The attacks threaten marine biodiversity and coastal communities, exacerbating Yemen’s vulnerability to extreme climate events.

Call for Global Support

Al-Sharjabi stressed the critical need for international support to help Yemen adapt to climate changes. He pointed out that Yemen ranks as the second most affected country by climate change globally, yet it remains one of the least prepared to mitigate and adapt to its effects. Notably, Yemen contributes minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, which are primarily responsible for climate change.

In conclusion, the minister’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a coordinated global response to assist Yemen in navigating its climate challenges while addressing the broader humanitarian crisis.

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