Yemen is battling profound challenges due to a decade of conflict and severe impacts from climate change, as highlighted in the recent Yemen CCDR by the World Bank Group. Emphasizing the urgency for climate-responsive investments, the report reveals that rising temperatures and extreme weather exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, including food insecurity and poverty. Targeted strategies in water management and agriculture, coupled with private sector engagement, are crucial for building resilience and securing a sustainable future for Yemen.
Yemen, already grappling with a decade-long conflict, is confronted with escalating climate challenges exacerbating issues such as water scarcity and food insecurity. The World Bank Group’s newly released Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) underscores the urgent need for climate-sensitive investments aimed at addressing critical areas like water management and agricultural resilience in a country marked by fragility and ongoing conflict. The report reveals that Yemen experiences rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased extreme weather events, adversely affecting vulnerable populations and economic stability.
Currently, approximately half of Yemen’s population is exposed to significant climatic hazards, such as extreme heat and drought, which aggravate food insecurity and poverty levels. If immediate measures are not undertaken, it is projected that Yemen’s annual GDP may decrease by as much as 3.9% by 2040 due to reduced agricultural productivity and infrastructure degradation. However, the CCDR identifies opportunities for enhancing resilience and safety nets through targeted investments in water storage and adaptive agriculture, potentially boosting crop yields by over 13.5% from 2041 to 2050 under favorable climate scenarios.
Fisheries, however, remain under threat, with mid-century estimates indicating losses up to 23% as rising sea temperatures increasingly affect marine resources. “Yemen is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises—conflict, climate change, and poverty. Immediate and decisive action on climate resilience is essential for the survival of millions of Yemenis,” stated Stephane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti.
The report emphasizes the necessity of disaster risk management, particularly as flash floods become more frequent, jeopardizing urban areas and critical infrastructure. Without strategic adaptation, economic shocks could disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Climate-related health challenges are forecasted to impose over US$5 billion in excess healthcare costs by 2050, necessitating integration of climate resilience into public health planning, especially concerning vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Additionally, Yemen possesses considerable potential for renewable energy, an essential element of its climate adaptation and recovery strategy. Effective utilization of renewable resources could diminish reliance on fossil fuels and enhance strength in power infrastructure, which will be vital in delivering critical services in conflict-affected regions.
“The private sector has a vital role in addressing Yemen’s immediate development challenges,” stated Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East. Introducing innovative financing mechanisms and fostering a supportive investment climate are crucial steps towards mobilizing climate-focused funding needed for Yemen’s greener future.
The CCDR advocates for flexible, risk-informed decision-making to align climate actions with Yemen’s unpredictable political situation. With a scenario-based approach, investments could be tailored based on Yemen’s peace progress or potential escalation of conflict. In a ‘Peace and Prosperity’ scenario, increased adaptation measures could yield an array of economic and social benefits.
Yemen is currently enduring a multifaceted crisis characterized by prolonged conflict and deteriorating climatic conditions. For over ten years, the country has faced violent confrontations that have decimated its infrastructure, disrupted agricultural practices, and left millions vulnerable to food and water scarcity. Climate change compounds these challenges by threatening agricultural productivity and increasing the risks of extreme weather. As such, the World Bank Group has released the CCDR to address the intersection of climate change impacts and conflict dynamics in pursuit of sustainable development and resilience in Yemen.
The newly released Yemen CCDR outlines crucial challenges stemming from climate change and prolonged conflict, urging immediate, climate-responsive investments to mitigate associated risks. The report articulates the pressing need for strategic initiatives in water management, agriculture, and health systems, emphasizing private sector involvement and international community support to ensure sustainable peace and resilience. Addressing climate change is imperative for Yemen’s future; without that, millions may face severe repercussions in terms of survival, economic stability, and health. Furthermore, as stated in the CCDR, enhancing disaster risk management and investing in renewable energy can play pivotal roles in creating a more resilient infrastructure, encompassing vital services to aid in recovery and development.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
