Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests Prolonged wildfires are raging across Iran's northern Hyrcanian forests, highlighting mismanagement, insufficient resources and climate stress, and forcing volunteers and foreign aid to intervene. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria attends Brazil’s COP30 as most Middle East leaders skip talks Two years after the UAE and Egypt hosted back-to-back climate conferences, global headwinds are threatening climate action as talks begin in Belem amid notable absences. United Arab Emirates
Over 200 hospitalized in Tunisia’s Gabes as anger over pollution crisis grows President Kais Saied is facing one of his biggest challenges yet as demands for the closure of the city’s phosphate processing plant increase. Tunisia
Drought-stricken Iraq sends delegation to Turkey to discuss water cooperation Turkey recently agreed to release more water to Iraq amid the drought in the country, indicating improving coordination on resource management after years of tensions over Turkish dams. Iraq
Wildfires kill dozens as extreme heat sweeps across Algeria, Turkey, Europe Scientists say the wildfires have become more intense in the past years due to climate change. Turkey
At last, Israel’s Netanyahu invited to UAE for COP28 The Israeli leader may have to wait until November, for the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, for his first public visit to the Emirates. Israel
Entire UAE, Qatar, Bahrain populations vulnerable to extreme heat, study says The UAE is particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% of its population exposed to extreme heat even after a 1.5 C (34.7 F) rise in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels. Qatar
In UAE, Brazil’s Lula looks east for climate investments, peace brokering President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva looks to exert Brazil's power in a geopolitical landscape that has significantly shifted since he last held office. Legacy: Gulf
Severe floods in Iraq leave several dead, adding to climate strains Iraq is contending with both heavy rains and increasing desertification. Iraq
New World Bank grant to help Egypt manage Cairo's air pollution A 2022 report published by the American University of Cairo described Cairo's air quality as a "direct threat to public health.” Egypt
COP-28 head Sultan Al Jaber: UAE ‘running toward’ energy transition As the climate summit president continues to face criticism for his role as head of the UAE's state oil producer, Sultan Al Jaber argued that his position will serve more as an asset than an obstacle to energy transition. Legacy: Gulf
Clean air funding halved in Iran’s budget as pollution chokes much of country As much of Iran grapples with record levels of air pollution during the cold season each year, the government has halved the resources allocated to tackling the pressing issue despite an overall increase in the budget cap. Iran
Israel's rescue teams arrive in Turkey, will establish field hospital for earthquake victims Three Israeli rescue delegations are already on the ground, with more humanitarian aid expected in the coming days. Israel
Turkey plans to expand renewable energy but sticks to coal, nuclear Clean energy advocates say Turkey should speed up its shift to renewable sources not only out of environmental concerns, but also to reduce its costly reliance on imported energy. Turkey
OPEC Fund raises $1 billion via sustainability bond Gulf states in the organization are showing increasing interest in funding projects related to the environment, renewable energy and green technology. Legacy: Gulf
Oil pollution threatens Libyan oases The populated areas near the oil fields in northeast Libya are suffering from pollution resulting from oil-related operations, in the absence of any action from authorities. North Africa
