Gulf states confront climate catastrophe

KUWAIT CITY, April 25, (Agencies): The weekend weather will be warm to hot during the day and moderate at night, marked with relative humidity and unsteady and hot southeasterly winds, the meteorological center said on Thursday. The center director, Abdulaziz Al- Qarawi, said in a statement to KUNA that the weather during the rest of today would be largely hot with the temperature forecast at 34-35 degrees, but will turn moderate at night. Friday will see a tendency towards warmer temperatures, accompanied by some moisture in coastal areas.

The forecast heat will range between 35 and 37 degrees. The weather at night will be moderate with some humidity. On Saturday, it will be hot with temperatures ranging between 36 and 38 degrees and fall to 22-24 degrees at night. Meanwhile, recent extreme weather conditions experienced by several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, notably Oman and the United Arab Emirates, have sparked discussions about the profound impact of climate change on life in the Arabian Gulf region, reports Al-Jarida daily.

This dialogue, facilitated by a symposium organized by the Cultural Committee in the Department of Psychology at Kuwait University in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf, underscores the urgent need for developing an emergency system to address extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, which pose significant challenges and are notoriously difficult to predict. The unprecedented rainfall witnessed in the region, resulting from a depression, may signify a transformative shift in the climate patterns of the Arabian Gulf.

The occurrence of “rain bombs,” equivalent to two years’ worth of rainfall in a single day, highlights the potential long-term implications for the region’s inhabitants, ranging from infrastructure damage to impacts on sanitation systems and city design. Climate scientists have long warned about the dangers of global warming and its repercussions on various aspects of life, including food and water security, extreme weather events, and public health. The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted by 197 countries in 2015, aims to mitigate climate change and limit global temperature rise to within 2 degrees Celsius. However, the challenges posed by climate change require a comprehensive and proactive response from GCC countries.

This entails expanding scientific research efforts to better understand the severity and extent of climate change impacts, as well as developing adaptation strategies to safeguard public health, infrastructure, and natural resources While acknowledging the responsibility of oil-producing nations in addressing climate change, it is essential to approach the issue with professionalism and scientific rigor. This includes investing in research and innovation, enhancing collaboration between research institutions and private entities, and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing scientific research in GCC countries and increasing investment in this critical area. While some Gulf nations have made strides in scientific research spending, there is a need for sustained efforts to bolster research production and innovation indicators. In conclusion, addressing the challenges of climate change requires a serious and decisive approach, characterized by robust research efforts, proactive policymaking, and international collaboration. By taking concerted action, Gulf nations can effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the well-being of their populations for generations to come.