Abstract

Water is the most important natural resource in the Arab World and will only become more important in the future. Water demand generally rises in conjunction with population increase and economic growth. Water shortage and scarcity will add a layer of political uncertainty in the region and potential conflicts may appear in several countries and may expand to more countries that share the same water source or groundwater aquifer. The symptoms and influences of climate change in the Arab region have been expressed in extreme harsh environments affecting all components and levels of societies and economies. Elevated poverty, food and water scarcity, migration and instability, flooding and catastrophes, diseases and mortality, are all real examples. This review aims to summarize the multi-disciplinary issues of the water crisis in the Arab World; to review the recent available data and information describing the status of water in the region; to highlight the urgency for synergy and integration in all scales and levels; and to propose scientific and affordable mitigation measures and solutions for the survival of the existing and coming generations.

Keywords: Water; Climate change; Food security; Poverty; Health; Conflict