Advancing Climate Security in the Middle East: EcoPeace's “Green Blue Deal” Report

In the Middle East, water is at the center of an environmental crisis. And in the most water scarce region on the planet, conflict and the climate have made a problematic situation even more desperate. EcoPeace Middle East, with its unique alliance of Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli environmentalists, has launched a bold report that provides a road map for regional and international policy makers to meet the looming challenges of climate change. The new report proposes harnessing the sun and the sea to power region-wide desalinated water and energy security for all. It highlights the need and opportunity to solve Israeli/Palestinian natural water allocations today to achieve water equity. And it proposes climate smart investments and green job development around the Jordan Valley. This sweeping initiative, supported by public awareness and education programs, will engage the public, especially younger generations, to understand the importance of diplomacy in the water and climate debate and as an example of effective conflict resolution and peace building. The report’s recommendations build on the programs and concepts developed and implemented by EcoPeace over the last 26 years.