The 14th New Faces Conference, organized by the German Society of Foreign Policy (DGAP), Heinrich Böll Foundation and the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS), “The Impact of Climate Change on the Middle East – Converging and Diverging Perceptions of Development and Human Security”, was held in Jordan in November 2010. Aiming to bring together participants with different regional and professional backgrounds, the conference focused primarily on security implications in the areas of energy, water and food security. Thereby, not only risks, but also chances have been highlighted throughout the discussion.

The energy panel concentrated mainly on the shift toward renewable energy in the region. It was pointed out that this development would possibly create a new type of dependency on foreign technology. Drawbacks and incentives for nuclear energy were also discussed. However, the threats of nuclear power in this politically volatile region and the potential of contaminating valuable land, and therefore hampering tourism in the case of an accident, are high.

In the water panel the need for a combination of national adaptation and efficiency improvement; one highlight, for example, focused on managed aquifer recharge with transboundary cooperation. Climate change was ambiguously seen as increasing the benefits of cooperation on shared water resources on the one hand, while similarly increasing the conflict potential on the other hand. The food security panel discussed the enhancement of national food production to achieve food security, taking into account traditional diets and livelihoods of farmers.

General technical problems include the current subsidies for water and energy, as well as a lack of transparency with respect to data. Further underlying problems are inefficient structures in the countries, but also mistrust between states. As a result, the participants figure the need for accountability of governments, public pressure, and participatory decision making. Although international cooperation in the region is difficult, it yields strong benefits in all three areas of action and could even increase political stability. Climate change itself was more seen as a chance to create significant pressure in order to initiate positive changes in the region. (Franziska Piontek)

More information concerning the New Faces conference 2010 is available under http://www.boell-ameo.org/

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, December 2010