Ahmad 
The Middle East and North Africa regions are witnessing an intense heat wave this summer, during which temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in some countries of the region.
Hamdi Hashad, a Tunisian expert in the fields of environment and climate, said that last year was a record year in terms of temperatures, and on July 6, 2023, the highest level of global temperatures was recorded at 17.23 degrees Celsius above normal levels.
Hashad explained that the Arab region suffers from water scarcity, and that rising temperatures could put additional pressure on water resources.
Hashad added that on June 17, Tunisia recorded an evaporation rate from dams of 0.6 million cubic meters in one day, and Morocco recorded a similar rate.
Hashad stressed that rising temperatures lead to an increase in demand for water and electricity, which poses a challenge for governments to meet the basic needs of consumers, and some countries may be forced to cut off electricity during periods when temperatures are high.
Residents seek to reduce the severity of the heat by drinking cold drinks and going to public fountains, swimming pools and beaches, but in countries such as Egypt and Iraq, residents suffer from power outages that have increased due to harsh weather conditions, as spraying water on the body can only be effective when temperatures are Less than 35°C.
In Libya, citizen Walid Abu Salah expressed his concern about the rise in temperatures, saying: “The temperature has risen more than before in recent years. It has risen significantly. I mean, when it reaches 47 in a coastal city on the sea, it becomes frightening.”
Experts warn that carbon pollution could lead to global warming to ever more dangerous levels, as heatwaves become hotter, more frequent and longer-lasting due to climate change.
Previous findings indicate that heat waves are 1.2 degrees Celsius hotter on average globally than in pre-industrial times, and the world is now heading toward a path that will see temperatures rise 1.5 degrees Celsius in the 2030s.
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