Environmental Justice in a Changing Climate: Addressing Inequalities in Egypt, Tunisia, and Syria

As climate change accelerates, its impacts reverberate through the socioeconomic fabric of the Arab world, amplifying entrenched inequalities and challenging the foundations of governance. This paper explores the intersection of climate change and environmental justice in Egypt, Tunisia, and Syria, highlighting how climate change exacerbates entrenched inequalities and challenges governance. It argues that while climate change is a global issue, its effects are particularly localized, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, such as women, refugees, and rural populations, who contribute least to the problem. Key findings indicate that climate-induced phenomena like water scarcity, extreme heat, and food insecurity worsen existing socioeconomic disparities, leaving vulnerable groups excluded from decision-making processes. They show that governmental response often prioritizes elite interests, relying on business-as-usual approaches rather than equitable solutions. In contrast, grassroots movements and environmental activism are emerging to challenge the status quo, advocating for accountability and policies that promote resilience and social equity. These movements aim to reshape climate policies to better address the needs of marginalized communities, contributing to a sustainable and equitable response to the climate crisis. The paper invites an open dialogue on the nexus of climate change and equity and promote environmental justice as a catalyst for sustainable development.