How did ancient Egyptian civilization use the oasis and Nile Delta around the White Desert, and what remains or literature have their traces been handed down to?
How have flood flooding, sedimentation and groundwater level changes in the Nile Delta changed since the completion of the Aswan High Dam?
How is the climate in your country? Do you think it’s livable? These days, global warming is intensifying, and I understand that temperatures are rising — or will rise — in every country. In the past, Korea had four very distinct seasons, but as global warming progresses, I can personally feel that these seasons are gradually disappearing. Of course, this might just be my own impression, but there is actual evidence to support it. Over the past 100 years, the average annual temperature in South Korea has increased by approximately 1.8°C. In particular, urban areas have experienced more noticeable warming due to the heat island effect.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, between 2071 and 2100, summer is expected to become about 40 days longer, while winter will become around 40 days shorter. As a result, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, tropical nights, heavy rainfall, and droughts are occurring more frequently, causing great suffering for everyone.
As we can see from the example of South Korea — a country located in the mid-latitudes — the impact of global warming is something we can never ignore.
First, like South Korea, the average global temperature has been steadily rising. Since 1880, the global average temperature has increased by about 1.1 to 1.2°C. This has led to the shrinking of Arctic sea ice, rising sea levels, and increased desertification.
Second, global warming doesn’t just affect temperature — it also leads to a variety of extreme weather events. In other words, we are seeing more frequent and intense occurrences of heatwaves, cold spells, droughts, heavy rainfall, and wildfires across the globe. For example, massive wildfires in Europe and North America, catastrophic floods in Pakistan, and severe droughts in China are clear signs of this trend. In South Korea as well, heatwaves in the summer and abnormal cold snaps in the winter have become more prominent.
Third, it’s now widely known that global warming is melting glaciers and causing sea levels to rise. This threatens island nations with the risk of submersion, putting the lives of indigenous populations at risk. For instance, Japan, being an island nation, is expected to lose a significant portion of its landmass by around the year 2100.
In addition, rising ocean temperatures and acidification are intensifying coral bleaching, leading to a decrease in both the number and variety of fish. This ultimately results in lower fishery yields, which means a decline in one of humanity’s crucial food sources.
Finally, abnormal climate patterns are making crop cultivation more difficult and worsening water scarcity, which in turn is increasing the number of climate refugees. This is particularly serious in regions like Africa and South Asia, where food insecurity and even conflict are becoming more likely.
Because of all these issues, countries around the world are making numerous efforts. One such example is the Paris Agreement, an international pledge to limit the global temperature rise to within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
1. National Climate Change Strategy 2050 (NCCS 2050)
In May 2022, Egypt announced the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, presenting a long-term vision for addressing climate change. The strategy includes priority projects to be completed by 2030 and aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity sector to 42%.
2. Review of Green Growth Policies
In 2024, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reviewed Egypt's green growth policies and proposed 40 recommendations for sustainable development. This review covered various areas such as climate action, clean energy transition, air pollution, waste management, water scarcity, and biodiversity protection. Additionally, Egypt is expanding investments in the green economy. The government plans to increase the proportion of green projects in public investment from 30% in 2023 to up to 50% by 2025. These investments include the addition of environmental monitoring stations, tree planting, and various adaptation projects to address climate change.
3. National Initiative for Smart Green Projects
Egypt is expanding sustainable solutions through a national initiative aimed at promoting smart and eco-friendly projects. This program seeks to raise awareness about sustainability, emission reduction, and the circular economy.
Question – The Egyptian government plans to increase the proportion of green projects in public investment from 30% in 2023 to up to 50% by 2025 as part of its transition to a green economy. Are there any current examples of projects that have been influenced by this initiative? If so, in what ways have they changed or evolved as a result?
