Gender, Climate, Peace and Security in the Arab States (In Brief) – February 2026

Gender equality, climate change, peace and security are intricately linked in the Arab States, where rising temperatures, extreme weather events and desertification are increasingly contributing to social, political and economic fragility. 

Climate shocks erode peace and development gains, strain infrastructure and disrupt social cohesion, often intensifying conflict. Protracted crises and instability have devastated human lives, infrastructure and public services, while environmental degradation and resource scarcity further undermine already fragile governance systems. 

In many Arab States, the impacts of climate change converge with ongoing displacement, protracted conflict and economic crises, compounding vulnerability and eroding coping capacities