Denison: Global Studies Seminar "Climate Stress"

The Global Studies Seminar welcomes Fadhel Kaboub, associate professor of economics, presenting “Climate Stress: The Untold Story of the Arab Uprisings.” The Middle East region is one of the most water stressed parts of the world. Due to climate change, the region is experiencing more frequent and more intense droughts, which reduces agricultural output, food security, and incomes in rural areas. Climate refugees within the region frequently go unnoticed, but they put additional pressure on resources and infrastructure in more populated urban areas, thus amplifying socioeconomic inequality and potential clashes with elites and with government authorities. This presentation will survey some of the most important water conflicts in the region. It will link the origins of the Syrian conflict to climate stress, and will finally highlight the importance of the natural gas power struggles as yet another amplifier of climate stress related conflicts in the region.