Dr. Hadi Jaafar Highlights Climate Change Impacts at the Lebanese Ministry of Environment Workshop
In a significant contribution to the workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment on June 28, 2024, in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Dr. Hadi Jaafar, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Agriculture at FAFS, AUB, shed light on the pressing issue of climate change and its ramifications for Lebanon’s water resources. The workshop, titled “Facing Climate Change: Should we Store Water on the Surface or through Groundwater?”, gathered experts to discuss strategic environmental assessments for major projects in Lebanon.
Dr. Jaafar’s presentation focused on his research into the effects of climate change on Lebanon’s precipitation patterns. He detailed how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are expected to alter the country’s hydrological cycles. Notably, he pointed out that temperatures in Lebanon are rising at an alarming rate, with an average increase of one degree Celsius every 25 years. This warming trend is leading to a significant reduction in snowfall, which negatively impacts groundwater recharge and river flow during dry periods. Dr. Jaafar also highlighted the socio-economic factors exacerbating the water crisis by explaining the necessity of integrating economic feasibility into water project evaluations.
In his address, Dr. Jaafar called for a robust, science-based approach to decision-making in water management, and advocated for relying on documented scientific data and involving all stakeholders in planning large-scale water projects. The workshop also featured various experts who discussed the importance of protecting ecosystems, preventing water theft, improving wastewater treatment, and controlling groundwater extraction.
