The adoption of Mediterranean provinces’ heads and major local authorities to an agreement to develop governance of the Mediterranean climate after concluding the second session of the MedCop Climate conference in Tangier in Morocco indicates alarm over the increase of global emissions beyond internationally approved rates.

The parties that signed this agreement are meant to enhance regional cooperation on climate change issues. The union for the Mediterranean is actively involved in the organization of MedCOP Climate 2016 as an institutional and financial partner.

Climate change is a threat multiplier for stability and security in the Mediterranean, but through enhanced cooperation, Mediterranean countries will be able to face it.

The MedCOP Climate 2016 gathered representatives from Mediterranean countries, private sector and civil society, as well as regional and international organizations that had the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas during different formats of activities: Debates, workshops, events and side-events.

The conference also called for reducing carbon production, creating more climate-related solutions, encouraging the integration of environmental issues in various educational programs and encouraging scientific research with the aim of enhancing creativity in terms of protecting the environment and the climate. Keeping global warming within the 2 degrees Celsius limit as recommended by the Paris Summit requires not only national contributions, but also adopting a coordinated regional and Mediterranean policy, especially since this particular area is one of the most affected worldwide by climate change.

By Labeed Abdal