Abstract
<jats:p>the first WMO report on the State of the Climate in the Arab Region aims to inform decision-making in one of the world’s most climate vulnerable regions. The year 2024 was the hottest year on record for the Arab region – a continuation of a long-term trend which unfortunately shows no sign of ending. Temperatures are rising at twice the global average, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe – with their effects particularly impacting water availability and agriculture. Extreme events in 2024 resulted in more than 300 deaths, mainly from heatwaves and floods. The true economic and human cost is certainly underestimated. Multi-hazard early warning systems are more important than ever before; they should be seen not as a cost but as an investment in saving lives and livelihoods. Nearly 60% of Arab countries have such systems in place, above the global average but still not enough. The report examines how countries are responding to the growing climate threat through a combination of policy frameworks, practical adaptation efforts, and innovative solutions to build long-term resilience. One of the top priorities here is to ensure water security, given that 15 of the world’s 20 most water-scarce countries are in the region.</jats:p>