Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region endure more climate challenges than any other area. If you live in the developed Western world, you may not experience food deserts, water scarcity and urbanization’s impacts. However, these are common problems for these populations, especially as temperatures shift and natural disasters impact local ecologies and economies. Building better cities could be the best way to reinforce communities with more climate-resilient resources.
The Role of Green Spaces in Urban Resilience
MENA is slowly embracing the role of thought leader in the climate space. The United Arab Emirates held the 28th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2023, after Egypt hosted the previous one. These governments must prioritize sustainable living because environmental stressors are too significant to ignore.
You may live in a city with green spaces and access to water resources, but MENA struggles due to its climate and worsening conditions. Because of the environment, it is challenging to incorporate community gardens or urban forests — much less a park — in even the most luxurious neighborhoods. However, these are vital for urban resilience because they help with environmental equity, water management and biodiversity.
Additionally, MENA nations need green spaces to promote cool, quality air. Their natural filtration abilities make it easier to breathe in highly polluted and dry environments. The physical health improvements also translate to better mental health for citizens — a more comfortable environment is a literal and emotional breath of fresh air. This impacts Dubai’s and Cairo’s residents, as urban parks and green corridors become more commonplace.
How Walkways and Cycle Routes Promote Sustainable Mobility
Most urbanized infrastructure is car-based. Navigating your area without a vehicle may be challenging, especially if public transit options are limited or nonexistent. Commuter culture has inhibited the expansion of walkways and cycling routes, especially in developing regions. Taking fossil fuel-powered cars off the road begins by showing citizens that it is possible to navigate effortlessly without needing one in the first place.
Showing pedestrian and cycling potential reduces vehicle emissions and promotes public health benefits. Air quality improves with fewer exhaust fumes, and synthetic compounds, like wear and tear from rubble, impact habitats and wildlife less. Because of their countless advantages, climate-resilient cities in MENA are integrating more public transit and walkable options into urban designs.
Opening more travel options also produces social and economic benefits. It exposes residents to more parts of their city, promoting the support of local businesses. Accessibility also means people of all abilities can navigate with confidence, better reflecting the values of an intersectionally sustainable society. Abu Dhabi is a prime example of this with its robust cycling network. Amman, Jordan, is another leader in the number of pedestrian zones it aims for.
Key Challenges in Expanding Green and Active Infrastructure
To understand why these projects are not well-established in MENA cities already, you must understand the obstacles preventing the adoption of greener fixtures.
Water Scarcity
MENA’s arid climate makes it challenging to foster green spaces without constant oversight or advanced technology. The maintenance needs are extreme. Few communities have the resources to dedicate to this compared to other, more pressing projects, such as food availability or recovering from natural disasters.
Urban Sprawl
If you live in an urban area, it seems there’s always construction outside your window. City stakeholders feel the need to constantly expand regions to fit another office building or parking garage — it feels more urgent than a park or sidewalk. This presents a constant debate over land use between activists and city planners. The continuous arguing delays implementation and green progress.
Community Engagement
Governments require collaboration to kick-start green projects. Citizen interest, policy creation and funding are needed to fully realize why these initiatives are essential to communities amid climate change. Collaboration may happen faster if your neighbors commit to helping with tasks like environmental assessments, fundraising and contributing to planning. This normalizes collaborative efforts for social responsibility.
Innovative Solutions and Best Practices in MENA
Crafting the perfect walkable, green city in any MENA nation requires immense patience and financial dedication. The best strategies for motivating action include:
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Xeriscaping: Cities can start with drought-resistant techniques before creating green spaces. Leveraging native plants can help with water management.
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Water recycling: Installing low-cost, circular irrigation and water-capturing devices in water-scarce areas can help supplement recharging reserves.
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Expanding partnerships: Cities that struggle to find worker support can collaborate with local experts in urban cycling or green infrastructure to recruit advisers in the most desperate areas.
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Talking to organizations: If you work for an influential business, like an engineering or construction firm, vocalize the importance of integrating green, active infrastructure ideas into master plans during creation.
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Spread awareness: Many people would use public transit, walkable paths or community green spaces if they knew they existed. Posting flyers and engaging in geographically relevant advertising campaigns for citizens can help spread the word.
MENA communities should also look to neighbors for inspiration. The Riyadh Green Project in Saudi Arabia is suspected to be completed by 2030. It involves planting 7.5 million trees, refining wastewater for irrigation and involving residents in the process. The area anticipates a higher quality of life because of heightened use of public spaces and exposure to nature. It will change roads by making room for flora and people to walk, empowering the local landscaping, horticulture and urban planning sectors.
The Path Forward for MENA’s Cities
Climate-resilient cities need more green spaces and transportation options to withstand climate stressors. You cannot always rely on vehicles, and constant exposure to urban infrastructure without nature has adverse effects on physical and mental health. As regions like MENA gradually adapt to climate change’s effects, everyone must advocate for increasing policy and investments into greener, smarter cities to safeguard the future.
