Publications

On October 14 - 15, 2008, the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy & International Affairs and the League of Independant Activists -indyACT hosted a two-day regional workshop in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung - Middle east Office to build the capacity of Arab climate change stakeholders and produce a regional statement on climate policy. Participants from ministries of environment, research institutions, NGOs, Embassies, UN agencies, funding organization and the media were invited to the American University of Beirut to gain in-depth understanding of the policy issues linked to the post-Kyoto negociations and develop a unified position in order to play a meaningful role in the shaping ofthe post-2012 treaty.

As the world braces for the pivotal post-2012 climate agreement in Copenhagen, the urgency to curb global temperature rise below 2ºC has never been clearer. The United Nations' IPCC warns that only a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80% by 2050 can stave off catastrophic climate impacts. While global momentum builds, the Arab world remains conspicuously disengaged. Fossil fuel giants like Saudi Arabia bear a historical responsibility yet often hinder progress to protect their oil interests. With climate change emerging as a palpable threat, especially in civil society, the Arab League stands at a crossroads. Will it seize this unique chance to lead the global fight and secure a sustainable future, or let it slip away? The fate of our planet could hinge on their decision.