A Climate Change Wake-Up Call

Lebanon Faces Historic January Drought

Bar Elias, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon - January 2024

Lebanon has gone through the entire month of January without significant rainfall - a troubling sign for a country already grappling with the effects of post-war recovery and a multiyear economic crisis. Historically, Lebanon's climate has been characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters, with December to mid-March being the primary rainy season. This unprecedented dry spell is a stark indicator of the escalating impacts of climate change on the region.

On average, Lebanon receives between 700 and 1,000 millimeters (28-39 inches) of rainfall annually, with a significant portion - roughly 20 to 30% - falling in January. For example, in January 2024, Lebanon received an average of 191 millimeters (7.5 inches) of rainfall, far exceeding this year's near-zero precipitation. The absence of rainfall during this critical period disrupts the natural hydrological cycle, which is essential for replenishing reservoirs, groundwater supplies, and supporting agricultural growth. This dramatic departure from the norm will worsen the region's water scarcity and agricultural challenges.

Implications for Water Resources

Lebanon's water infrastructure is already under significant strain due to mismanagement and pollution. The country's rivers and coastal areas suffer from contamination caused by illegal wells, untreated sewage, industrial discharge and agricultural runoff, leading to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources. The current drought compounds these issues, as diminished rainfall results in lower reservoir levels and reduced groundwater recharge. Experts warn that if precipitation patterns do not improve, Lebanon may be compelled to implement severe water rationing measures to ensure supplies last through the summer months.

Water delivery to a public school in Lebanon.

Impact on Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture in Lebanon is particularly vulnerable to climate variability due to limited water availability and arable land. The Ministry of Environment highlights that the sector is under pressure from population growth and urbanization, which, combined with climate-induced water shortages, threaten agricultural production and livelihoods. The current drought has forced farmers into unprecedented practices, such as irrigating crops and trees in mid-January - a time when natural rainfall would typically suffice. This not only increases operational costs but also depletes already scarce water resources. The cascading effects jeopardize food security, as reduced agricultural output may lead to more reliance on imports and vulnerability to global food price fluctuations.

Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are making it increasingly difficult to irrigate crops in Lebanon.

The ongoing drought has also made matters worse for Lebanon's key water source, the Litani River, which has turned into a mere "irrigation channel" due to the lack of rainfall. Less water is available now for both domestic consumption and agriculture. With the river's flow dwindling, farmers who rely on it for irrigation face even great challenges, and the overall resilience of Lebanon's agricultural sector declines.

Increased Risk of Wildfires

The lack of winter precipitation also sets the stage for an elevated risk of wildfires in the coming summer. Dry conditions translate to parched forests and lands, serving as fuel for fires. Similar to the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles, the phenomenon is often referred to as "climate whiplash," and involves alternating patterns of extreme weather - such as periods of heavy rainfall followed by extended droughts and strong, dry winds - that create conditions conucive to wildfires. Climate change amplifies this volatility, leading to more frequent and severe fire events.

Wildfire seen from above in Lebanon.

Public Health and Hygiene Crisis

Lebanon's drought is putting strain on the country's public health and hygiene systems. Vulnerable populations, including those living in refugee camps or informal settlements, are disproportionately affected, as they often rely on limited and unreliable water supplies. The scarcity of clean water significantly heightens the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which thrive in unsanitary conditions. Hygiene-related illnesses are also on the rise, as the lack of water hampers proper handwashing, cleaning and waste disposal.

Anera's Interventions: Supporting Water Conservation and Farmers

In response to Lebanon's ongoing water and food security challenges, Anera has been at the forefront of initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The organization has implemented projects to improve water management through sustainable irrigation systems and support for farmers. By providing greenhouses and irrigation solutions that lower water consumption, Anera helps farmers optimize their resources. Hybrid greenhouses, introduced by Anera, use significantly less water and enhance food security by enabling year-round crop production. These efforts strengthen the resilience of rural communities and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Thanks to Anera donors, our staff in Lebanon have provided local farmers with seeds to grow high-demand crops, helping to address food insecurity and support Lebanon's struggling agriculture sector.

A Call to Action

The current drought serves as a wake-up call for Lebanon and all NGOs working in Lebanon to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, compounded by economic instability and the enduring effects of post-conflict recovery. Implementing sustainable water management practices, investing in resilient agricultural techniques, and enhancing disaster preparedness are critical steps toward mitigating the adverse effects of a changing climate. Furthermore, international organizations and developed nations can play a crucial role in addressing Lebanon's climate challenges by providing financial and technical assistance for sustainable water management projects, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, and disaster preparedness programs. These organizations can also support research and innovation in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies tailored to Lebanon's specific needs.

Lebanon, with its potential water resources and strategic geographic location, could serve as a crucial water source for the region if managed correctly. Properly investing in sustainable water management systems would benefit Lebanon and contribute to regional stability and resource sharing. In addition, high income nations have a responsibility to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and assist developing countries like Lebanon in coping with the consequences of climate change. This assistance should include the transfer of technology to help Lebanon build its climate resilience.

A sustainable environment that supports food production and livelihoods is possible-seen here in Tyre, Lebanon, October 2024.

Countries most responsible for climate deterioration must not only support mitigation efforts but also ensure that vulnerable nations like Lebanon are equipped to deal with the impacts of the climate crisis. Without prompt and coordinated action, the nation risks facing converging crises that threaten its environmental stability, economic viability, public health, and the well-being of its population.

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