Situated in north-east Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea, The Arab Republic of Egypt is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change (World Bank, 2021). Egypt has an arid desert climate and receives very little annual precipitation (ibid).  In the past 30 years, average annual temperatures have increased 0.53°C per decade and are expected to rise by 1.8°C to 5.7°C by the 2080s (ibid.). 

Egypt is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards and the effects of climate change due to sea level rise, water scarcity, and an increase in both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (e.g. heat waves, sandstorms, flash floods, etc.) (ibid). The Nile River – which provides 90% of Egypt’s water needs (USC, 2021) – is highly vulnerable to sea level rise in the Mediterranean and erosion which will lead to saltwater intrusion, groundwater contamination, soil salination, and deterioration of crop quality  (World Bank, 2021). This is expected to have severe impacts on several key sectors including agriculture, fisheries, health, biodiversity, and energy. 

Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction outline the country’s plan for addressing climate change.