Situated in northeastern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east, the Arab Republic of Egypt is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change (World Bank, 2021). Over the past 30 years, average annual temperatures have increased by 0.53°C per decade and are projected to rise by 1.8°C to 5.7°C by the 2080s (ibid.). 

Egypt is especially vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change impacts due to sea level rise, water scarcity, and increases 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 percent of Egypt’s water needs (USC, 2021) – is highly exposed to sea level rise in the Mediterranean and coastal erosion, leading to saltwater intrusion, groundwater contamination, soil salinization, and deterioration of crop quality  (World Bank, 2021). These impacts are expected to affect 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 to address climate change.