Middle East

The Middle East is a geopolitical and cultural region spanning parts of Western Asia and, in some definitions, North Africa, generally including countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gulf states and others. The region is characterized by diverse climates ranging from arid deserts to Mediterranean zones and holds significant energy resources, including major oil and gas reserves. It is studied in relation to water scarcity, desertification, energy production, urbanization and regional environmental change.

Image: Forest fires in Europe, Middle East and North Africa (2025)
Wildfires reached record levels in the EU in 2025News

Wildfires reached record levels in the EU in 2025

Fires started early in the year and intensified during summer heatwaves. More than 2,242,000 hectares of land were affected by wildfires across Europe, the Middle…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskApril 3, 2026 Full article
Image: Tortuga carey (Eretmochelys imbricata)
War threatens Gulf’s dugongs, turtles and birdsNews

War threatens Gulf’s dugongs, turtles and birds

Paris, France | AFP | Muser NewsDesk From sea turtles to birds and the gentle dugong, the Persian Gulf's diverse but fragile marine life is threatened by…
SourceSourceMarch 17, 2026 Full article
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Climate crisis sees rise in illegal water markets in the Middle EastClimate

Climate crisis sees rise in illegal water markets in the Middle East

By Christian Klassert, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, and Samer Talozi, Jordan University for Science and Technology | The Conversation In Jordan’s cities, green tanker…
SourceSourceJune 27, 2024 Full article