While the extent of human-induced global warming is inconclusive, the vulnerability of natural systems to rapid changes in climate patterns is regarded as one of the most challenging issues in recent years. Water resources are a main component of natural systems that might be affected by climate change. This paper characterizes water resources in several Middle Eastern countries and evaluates regional climate predictions for various scenarios using general circulation models. The country of Lebanon is selected as a case study for an in-depth investigation with potential impacts on the water budget and soil moisture as indicators. Adaptation measures are assessed, with a focus on no-regret actions in the context of local socioeconomic and environmental frameworks.
Climate Change and Water Resources in Lebanon and the Middle East
TECHNICAL PAPERS
Abstract
Authors
Graduate Student, Dept. of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins Univ., 313 Ames Hall, 3400 North Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-2686.
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American Univ. of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon.
Received: March 30, 2000
Accepted: August 31, 2001
Published online: August 15, 2002
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers