COP25: UfM calls for reinforced cooperation in the Mediterranean region to address the climate emergency

Madrid, 13 December 2019. The Mediterranean region has already reached the temperature rise threshold of 1.5°, warming up 20% faster than the global average, according to the first-ever scientific report on the impact of climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean. The main conclusions of the study were presented at the COP25 by the UfM and MedECC, a network of more than 600‏ Euro-Mediterranean scientists whose creation was supported by the UfM in 2015.

UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel, took part in the high-level segment of the COP25 and highlighted some of the most alarming facts from the report. He pointed out that data collection and evidence-based climate policies are crucial for the region to effectively tackle the current environmental issues. “Governments are set to submit national climate action plans at COP26. This scientific knowledge, together with multiple examples of best-practice actions to address climate change, should be helpful for countries to adopt much more ambitious goals. We look forward to bringing climate ambition in the Mediterranean to new heights”, he said.

The final scientific report will be presented in 2020 to the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change from the 43 UfM Member States, together with key recommendations for policymakers.