Freshwater vulnerability in the Levant region

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss freshwater vulnerability to environmental change, including climate change, in Levant countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the methodological guidelines prepared by UNEP and Peking University, using the fresh water vulnerability index (VI) for each country of the Levant region. The VI was calculated for a five‐year period interval, i.e. 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and was predicted for the years 2020 and 2040 taking into consideration the expected impacts of climate change.FindingsThe vulnerability of freshwater resources was explored by isolating strategically‐important issues related to different functions (uses) of freshwater systems in the Levant region. All Levant countries are very vulnerable according to the adopted methodology (VI values are from 0.5‐0.7), with Palestine being the worst case. The value of each parameter was calculated for five‐year interval period and for each Levant country. The most dominant parameter was the water variation parameter (RSv), which is a natural factor and highlights how vulnerable the region is to climate change. The second most important parameter was the water exploitation pressures (DPs), which reflect the efforts of the countries to satisfy their water needs from the limited water resources. Cooperation and exchange of data and information at the regional level regarding the vulnerability of the region to climate change and measures for mitigation and adaptation could help in alleviating its impacts on the countries of the region.Originality/valueThis paper highlights that fresh water resources in Levant region are under increasing pressures due to human‐made and natural reasons. High population growth and economic activities rates have placed extensive pressure on the already limited water resources. Moreover, the prevailing arid climate and the expected impact of climate change will decrease the fresh water availability.