Publications
Explore an archive of Hafed Al-Ghwell’s publications, ranging from academic papers to opinion pieces and columns. The archive spans Hafed’s contributions to the fields of Middle Eastern and North African studies, particularly in the fields of security, migration, energy, sustainability, and the nuanced dynamics of US and EU foreign policies in relation to the region.
Africa’s oil exporters struggle as cost of climate change soars
Africa’s major oil-producing countries, despite high global oil prices, are facing a decline in production, leading to economic challenges and stalling transitions to low-emission economies.
Mounting costs of failing to address climate change
The reality of climate change has become undeniable as life-threatening heat waves test human survival limits globally. Record-breaking temperatures and devastating heat indexes, alongside a critical rise in global temperatures, highlight the urgent need for action.
How a warming planet threatens the Nile Delta
The Nile Delta, a critical hub of Egypt's historical, agricultural, and cultural heritage, faces a severe ecological crisis driven by climate change. Rising temperatures and sea levels threaten this densely populated region, home to nearly 50 million people.
The urgent need for water diplomacy amid a decline in global water security
The dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) exemplifies the complexities of hydro-diplomacy and the urgent need for sustainable management of transboundary water resources.
Morocco’s struggle with water scarcity and food security
Morocco's agricultural sector confronts a critical dilemma amid climate change, balancing food security with water scarcity. Prolonged droughts and climate adversities pose significant challenges, affecting not only rural landscapes but also the broader economy.
The Arab region must prioritize food security
Amidst rising global food insecurity, urgent transformation of food systems is imperative, especially in the Arab region. Current practices fuel environmental degradation and worsen food security gaps.
Climate change: Time for Middle East to seize the day
: In the Middle East, climate change exacerbates existing challenges, from economic volatility to conflicts, posing dire threats to the region's stability. Despite being at the forefront of warming impacts, the region also showcases leadership in climate diplomacy.
How climate change endangers global trade
As the world gears up for COP28, the focus sharpens on the threat climate change poses to global trade. This is not a distant concern but a pressing reality, with rising temperatures already wreaking havoc on supply chains and critical infrastructure.
North Africa and the scramble for ‘new oil’
Africa's abundant minerals position it as a pivotal player in the transition to low-carbon economies. While Africa holds vast natural wealth, it struggles to capitalize on it due to capacity constraints.
Water Security & The Maghreb
The Maghreb faces escalating water scarcity exacerbated by the global climate crisis, with profound implications for agriculture, economy, and society. Climate-induced phenomena like droughts and wildfires are intensifying, threatening livelihoods and stability.
Navigating the Nile — a win-win for Egypt and Ethiopia
Amid the complexities of African geopolitics, Egypt and Ethiopia are embroiled in a high-stakes struggle over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), threatening regional stability.
Rethink investment and help Africa realize its vast potential
Despite Africa's high returns on investment, the continent struggles to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI), hindering its socio-economic development. To close the $4 trillion investment gap impeding Africa's progress, a comprehensive reassessment is imperative…
A planet on fire: COP28 must be a launchpad for real action on climate change
Amidst escalating heat waves globally, the Arab region faces profound and far-reaching implications, exacerbating existing challenges. The surge in extreme heat, driven by turbo-charged climate change, threatens food security, displaces populations…
An unseen barrier to Arab prosperity
The Arab world faces recurring challenges stemming from low economic growth and social unrest, exacerbated by the pandemic. These challenges, ranging from economic stagnation to social unrest, are intensified by a decline in statistical capacities…
Morocco leads the way in building a sustainable future
Climate change presents significant global challenges, especially for developing countries. Morocco, recognizing its susceptibility to such challenges, is pioneering sustainable development strategies, aiming to generate over half its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Developing world needs a new approach to sustainable development
The prevailing export-driven sustainable development strategy, successful in Asia, has not yielded similar results in other regions like Africa. While infrastructure investments were touted as crucial, they alone have not spurred economic growth.
Arab world needs to get to grips with its water problem
World Water Day, which coincided with a midterm review of the UN’s Water Action Decade, focused on raising awareness of global water scarcity issues and promoting the security and sustainability of freshwater resources.
Arab women must be given a voice
While March marks a celebration of women's achievements, the Arab world still struggles with gender disparities and its societies rank low in gender equality indices. Despite constitutional promises, discriminatory laws and cultural norms persist…