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Professor Jeffrey Sachs emphasized that meaningful climate action in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East depends heavily on achieving political stability and cooperation across the region. Speaking via video link at a conference in Nicosia, he argued that environmental progress cannot be separated from peacebuilding efforts.
The event, focused on climate initiatives in the region, took place on April 8-9 and brought together policymakers and experts to discuss sustainability challenges. Sachs, who leads the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, stressed that ongoing conflicts and tensions are major barriers to coordinated climate strategies.
He pointed out that large-scale solutions, such as regional energy networks and clean power transitions, require collaboration among countries that are currently divided. For example, he noted that cooperation would need to include dialogue between Cyprus and Turkey, coordination involving Gulf nations and Iran, and an end to military actions affecting neighboring states. Without such collaboration, comprehensive energy planning remains out of reach.
Sachs also described the rapid advancement of climate technologies in recent years. He noted that renewable energy, particularly solar power, has become significantly more affordable over the past decade, making technical solutions increasingly accessible. In his view, the main obstacle is no longer technological capability but the lack of political will and mutual trust.
He expressed concern about the current state of the region, urging a return to basic principles of coexistence and respect. According to Sachs, reducing hostility and ending ongoing conflicts are essential first steps. He specifically mentioned the need for progress on long-standing geopolitical issues, including the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel and improved relations among countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus.
Ultimately, Sachs argued that once tensions are eased and cooperation becomes possible, the region would be well-positioned to implement effective climate and energy solutions.
