Biden postpones Germany, Angola trips over Hurricane Milton The White House cited the need to prepare for the "projected trajectory and strength of Hurricane Milton" as well as deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene. United States
Analysis Climate change, overreliance on Israeli gas add to Egypt's power crisis For a year now, load-shedding linked to falling gas production, rising demand and a shortage of foreign currency has led to scheduled two-hour daily power cuts in most parts of the country. By Jack Dutton , Rosaleen Carroll
Wildfires in Turkey: 11 dead, 78 injured as heat soars to 50 degrees Celsius Turkey has been grappling with wildfires across the country since last week due to hot temperatures soaring up to 50 C (122 F) above the seasonal average. Turkey
14 Jordanian, 5 Iranian pilgrims die at Saudi Hajj from extreme heat Last month was the hottest May on record, according to scientists, and rising temperatures are particularly concerning for the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Business & Tech Briefing: Dubai gears up for COP28 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Qatar National Bank launches environmentally friendly finance project The Doha-based bank will loan cash to the British bank HSBC to be used for green transportation investments. By Al-Monitor Staff
Sisi hands over Nile islands to Egyptian military, raising controversy Some Egyptians were outraged over the president’s decision to hand over the ownership of 37 islands to the army, especially since most of these islands are located on the Nile River and considered nature reserves. Egypt
Iran, Iraq exchange accusations over water flow Iraq is planning to complain to the International Court of Justice about the drop in water flow from Iran. Iraq
Istanbul residents get stuck in snow as politicians throw blame at each other The coldest weather in decades cripples life and transportation in Istanbul, with stranded passengers staging protests at Istanbul airport. Turkey
Egypt endeavors to turn Suez Canal green The Suez Canal Authority announced a plan to shift the Suez Canal into an eco-friendly canal that relies on renewable energy to preserve the environment and encourage environmentally friendly ships. Egypt
Rare snowstorm hits Iraq and Syria Many people in the Kurdistan Region rejoiced while playing in the snow, but such conditions can be dangerous for others, especially those living in displaced people camps. Iraq
Israeli environmentalists, neighbors blast plan for new town in Negev Despite Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's enthusiasm, both green groups and neighboring towns are unhappy with a plan to build a new village near the Gaza border. Israel
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Strict environmental laws protected Oman’s pristine ecosystems, benefited public health and strengthened tourism’s value proposition, but will it last? Gulf
Egyptian Church takes initiative on climate ahead of COP27 The Egyptian Coptic Church launched an initiative to plant trees in the grounds of all its affiliated churches and parishes to raise awareness of the issue of climate change, in preparation for Egypt hosting COP27. Egypt
Ancient Kurdish rain ritual revived in Syria as drought continues Kurdish farmers in the countryside of Qamishli revive an ancient ritual called Ziwa, or the Bride of the Rain, to invoke rain after seasons of drought. Syria
Heavy rain prompts evacuations in Oman Oman’s rainy season occurs in January and February. News Brief
Drought-stricken Iran sinks under deadly floods Heavy flooding has battered Iran's south and southeast, the same areas that have been hardest hit by drought in recent years. Iran
