Written by Rihab Abou Al-Hassan

 

Translated by Daisy Khalil

 

 

 

 Starting July, temperature in Lebanon stopped decreasing at night time.

 

Here we are today witnessing an unusual hot weather with 40 degrees temperature at the costs and 43 degrees in Bekaa.

 

This hot weather which is expected to last until next week, accompanied with damages to the agricultural sector and electricity crisis escalation, is according experts a result of global climate change caused by global warming which affected Lebanon as it affected the planet.

 

The globe has been divided into two parts, one of them “drowning” and the other “on fire”, as described by the Director General of agricultural researches department and specialized in meteorology, Dr. Michel Efram, who warned through the National News Agency from the repercussions of such temperature increase on citizens as well as on agricultural crops whish started decreasing noticeably.

 

Efram noted also that this wave of hot coming from the Arabian Peninsula, in form of warm air masses, became now a constant hot atmosphere which turned the weather into Khmasceni in internal areas and mountains, yet humid at the coasts, reaching its paroxysm on Friday. Hot waves vary between strong and maximum, and are expected to decrease slightly on Monday and Tuesday, to be finally receded next Wednesday, with a normal weather expected during august.

 

 Hot damages

 

Efram also indicated that this 6-week wave of hot is a first in Lebanon. It started in the middle of July and accentuated on august, based on studies which show that the Middle East and North Africa are heading towards deforestation, lack of water, and temperature rise.

 

 

 

 

 

Efram also tackled the issue of heavy rain drop witnessed last winter, reminding that it rained heavily 4 or 5 times through winter season yet the precipitation rate reached 120 mm each time – a rate that needs at least one month to be reached – which reflects a heavy rain drop at inappropriate times.

 

Since February, rainfall have been receded which shows that rain dates and amounts have changed, noting that precipitation in Lebanon is 20% less than the normal rate, not to mention the lack of snow fall and cold atmosphere. “It is worth noting that we witnessed on March two extremely cold nights which led to agricultural damages, hence a decline in touristic season”, he said .

 

As for the effect of hot weather on citizens, Efram said hospitalization cases increased due to high temperature and Dyspnea, warning from sun exposure especially at noon time, advising people to consume water and fluids frequently. “God be with the fasting people during this hot weather which requires drinking large amounts of water”, He said.

 

 At the agricultural level, Efram mentioned huge loss especially in grapes, apples, figs, nuts and pistachios which were burned and totally damaged.

 

 

This applies also to poultry which recorded a huge number of deaths due to high temperature.

 

Efram solicited cultivators to abide by instructions so as to preserve their agricultural corps, resorting to massive irrigation during morning hours. 

 

 

He also called on poultry owners to increase aeration to prevent birds’ suffocation. 

 

Moreover, he uttered concern from climate change’s effect on water in Lebanon, whereby “surface water and ground water will be decreasing due to elevated temperature and abuse.”

 

 

 

Suggestions for adaptation

 

 

 

 As for means to face this phenomenon, Efram said “change requires global efforts in order to put terms to global warming.”

 

In Lebanon, measures ought to be adopted on personal and public levels.

 

 

At the public level, we should spread awareness on climate change issue so as the citizens could adapt, starting with rational use of water and energy, calling on the government to strictly implement laws related to pollution, deforestation, and all phenomenon that harm the environment.  

 

As for the personal level, every individual ought to take full responsibility for his actions starting with adapting to climate change and preserving the remaining nature resources, for we will no more witness four seasons along the year, and water amounts will be noticeably reduced.

 

We should adjust our lifestyle; wisely use energy resources, plant trees and protect remaining plants and new sorts of insects.

 

“If the government collaborates with citizens, we would be able to face threats in the coming stage”, Efram concluded.