Amman: The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has called for accelerating climate action across the Mediterranean basin ahead of World Environment Day, warning that the region remains one of the world's most vulnerable climate hotspots.
According to Jordan News Agency, the UfM stated that temperatures in the Mediterranean are rising approximately 20 percent faster than the global average, with regional warming already surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This information is based on findings by the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) network, which is supported by the Union.
The organization highlighted that climate change is a significant threat multiplier, intensifying social, economic, and environmental challenges for more than 510 million people across the region. The population is increasingly exposed to extreme heat, prolonged droughts, wildfires, and flash floods.
The UfM emphasized that current mitigation and adaptation efforts are insufficient for securing a sustainable future. It noted that the green transition presents an opportunity to strengthen regional resilience, particularly through expanding renewable energy integration and cross-border electricity exchange across the Mediterranean.
According to UfM, the 2025 Regional Integration Report, prepared jointly with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), identified enhanced connectivity and renewable energy exchange between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean as promising areas for regional cooperation.
The Union cited MedECC assessments indicating that densely populated coastal zones face mounting risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and the salinization of soil and groundwater resources, developments that threaten food security and the livelihoods of millions.
Water stress is now a reality across all countries of the southern and eastern Mediterranean, with water demand projected to double or triple by 2050. If current climate trends persist, as many as 20 million people could face permanent displacement by the end of the century.
The UfM statement underscored that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires broad behavioral and structural changes aimed at reducing energy consumption, alongside the greater adoption of innovative solutions, particularly renewable energy technologies. It highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy trade across the Mediterranean, while stressing the need for continued investment in infrastructure to connect local and regional energy networks.
UfM Assistant Secretary-General for Stability and Resilience Joan Borrell Mayeur stated there is no room for delay in addressing the climate crisis, stressing that climate awareness must be translated into tangible action through stronger regional integration and expanded energy interconnectivity.
He emphasized that deeper cooperation among Mediterranean countries would help reduce dependence on external actors while strengthening the region's capacity to confront climate-related challenges.
In a related development, the Union announced preparations for the fourth edition of the Mediterranean Pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Turkey next November. This event will mark the first United Nations climate conference hosted by a Mediterranean country.
The Mediterranean Pavilion is expected to bring together government representatives, experts, private-sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations to showcase regional climate initiatives, advance sustainable development efforts, and strengthen the visibility of Mediterranean priorities on the global climate agenda. The initiative also aims to promote a unified Mediterranean position in international climate negotiations and policy processes.