Palestine

Palestine country profile

BACKGROUND

The State of Palestine is a small country in the Levant, comprised of two enclaves, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The climate in Palestine varies widely; it is primarily Mediterranean in the West Bank, getting slightly cooler at higher elevations, and it is hot and semi-arid in Gaza. The country faces a number of environmental issues that can affect its exposure to climate risks, including desertification, salination of fresh water, poor sewage treatment, high rates of water-borne diseases, soil degradation, and depletion and contamination of underground water resources. Protracted conflict, political instability, economic stagnation, and restricted access to resources, with high unemployment and poverty rates, increase the vulnerability of the 5.3 million people in the country.

Palestine is prone to environmental hazards such as earthquakes, floods, drought, and landslides. Due to rising temperatures, urban heatwaves are expected to intensify, which will also lead to increased demand for water.

INFORM RISK INDEX (2022)    

Hazard and exposure: 4.1  |  Vulnerability: 6.1  |  Lack of coping capacity: 4.0 |  Total: 4.6 (medium)  |  Rank: 48

HAZARDS COVERED BY ANTICIPATION    

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EXPERIENCE ON ANTICIPATION 

• With support from Danish Red Cross, the Palestine Red Crescent Society is developing an Early Action Protocol (EAP) ahead of environmental hazard impacts. A feasibility study has been finalized and hazards, triggers, and early actions are to be selected.