Environment and Governance

Analyzing environment and governance issues and opportunities throughout the region

The Middle East is a region of extremes. It contains both the world’s largest deposits of hydrocarbons and some of the most water-scarce nations in the world. Growing populations challenge governments to supply adequate water, energy, and waste disposal in a manner that is reliable, affordable, and sustainable. The Middle East Program explores innovative ways governments, businesspeople, and civic groups are addressing service provision, energy security, and climate change both within countries and across the region.

Featured Analysis

Photo: Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025

Photo: Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025

Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis

Tehran’s water crisis is rapidly worsening, as imagery analysis shows its key reservoirs fall far below typical seasonal levels amid years of sustained drought. 

Commentary by David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun — November 25, 2025

Featured Projects

Photo: Giles Clarke for UN OCHA/Getty Images

Photo: Giles Clarke for UN OCHA/Getty Images

Powering Recovery in the Middle East

Investigating opportunities for donors to support politically- and environmentally-sustainable power infrastructure in conflict-affected settings”

Featured Event

All Environment and Governance Content

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Tipping Point: The Politics of Water Insecurity in the Middle East

While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. There is an urgent need to address the politics of water insecurity to alleviate this existential threat.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — March 10, 2025

The Thirst for Power

The Middle East has battled water insecurity for centuries, but today, the region is on a razor’s edge. Tackling the politics and power dynamics that have exacerbated scarcity is the only way to tackle this existential issue.

Report by Natasha Hall — March 7, 2025

Political Instability and Environmental Politics in Postrevolutionary Tunisia

Mohamed Omar Kardous, a member of the CSIS environmental civil society in MENA working group, explores Tunisia's political instability and its impact on environmental policy post-2011 revolution, highlighting the challenges and stagnation under President Saied’s tenure.

Commentary by Mohamed Omar Kardous — April 9, 2024

Redefining Climate Finance for a Troubled World

As funding for climate adaptation dwindles in the face of competing crises, climate financing should be mainstreamed into all investments and aid programs, while confronting the underlying governance issues that are often at the core of vulnerability to climate change.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — February 5, 2024

China’s Essential Role in the Gulf States’ Energy Transitions

China has established itself as an essential partner in Gulf states’ energy transition, serving as an investor and developer in renewable energy projects. Western governments, however, have been reluctant to compete with Chinese enterprises in the region.

Brief by Faris Al-Sulayman and Jon B. Alterman — December 11, 2023