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

Sustainable States: Environment, Governance, and the Future of the Middle East
Report by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , and Will Todman — May 18, 2021
Why Sustainable Public Utilities Are a Security Issue

Photo by: AdobeStock
Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction, and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Arab World
After pouring billions of dollars into rebuilding energy systems in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen. U.S. and international donors have frustratingly little to show for the effort. In a new report, Will Todman investigates what went wrong and charts a better path forward.
Report by Will Todman , Jon B. Alterman , and Lubna Yousef — March 3, 2023

Peter Schwartzstein: Climate and Conflict in the Middle East
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Will Todman — November 19, 2019

Elfatih Eltahir: Rising Temperatures in the Middle East
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Will Todman

Photo: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI/AFP/Getty Images
The Middle East’s Coming Centrality
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman

Photo: DYLAN COLLINS/AFP/Getty Images
The Politics of Lebanon’s Gas Deal with Egypt and Syria
Critical Questions by Will Todman
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How Renewables Fight Corruption in Conflict-Affected States
Commentary by Will Todman — May 16, 2023
Local to Global: Tensions Course through Iraq’s Waterways
Commentary by Natasha Hall and Caleb Harper — May 12, 2023
Food Security in the Middle East: A Conversation with HE Minister Mariam Almheiri of the UAE
Event by Jon B. Alterman , Caitlin Welsh , and HE Minister Mariam Almheiri — May 10, 2023
Bolstering Climate Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region
Commentary by Will Todman and Jamil Wyne — May 5, 2023
Earth Day: Lessons for Environmental Cooperation
Commentary by Natasha Hall — April 24, 2023
Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction, and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Arab World
Report by Will Todman , Jon B. Alterman , and Lubna Yousef — March 3, 2023
The Middle East Transition We Need to Talk About
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — July 21, 2022
The Politics of Lebanon’s Gas Deal with Egypt and Syria
Critical Questions by Will Todman — June 23, 2022
Morocco's Sand Mafias
Newsletter by Fiona Leary — January 12, 2022
Lebanon’s Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Event by Jon B. Alterman , Jacob Kurtzer , Will Todman , Sally Abi Khalil , Haneen Sayed , Georges Kettaneh , and Maha Yahya — November 16, 2021