On November 8, 2022 DG NEAR has organised a side event titled 'Adaptation to Climate Change in the Southern Mediterranean – Food and Water Security in Focus' in the context of the COP27 taking place in Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt).

The event has put the spotlight on climate impacts also exacerbate existing challenges, in particular water scarcity, which is an ongoing challenge for the region, as well as food insecurity, also an ongoing challenge, now further exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war. These climate impacts not only affect human well-being and livelihood but can also easily aggravate geopolitical tensions, with serious consequences on human security.

DG NEAR has underscored the urgent need for Mediterranean countries to adapt and increase their resilience to climate change, stressing EU's commitment to support the region in this endeavour through joint responses and initiatives both at the bilateral and regional level.