In Misrata, Libya, more than a month ago, Asmahan Balauon, a member of the eastern-based parliament, proposed the establishment of a climate change committee. However, her efforts were overshadowed by the tragic floods that recently struck Derna due to heavy rainfall, causing the collapse of two deteriorating dams and extensive destruction.
Balauon, based in Benghazi, lamented that their focus on legislation, elections, and other matters had hindered addressing climate issues. Storm Daniel outpaced the nation’s politicians, leading to flooding that overwhelmed infrastructure and devastated Derna, resulting in over 4,000 confirmed deaths and 8,500 people missing. Approximately 40,000 individuals were displaced in northeastern Libya, including 30,000 in Derna.
Scientists collaborating with World Weather Attribution indicated that climate change made heavy rainfall in Libya up to 50 times more likely, resulting in 50% more rain during that time of the year. They also attributed the disaster to factors like construction in flood-prone areas, poor infrastructure, and years of armed conflict.
Libya’s situation mirrors that of other turbulent regions like Afghanistan and parts of Africa’s Sahel, where climate-related threats coincide with political instability and governance challenges, making it difficult to secure funding for protective measures. This situation has been termed “adaptation apartheid,” with vulnerable populations left to fend for themselves against climate change due to inadequate financial support.
Ciaran Donnelly of the International Rescue Committee highlighted a tiered system, with around 15 countries facing both climate volatility and political fragility. These countries struggle to access climate funding due to weak governments, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of vulnerability.
Walid Fathi, a government employee in Al Bayda, described how the floods destroyed his home and killed his neighbors, leaving him in fear and uncertainty. The lack of attention to known dam weaknesses and inconsistent evacuation instructions added to the disaster’s severity.
In Libya, the divide between the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and eastern authorities led by Khalifa Haftar has hindered infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness. Many leaders prioritize staying in power over protecting the population from climate change, resulting in a lack of political discourse and action on climate issues.
The head of the World Meteorological Organization noted that casualties in Libya’s floods could have been avoided with a functional weather service. Unfortunately, the Meteorological Center in Tripoli lacks expertise and resources, with corruption and bureaucracy causing delays in addressing climate-related challenges.
Similar issues with climate services and infrastructure management are seen worldwide. Depending on their management and funding, they can either expose people to climate impacts or protect them from future risks. Many dams worldwide, built in the 1960s and 1970s, are reaching the end of their lifespan, posing a threat in the face of extreme rainfall events.
Without significant changes in our approach to combating climate change and adapting to it, we can expect such disasters to recur in various locations across the globe.