Climate Change and Water Resources in the Maghreb: What Are the Strategies for Adaptation?

In the face of a global food crisis and climate change, ensuring access to water resources becomes a critical concern for human activities. The Maghreb region, including Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, is particularly exposed to ecological vulnerabilities. The environmental degradation in this region has already led to adverse effects on the well-being of populations and hindered economic development. While demographic projections provide some clarity, the uncertainties surrounding climate change projections persist due to inadequate climatological data, both in terms of quantity and quality. Nonetheless, numerous climate projections for Southern Europe indicate a worrisome trend of increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. The Maghreb countries, due to their geographical proximity, are expected to face significant repercussions. This challenge is further compounded by the presence of the hyper-arid Sahara, which exacerbates the impact of climate change. Consequently, the Maghreb states recognize the imminent climate evolution as a major concern. This study aims to present an overview of the current climate evolution projections in the Maghreb region and explore their potential consequences on water resources. It encompasses an analysis of the various aspects of climate change, while emphasizing the necessity of implementing adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts on water resources.