The latest developments in the conflict in the Middle East indicate the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics in this region. Over time, several factors contributed to the escalation of tensions, especially related to territorial issues, ideology and foreign intervention. One of the main highlights was the reunion between Israelis and Palestinians, where peace negotiations appeared to be stagnant. Rocket attacks and military retaliation between the two sides continued, sparking global concern and attention from major countries. In Syria, although there has been a reduction in the intensity of the conflict, the impact of the civil war is still being felt. US-backed Kurdish militias confronted Turkish troops, sparking tensions that could lead to further conflict. Although ISIS’s presence is declining, it still leaves pockets of resistance, complicating regional reconstruction and stabilization efforts. Yemen is also in the spotlight with continued attacks between the Houthis and the coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The ceasefire that has occurred shows hope, but attacks on civilian infrastructure by the parties concerned have created a cycle of violence that is difficult to break. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is recognized as one of the world’s worst, with millions of people facing hunger and disease. Iran continues to play a prominent role in regional conflicts, pursuing a proxy strategy by supporting groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq. This action adds complexity to relations in the Middle East, especially regarding US foreign policy which tends to suppress Iranian influence, exacerbating tensions between existing alliances. The behavior of Gulf countries, including the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, is also a significant development. This step not only changes the balance of power, but also creates new opportunities for economic cooperation in the region, despite skepticism from the Palestinians. The conflict in the Middle East is now faced with new challenges such as climate change and deep economic problems. The energy crisis and the availability of water resources should not be ignored as this could lead to additional instability. With the influence of global forces continuing to change, the Middle East’s position on the world political map is becoming increasingly crucial. From all these events, an urgent need for inter-state dialogue and sustainable development emerges to build long-term stability and peace. Any escalation of tensions will continue to increase the suffering of civil society who are entangled in wider conflicts, hoping for a safer and more just world.
Climate Change and its Impact on the World
Climate change is a global phenomenon caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), due to human activities. This process causes an increase in the Earth’s average temperature, which has a major impact on various aspects of life. One of the real impacts of climate change is an increase in extreme temperatures. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, global temperatures have increased by more than 1 degree Celsius since the industrial era. These rising temperatures contribute to more frequent and intense heat waves, which can harm human health and increase the risk of forest fires. Changes in rainfall patterns are also the result of climate change. Some regions are experiencing more intense rain, while others are experiencing prolonged drought. Increasingly frequent droughts threaten food security, especially in developing countries, where agriculture depends on natural rainfall. Sea level rise is a further consequence of global warming, caused by melting glaciers and thermal expansion of sea water. According to recent reports, sea levels could rise by up to one meter by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled. This threat is especially serious for island nations and coastal areas, where millions of people are at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods. Biodiversity is also threatened by climate change. Many species cannot adapt quickly to changes in temperature and their changing habitats. This leads to an increased risk of extinction for already threatened species. For example, coral reefs, which are vital marine ecosystems, experience bleaching due to higher water temperatures. The socio-economic impacts of climate change are far-reaching. The increasing frequency of natural disasters such as floods caused by heavy rains is affecting infrastructure, forcing governments to spend higher budgets on recovery and adaptation. The health sector is also affected by the emergence of diseases associated with extreme weather, such as respiratory diseases and infections which increase in hot weather. Addressing climate change requires global collaboration. Mitigation and adaptation policies at the international, national and local levels are very important to overcome this problem. Countries have committed in the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius, but actual implementation of these commitments is a major challenge. Public awareness regarding climate change is also increasing. Society is increasingly active in the environmental movement, encouraging companies and governments to adopt sustainable practices. Renewable technologies, such as solar and wind energy, offer environmentally friendly alternatives and are an important part of the solution to reducing emissions. Investments in energy innovation, such as electric vehicles and energy storage, have shown significant potential in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, changes in individual behavior and consumption habits also play a major role in facing the global climate crisis. With the right steps, there is still hope to reduce the impact of climate change and create a more sustainable world. Collaborative steps such as developing public policies, replanting forests, and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles can help create long-term solutions.