Climate Change Vulnerabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Trends and Impacts on Communicable Diseases

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), with its diverse ecological zones, is currently experi-encing climate changes in temperature and precipitation at rates that surpass the global average. This heightened variability significantly increases the region's vulnerability to climate impacts. Using the Climate Risk Index (CRI) by Germanwatch and the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), we evaluated the susceptibility of EMR countries to these changes. Fur-thermore, we investigated the relationship between climate vulnerabilities and public health, focusing on climate-sensitive communicable diseases such as diarrheal diseases, cholera, malaria, and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). We identified regional trends, progress, and preparedness gaps by recalibrating ranking data from both indices. Our findings reveal significant climate-induced shifts that challenge traditional economic classifications of EMR countries. No-tably, public health systems are increasingly burdened by climate-driven infectious diseases, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This study underscores the importance of urgent action for integrating climate adaptation measures into public health frameworks and fostering regional collaboration to mitigate the evolving threats of climate change.