Remote Sensing: The First Atlas of Climate Change on the North Coast of Egypt

·       The Remote Sensing Authority is preparing a study to determine the most important impacts resulting from climate change, especially in the northern coastal areas.

·       Study of the North Coast region from Arish in the east to Siwa Oasis in the west.

·       Preparing a paper and digital atlas that includes all the project results and maps.

National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences Conducts a Comprehensive Study on Climate Change Impacts in Egypt's Northern Coastal Areas

Under the patronage of Dr. Islam Abu Al-Magd, President of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, a team from the Environmental Studies Department, led by Dr. Elham Mahmoud, Professor of Environment and Marine Sciences, has conducted an extensive study to identify the most significant impacts of climate change, particularly in the northern coastal areas of the Arab Republic of Egypt. This study is part of a research project implemented by the Authority.

The study covered the entire northern coast of Egypt, from El-Arish in the east to Siwa Oasis in the west, utilizing satellite imagery, digital models, and a review of international reports.

The study tracked the changes caused by climate change along the coastline over a 20-year period, from 2002 to 2022. It also monitored changes resulting from land use and observed activities in the area adjacent to the northern coast, extending 30 kilometers southward, which included the Delta region and its eastern and western counterparts.

The study did not merely assess current changes over two decades but also projected potential future changes due to climate change over the next 50 and 100 years, both in terms of alterations along the coastline and potential shifts in land use and activities within the same region.

The study was completed by applying digital models to determine the expected change in sea level as a result of temperature changes. Three scenarios, as approved by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, were adopted to identify sea level changes based on different scenarios in 2050 and 2100. The three scenarios were: half a meter, one meter, and two meters. The study provided accurate statistics on the number of people and the area of land most at risk in each scenario.

The study team also prepared a hard copy and a digital atlas containing all the results and maps of the project, making them available to all relevant ministries and authorities.

The most important outputs of this study highlight the significant impacts of climate change on the southern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. This study can serve as a valuable database for decision-makers and those concerned with coastal areas in Egypt when planning for the future and developing adaptation plans to climate change.