The Arab region contributes less than 5 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions but is one of the most vulnerable to the potential ravages of climate change. In recent years, the region has suffered from rising average temperatures, leading to hotter summers and more frequent heat waves.

Decent work is essential for a life in dignity, and formal employment is a key for obtaining access to pension funds, health insurance, unemployment support, transfers related to maternity and disability, and other forms of social protection.

Because of its high dependency on imported fossil fuels, and the lack of adequate electrical generating capacity, the energy situation in Lebanon has been critical over the past decades. This situation has worsened since the beginning of the conflict in Syrian Arab Republic, and the influx of Syrian refugees resulted in a sharp increase of the demand for electricity, therefore widening the gap between generation and demand to approximately 5,524 GWh in 2014. This situation is further challenging the country’s sustainable energy management.