Tunisia Faces Growing Environmental Crisis
Tunisia is confronted with a growing environmental crisis that affects not only access to vital resources but also the quality of life of its citizens. From increasing pollution to restricted access to potable water, the challenges are numerous, and over time, the repercussions on the population are becoming more and more pronounced.
According to the World Bank, Tunisia is one of the Mediterranean countries most exposed to climate change.
Here are the main environmental problems that our country is facing, based on recent data:
Limited Access to Potable Water
According to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), nearly 300,000 Tunisians did not have access to potable water in 2022. This alarming situation highlights the degradation of infrastructure and the impact of climate change on the country's water resources.
Environmental Pollution: A Growing Scourge
Tunisia ranks among the most polluted countries in Africa. In 2022, the Heinrich Böll Foundation estimated the pollution rate in Tunisia at 75.12%, placing the country in 3rd position after Egypt and Algeria. In the same context, a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Tunisia among the 10 most polluted African countries, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Economic and Social Impacts of Climate Change
The consequences of climate change on the income and livelihoods of the Tunisian population are becoming more and more palpable. A 2022 survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on climate change reveals that 52% of the population believes that climate change has affected their income. Moreover, 84% of Tunisians affirm that climate change is already having an impact on their daily lives, testifying to the magnitude of the phenomenon.
What Needs to be Done?
In the face of these environmental challenges that Tunisia is facing, urgent and coordinated action is necessary. From improving access to potable water to reducing pollution, and promoting renewable energy – which 83% of Tunisians consider a priority, according to the EIB – solutions exist, but they require strong political will and collective engagement.
