Deadline: 1 October 2010
Center for Migration and Refugee Studies
American University in Cairo
Call for submissions: Essay Competition for Young Scholars Topic:
The politics of climate change and population movement/displacement in the Middle East and North Africa
Background:
Recent World Bank research has suggested that the: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the regions that is most vulnerable to climate change on account of the highest level of water scarcity in the world, a significant dependence on climate-sensitive agriculture, the concentration of populations and economic activity in flood-prone urban coastal zones, and the presence of conflict-ridden areas in which climate induced resource scarcity could escalate violence and political turmoil even beyond the region's boundaries. In short, the MENA region is very vulnerable in agriculture, urban development and important water management that will be affected by climate change and drought. For example, it is estimated that some 80 million to 100 million people in the MENA region will not have sufficient access to water by 2025, and the recent tension over outdated treaties between countries relying upon the Nile has been a serious concern. The potential for migration and displacement as a consequence of climate change and how it might be managed needs to be better understood, particularly in relation to possible future insecurity and instability. There is a need for a better understanding of what dangers and remedies lie ahead to avoid conflict and develop peaceful population adaptations to climate change in the region.*
Eligibility:
Advanced PhD candidates or recent PhD graduates (up to 2 years), with citizenship or permanent residence in one of the MENA countries. The scholars are not required to reside in MENA at the time of writing the paper. To foster and encourage refugee and migration scholarship in the region, and to reward upcoming scholars in the field. Policy research paper, 25-30 pages (1.5 spaced, 12 pt font), of publishable standard.
Submissions: To enter the contest, please send a CV and a short abstract to CMRSresearch@aucegypt.edu to determine eligibility.
Timeline:
Abstracts will be approved and returned to contestant.
1 October 2010: Deadline for submission of expression of interest and short abstract
31 December 2010: Deadline for submission of final draft
15 January 2011: Committee selects 3 winners; each will be awarded USD 1,000