University of Nizwa Highlights Oman’s Climate Warming at Oman Climate Week

The Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre of the University of Nizwa took center stage at Oman Climate Week, presenting a pivotal study on Oman’s warming climate over the past four decades. The research, titled “Oman’s Warming Climate: A Four-Decade Temperature Surge in the Middle East”, provides crucial insights into the increasing temperatures across the country and their impact on climate, ecosystems, and human activities.

The Sultanate of Oman’s first Climate Week, held from February 24-26, is an international conference organized by the Ministry of Environment. The event brings together leaders from across the globe to take action and advance climate goals. The conference showcases the latest climate solutions and their potential to support MENA and global efforts to decarbonize and combat climate change.

The research team, supervised by Prof. Ahmed Al Harrasi, was led by Dr. Baiju Dayanandan, an Associate Professor at the University of Nizwa. Their study analyzed temperature trends in Oman using ERA5 reanalysis data from 1981 to 2020, uncovering a significant 1.0–1.5°C increase in temperature across different regions of the country. The findings highlight the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, water shortages, and environmental shifts.

The study found that maximum temperatures have increased by 0.5–1.5°C per decade, leading to a rise in extreme heat events, particularly in urban and desert regions. Additionally, minimum temperatures have shown significant nighttime warming, with increases of up to 1.5°C, posing concerns over higher energy consumption and reduced nocturnal cooling. While northern and central Oman experienced the most notable warming trends, some areas in southern Oman showed slight cooling, demonstrating regional climate variations.

This groundbreaking research is a collaborative effort between national and international institutions. The project team included researchers from the University of Nizwa, NCAR (USA), IIT Bhubaneswar (India), IITM (India), Oman Environment Authority, and the Oman Civil Aviation Authority. The research collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to Oman’s climate resilience efforts and inform policymakers on climate adaptation strategies.

The study also emphasizes the need for urban heat mitigation measures, such as expanding green spaces, implementing reflective building materials, and enhancing water resource management to counteract increasing evaporation rates. Additionally, it calls for greater public awareness campaigns and expanding research collaborations to refine regional climate models and improve forecasting.

The University of Nizwa, under the leadership of Honorable Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Al Rawahi, and Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof. Ahmed Al Harrasi, continues to lead the way in climate science and environmental sustainability. Their commitment to high-quality research and global collaboration has positioned Oman as a significant contributor to climate studies in the Middle East.

The University of Nizwa’s participation in Oman Climate Week marks a significant step toward tackling climate change challenges. With rising temperatures and an increase in extreme heat events, this study serves as a critical reference for future climate policies in Oman. The research underscores the importance of scientific collaboration, proactive policymaking, and long-term sustainability efforts to secure Oman’s environmental future.

Oman is actively tackling climate change through a range of public policies, with a strong emphasis on transitioning to clean energy. Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement’s objective of limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. A key policy framework, Oman Vision 2040, outlines the government’s dedication to building climate resilience and fostering sustainable development.