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For the first time, the latest IPCC report, which reviews knowledge on climate change, its causes, potential impacts and response options, also included a Water Cycle section. This included a severe forecast of a 30 percent decrease in precipitation within the Middle East by 2040.

One of the scientists who contributed to the IPCC report, Professor Daniel Rosenfeld, climate expert at Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Earth Sciences, explains why this has been included and how a decrease in precipitation could lead to the drying of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the destablisation of communities in the region.

"Water is the most important climatic property that determines the livelihood of mankind."

Photo: Date palms after a drought in the Kermal region of Iran Credit: Getty Images