The State of Kuwait is located in Western Asia at the tip of the Persian Gulf. Kuwait is one of the most urbanized countries in the world with over 98% of its population living in cities. The country’s economy is dominated by petroleum, which accounts for more than 40% of nominal gross domestic product and 95% of export income. Economic diversification is key to sustaining Kuwait’s economy and will depend on increased growth in non-oil sectors. Poor soils and harsh climatic conditions render agriculture as one of the worst performing sectors, leading to a heavy dependence on food imports. Water resources are scarce and groundwater is rapidly depreciating due to over-extraction. Kuwait’s arid land coupled with its flat landscape puts it at risk of floods, desertification, and sand and dust storms. Increased severity and harsh climatic conditions might increase the formation of sand dunes, sand encroachment and dust storms.

Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is the lead governmental agency and authority for environmental management and climate change-related activities in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti parliament recently adopted the Environment Protection Law No. (42) for the year 2014, amended by Law No. (99) for the year 2015, where the law is aimed to protect the environment. The country has also developed a National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) for long term greenhouse gas mitigation. Kuwait’s vulnerability to climate was examined relative to two key sectors, coastal zones and water resources. (Initial National Communications, 2012) Kuwait has submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution in 2016.