THE FIRST STEPS IN THE TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Energy issues are at the center of many of the countries' challenges. The region is characterized by a heavy reliance on oil and natural gas to meet its energy needs. Despite being major energy producers many MENA countries are struggling to meet the growing domestic energy demand. The transition to renewable energy systems therefore represents a promising strategy for meeting this demand. The transition would also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the International Agreement on Limiting the Rate of Pollution. In addition the use of renewable energy would boost economic growth and local employment and reduce fiscal constraints.These multi-level energy and political challenges resulting from the interaction of economic social cultural and climatic aspects should not be ignored as they pose serious risks to prosperity and economic and social development and hence to the stability of urbanization in the cities and the region.