WATCH: The Power of Deserts: Book event with Dan Rabinowitz

The oil-rich countries of the Arabian/Persian Gulf currently face a dual challenge. As climate predictions for their region suggest conditions could become intolerable later this century, renewable energy stands to eclipse demand for oil.

What if these countries decide it's in their best interest to turn away from oil, harness their immense solar potential, and emerge as vanguards of global climate action? Dr. Dan Rabinowitz (Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Tel Aviv University) explored this counterintuitive proposition during a March 2021 webinar focused on his new book The Power of Deserts: Climate Change, the Middle East and the Promise of a Post-Oil Era (Stanford University Press, 2020). 

Dr. Rabinowitz gave a brief talk before engaging in conversation with Duke's Dr. Erika Weinthal (Professor of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment and Professor of Public Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy) and responding to questions from the audience.  

The virtual book event was organized by the Duke University Energy Initiative, Duke University Middle East Studies Center, and the Duke University Center for International and Global Studies, and it was part of the Environmental Institutions Seminar Series presented by Duke's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, University Program in Environmental Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment, and Sanford School of Public Policy.