Professor El-Raey obtained his PhD in Space Physics; University of California, Berkeley (1971). Upon his return to Egypt, he initiated and chaired the first Department of Environmental Studies, and former Dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Alexandria (1994-2004). He is a member of the Prime Minister’s National Committee on Climate Change in Egypt, Chairman of the Sector Committee on Environment, Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities (2007-to date). He is Environment Advisor, Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and presently is working to initiate the Regional Arab Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction. Has received many awards. He has published extensively on problems of remote sensing, climate change and vulnerability of the coastal zone of Egypt.

• The adverse impact of climate change on various sectors of development has become well- established. • The average temperature rise, sea level rise, salt water intrusion and increasing frequency and severity of extreme events have actually been measured and found to increase leading to high risk sustainable development. • Research needs to be carried out on impacts on water, agriculture, coastal, archeological resources, as well as biodiversity and fisheries. • Proactive planning for adaptation, development of strong institutional capability for monitoring, assessment and enforcement of environmental regulations are necessary. Decision-makers have to be considered responsible, if no action is taken.