The hilltop of Harissa (Kesrouan), usually so lush and green, was visibly arid and brown this summer and autumn. Photo taken at the end of September 2025. (Credit: Suzanne Baaklini/L'Orient Today)
Green hills turning brown from aridity have been a worrying sight for Lebanon this year, after a distinct lack of rainfall has continued even into the autumn months. The consequences of rising temperatures and an unusually long drought are clear: the trees are struggling.In the winter of 2024-2025, Beirut saw only 382.1 millimeters of rainfall as opposed to more than 1,000 the previous year; Tripoli (North Lebanon) 520.4 mm compared to over 1,220; and Zahle (Bekaa) 268.4 mm versus more than 740, according to Meteo-Liban.Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani has repeatedly pointed out that this phenomenon, seen mostly in oak forests, "is not related to a pest or a disease, but to harsh weather conditions." In a response to MP Samy Gemayel addressing the state of forests in Metn and Harissa (Kesrouan), he explained that "repeated...
Green hills turning brown from aridity have been a worrying sight for Lebanon this year, after a distinct lack of rainfall has continued even into the autumn months. The consequences of rising temperatures and an unusually long drought are clear: the trees are struggling.In the winter of 2024-2025, Beirut saw only 382.1 millimeters of rainfall as opposed to more than 1,000 the previous year; Tripoli (North Lebanon) 520.4 mm compared to over 1,220; and Zahle (Bekaa) 268.4 mm versus more than 740, according to Meteo-Liban.Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani has repeatedly pointed out that this phenomenon, seen mostly in oak forests, "is not related to a pest or a disease, but to harsh weather conditions." In a response to MP Samy Gemayel addressing the state of forests in Metn and Harissa (Kesrouan), he explained that...
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