Responding to climate change presents challenges for the oil producing and water stressed countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), but also opportunities to forge new paths to more inclusive and effective development. In light of the foreseen climate change effects and the associated social and economic crises, what role do parliaments play in reducing risks and mitigating climate change impacts? This digest will highlight existing policies, laws and govern-ance in the Arab States. It will also identify possible parliamentary action points to promote and scale up investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities.