When Climate Catastrophe Becomes a PR Opportunity
1. THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? Moroccan Government (Interior Ministry): The primary responder and information source, keen to project an image of effective governance and stability, especially in the context of increasing climate-related challenges. Local Populations: The direct victims, often marginalized and residing in areas with vulnerable infrastructure, paying the highest
price for inadequate planning and adaptation. International Aid Organizations & Climate Institutions: While not explicitly mentioned, they often play a critical role in disaster assessment and relief, and their absence or delayed presence can be telling. European Partners (Spain, Portugal): Implied neighbors with shared geographical exposure to such storms, often involved in bilateral aid or
regional initiatives. 2. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Public funds allocated for infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and maintenance. However, significant portions of Morocco's budget are often directed towards large-scale development projects, defense, and maintaining geopolitical stability, sometimes at the expense of local, preventative measures. For instance, Morocco’s
defense budget saw a 7% increase in 2024, reaching approximately 6.2 billion USD (SIPRI, 2024). This often dwarfs spending on climate resilience in vulnerable communities. International development loans and climate adaptation funds, which often come with conditions and may not directly benefit local communities where infrastructure is most lacking. 3. THE INCENTIVES: What do they gain from this