Why have some environmentalists opposed plans to transfer water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea?

Environmentalists and other critics have expressed skepticism and opposition toward plans to transfer water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea primarily due to concerns regarding the potential ecological consequences of mixing water from these two distinct sources.12

The proposed project, which included the construction of desalination and hydroelectric plants, would have resulted in the discharge of large quantities of brine—a byproduct of the desalination process—directly into the Dead Sea. Critics questioned the environmental impact of introducing this brine and mixing the different water sources, fearing it could lead to harmful, unforeseen effects on the lake's delicate ecosystem.12

In response to ongoing concerns about the declining water levels of the Dead Sea, recent efforts have shifted toward alternative solutions. In 2022, Israel and Jordan signed a Joint Declaration of Intent, which prioritizes bilateral cooperation to address pollution and increase the discharge of fresh water from the Jordan River into the Dead Sea rather than relying on canal-based water transfers.2