Climate change is the biggest threat Iraq has ever faced, but there is hope to turn things around

When I travelled to Baghdad a month ago to assume my duties in Iraq to help coordinate our support to the government and people in need, the land of the two rivers was totally different from what I had seen two decades ago when I first worked in Iraq. Dust, pushed up by hot winds filled the air. Swathes of arid land dotted by stubborn palm trees were patiently struggling to withstand the elements of nature. This is not the Mesopotamia as described in the history books, the land of civilizations. When I asked Iraqis and others who have been here for many years, I was told it was never like this before. Clearly, climate change has taken its toll on this country.  

In the course of my profession, I’ve been to so many countries and I’ve seen many problems, but the effects of climate change here are dramatic. This beautiful and fertile land, known throughout history for civilizations sprouting around the mighty rivers Tigris and Euphrates, now stands on the frontline of a global climate crisis as the world’s 5th most vulnerable country. 

I would have liked to be more positive in my first address to the Iraqi public, but the reality is hard to hide. I must say that all is not lost. There is hope to turn things around, and it is for the Iraqis to take the lead.  

With the 27th UN Climate Change Conference – COP27 – proceeding in full swing in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, it is important to look at environmental issues and challenges in Iraq and what needs to be done about them. COP27 will build on the outcomes of COP26 and respond to the acute global climate emergency – from urgently needed mitigation efforts in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change. COP 27 needs to deliver on the commitments to finance climate action in developing countries, including Iraq. COP 27 is an important opportunity for world governments to stick to and further develop their climate commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions) while transferring the climate change spirit and awareness back to Iraq.    

We all are aware of the problems here: extreme weather events and changes in climate patterns such as heat waves, heavy rains, rising temperatures and increased variability and unpredictability of rainfall; sand and dust storms; prolonged droughts; land degradation; flash floods; and water scarcity. 

In 2021, Iraq experienced its second driest season in 40 years due to record low rainfall. Over the last 40 years, water flows from the Euphrates and Tigris, which provide up to 98% of Iraq’s surface water, have decreased by 30-40 percent. The historic marshlands in the south, a natural heritage wonder, are drying up. Iraq’s temperatures are soaring, with the highest of nearly 54°C recorded in Basra. Low river water means seawater is pushing into southern lands, with salination threatening agriculture. The livelihood and even existence of entire communities are at stake.  

Climate change in Iraq not only affects Iraq's agricultural sector but also is a severe threat to fundamental human rights, creates barriers to sustainable development and worsens the country’s environmental, security, political, and economic challenges.  

The data and science are clear. While climate change is affecting many countries, some of the measures to mitigate its impact start at home.

As the leader of the UN Country Team in Iraq, I recognize my own responsibility in bringing the entire UN system together to support the national authorities move towards a climate-resilient economy, while also addressing adaptation and mitigation. Together, we all have a responsibility to safeguard our collective future and work towards the greater good.   

By convening a diverse range of stakeholders together, including UN agencies, national authorities, and local partners, we can begin to take more concrete and coordinated steps towards climate action at home.  

To do this, each person needs to make better and more responsible choices whether it’s through what they eat, how they travel, how they conserve water and electricity and what they buy.  

Restoring damaged ecosystems is an important first step and water management is key. Managing water resources will require both diplomacy and tackling Iraq’s own water pollution and inefficiency problems. Hence, no wastage by running taps, or excessive use of water for gardening and polluting the rivers and streams. Iraq needs to modernize and expand its water treatment plants, repair outdated and damaged water infrastructure, enforce water use limits, invest in new irrigation infrastructure, and water harvesting and promote innovative irrigation practices. Dialogue and engagement with neighbouring countries to ensure a fair share of water is critical for Iraq. 

Utilizing solar energy, cost effective and abundant from the powerful sun rays throughout most of the year, and improving energy efficiency by reaching zero gas flaring as well as simultaneously building up renewables, such as wind and hydro, will certainly help reduce toxic emissions and cost. 

Campaigning for the environment, promoting large-scale recycling and other sound environmental practices, involving the youth who make up more than half of Iraq’s population in climate-related matters from early life, guarantee the success of any efforts to save our planet.  

Public advocacy and accountability can also encourage private local and international investment to enable green start-ups in the agriculture, waste, and energy sectors. Reviving Iraq’s agriculture in the south, and its date industry, is one such example. 

There is still time to turn things around. With climate action backed by Iraq’s leaders and people, we have a real opportunity to leave a better Iraq for our next generation. I am encouraged that by joining the Paris Agreement, Iraq is pioneering its Green Paper which enshrines climate adaptation in policy.  

We, at the United Nations are ready to help the new Government of Iraq to deliver on its climate commitments through tangible actions and implementation, coordinated solutions, and engagement at all levels. 

This blog was adapted from the Arabic version originally published on UN Iraq. To learn more about the UN's work on the ground, visit: iraq.un.org.