Iraq Climate: The Inevitable Catastrophe Looming Ahead
Iraq, located in the Middle East and North Africa region, is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change. The country faces extreme phenomena, including desertification, increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and rising temperatures, which affect human health and key sectors like water, agriculture, and food security. These effects, in turn, make it difficult to reduce poverty and increase common prosperity.
Reports indicate that the average temperature in Iraq has increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius compared to what it was 100 years ago. It is expected that the average temperatures will rise by about 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next 100 years, which is even higher than the global average. Water shortages have reduced arable land by about 50%, leading to high salinity that threatens farmers’ livelihoods.
Global warming gas emissions
In 2019, Iraq was responsible for 8% of the world’s methane emissions and 0.5% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. The volume of cumulative emissions increased from 1.995 billion tons in 2001 to reach 4.657 billion tons, with a compound growth rate of 4.3% during the period 2001–2020. The oil sector contributes about 40% of emissions due to gas flaring.
Agriculture
Agriculture in Iraq has been severely affected by drought. In 2018, the country’s cultivated land shrank by half, and the government stopped cultivating irrigated crops such as rice and maize. As a result, the losses in rice production were estimated at about 39 million dollars. Cities in southern Iraq, which suffer from high levels of poverty, were among the areas most affected by the lack of food supplies.
Air pollution
Iraq comes in second place for the most air-polluted countries, according to the annual report of air quality 2022 issued by IQAir. Small harmful airborne particles known as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) reached 39.6 micrograms per meter cube in the country. This number is dangerously high when compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendation that average concentrations of PM2.5 not exceed 5 micrograms / cubic meter. The US Environmental Protection Agency says that levels higher than 35.5 micrograms / cubic meter can cause serious health problems.
Multiple Pollutants
Environmental pollution in Iraq is due to a large number of factors, most notably the gas emitted from cars and oil refining plants, as well as electric power plants, dust storms, nuclear radiation, remnants of war, mines in the ground, sewage water, health waste, and hospital waste. Industrial waste, residues, and materials of the agricultural sector, various municipal liquid and solid waste, in addition to other sources randomly scattered within residential areas, such as workshops, handicraft industries, ovens, individual, and collective electric generators, and household waste, are also major contributors.
The primary objective of the Iraq Climate Examiner newsletter is to raise awareness about the alarming impacts of climate change and promote advocacy campaigns for sustainable and renewable energy solutions in Iraq. Our monthly newsletter will investigate, analyze, and identify the root causes of climate change in Iraq and propose effective methods and solutions to mitigate its dangerous consequences. One of our significant recommendations is:
1- Develop a comprehensive plan for managing water resources to ensure sustainable and equitable use, particularly in the agricultural sector, which consumes the most water in Iraq.
2- Enforce strict regulations on sources of water and air pollution, including wastewater, sewage, factories, transportation, and other sources.
3- Maintain and expand sewage treatment facilities to meet the needs of urban growth and ensure compliance with environmental and health standards.
4- Establish a monitoring system to track water and air quality and identify pollution sources to inform evidence-based decision-making and improve air and water quality in cities.
5- Modernize and maintain oil facilities and refineries, monitor gas emissions to prevent environmental damage, and protect public health.
6- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting investment in the green economy and sustainable development.
7- Regulate car emissions, conduct regular checks, and promote mass transportation to reduce harmful gas emissions.
8- Maintain and build electric power stations to eliminate the need for individual and collective generators, which contribute to poor air quality in urban areas.
9- Develop a comprehensive system for managing waste, including municipal, health, commercial, and other waste, encouraging recycling, and establishing proper landfill sites.
10- Increase green spaces, such as roadside plantings, public squares, gardens, and parks, to improve the urban environment.
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