An Inspection of Iran’s Climate Crisis; Present and Past

By: Mohaddaseh Barghamadi

Click here for the Farsi Version

Iran is one of many countries currently facing the harsh effects of climate change. In the midst of sanctions and new legislations, Iranian youth climate activist Karo Alidad has agreed to give an interview on the current environmental status of Iran, insight on the country’s popular environmental beliefs, and how the government has been handling it all. Alidad is one of few vocal youth environmental activists in Iran. He currently works as a tech repair technician, alongside his activism. To better understand Iran’s current controversial environmental state, we must take a look at what has led it here.

In the past, Iran had made several attempts to fight climate change, while continuing its research on the production and use of green renewable energy. In March of 1951, Mohammad Mossadegh, a member of the Majlis (Iranian Parliament) led a movement to nationalize Iran’s oil industry, which had previously been run by private companies, largely controlled by foreign interests. This system allowed for the constant exploitative drilling of Iran’s oil, which led to an increase of fossil fuels burned. This triggered a new rate of carbon dioxide production in the country, as well as those of other greenhouse gases. The nationalization of the “Anglo-Persian Oil Company’’ (of which Britain held an overwhelming share) was not admired by Western forces. By nationalizing their oil, Iran was in control of its exports and resources, and thus swatted the greedy hand of Western nations who were determined to seize oil at its cheapest price.

The newfound protection and conservation of Iran’s resources meant less fossil fuels burned, and fewer carbon emissions polluting the air. This also meant that foreign companies were no longer able to exploit Iran’s natural resources at their previous rate, which evidently did not sit right with the UK and US, who in 1953 (only 3 years into his time as prime minister) orchestrated a coup against Mossadegh, overthrew his government, and built instead a regime more favorable to the Western forces. As the regime fell and another arose, issues of how to control Iranian oil emerged. Still, the country manages to make environmental progress.

In current news, the major environmental issue Alidad expressed was the matter of a continuing water shortage. “⅓ of rivers have started to dry,” Alidad explained. “Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall have made it difficult for farmers to produce crops with stability.” Floods and droughts bring dysfunctional precipitation management to the forefront of Iran’s environmental dilemma. With the damages that disasters like this cause, it’s not surprising to hear that anxiety has risen among people in affected areas.

Over the past couple of years, despite investments in the public transport sector, there has been a rise in people who have opted out of public transportation for the use of personal cars. This recent shift has shown even more drastic changes as people are, due to the on-going pandemic, avoiding crowded areas (such as public transport) at all costs. This means a newer, higher, rate of carbon emission, and in turn, pollution. To combat this, people like Mehdi Hazadsadeh have begun working to facilitate the production of bicycle lanes in bigger cities along with strategies on how to popularize them. Although these efforts are new and fairly small, it brings new hope to Iran’s environmental future amidst on-going sanctions.

While ongoing global efforts have brought new levels of social awareness, Alidad warns that the real power rests in the hands of a select few. “Documents entailing sustainable development are completely rejected,” he says. “Political organizations are blown off, no one has shown honest interest in fixing the situations at hand. Why would they then listen to the youth?” It seems besides recent efforts, there remains speculation on whether or not the government is truly open to major environmental legislation.

“I dream of being a helper to Iranian society,” Alidad told me. “I hoped to build a beautiful, healthy world. That is what led me to climate activism.” We must all, rich and poor, left and right, care about the Earth and the people on it. We must take hold of the climate crisis before hundreds of millions become displaced. “People [here] believe the issue of climate change is for America to fix.” Alidad explained, “Let it get warm,” they say. Alidad believes that in order to bring major change to the scene of climate activism, “a loyal few must stand in way of our past environmental habits and call for change, because without the bravery of the loyal, there is no point in protest.”

Mohaddaseh Barghamadi is a member of the Earth Uprising Communications Team

• Instagram: @mohaddasehh
• Email: mohaddaseh@earthuprising.org
• Twitter: @dessabargh

Activist Featured: Karo Alidad

• Instagram: @11._karo
• Email: karoalidad@gmail.com

Editor: Mohammad Ahmadi

Earth Uprising is a global, youth-led non-profit organization focused on climate education, climate advocacy, and youth mobilization. Through its strong network of activists from all around the world, partnerships with groups, and local, national, and international campaigns and actions, it aims to bring attention to and spur action based on the latest science regarding the climate crisis. Earth Uprising provides the tools, resources, and connections young people need in order to take direct action in their own communities. Learn more at earthuprising.org and instagram.com/earth_uprising

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