If we fail to act on climate change, Iraq will be doomed

While much of the attention in discussions about climate change often focuses on areas such as the Arctic or small island nations, the effects on regions such as the Middle East, and particularly Iraq, is often overlooked.

Yet, the consequences of climate change in Iraq are profound and far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also exacerbating existing social, economic and political challenges. As the world grapples with the wider existential threat, it is critical that we shed light on the plight of Iraq and outline the actions both the country and the international community must take to address this pressing issue.

In recent years, discourse about climate change has shifted from mere scientific concern to a global rallying cry for urgent action. And Iraq, historically considered “the cradle of civilization,” is facing a climate crisis that poses a threat to its very existence.

The country is experiencing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and desertification, all of which have severe implications for its agriculture, water resources and public health.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which have sustained civilizations for millennia, are dwindling as a result of reduced snowpack in the mountains and increased demand for water from neighboring countries.

Extreme heatwaves pose significant risks to public health, particularly in urban areas

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

This dwindling water supply not only threatens agriculture, which is the backbone of Iraq’s economy, but also exacerbates tensions with neighboring countries over water rights. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani highlighted the critical nature of the situation when he said: “Our two rivers are exposed to the brunt of the effects of drought resulting from climate change. We have an urgent need to preserve rights to water resources and international river basins.”

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, experts predict that the nation could face the dire prospect of the Euphrates being entirely depleted by 2040.

The effects of climate change are acutely felt by Iraq’s most vulnerable populations. Farmers, who rely on predictable weather patterns for their livelihoods, are facing crop failures and economic hardship. Displacements caused by drought and desertification are exacerbating social tensions and contributing to internal movement and migration.

Additionally, extreme heatwaves pose significant risks to public health, particularly in urban areas where access to reliable electricity supplies and cooling systems is limited.

In the face of these challenges, both Iraq and the international community must take decisive action to mitigate the effects of climate change and build resilience. First of all, vulnerable communities and ecosystems ought to be prioritized in the implementation of climate-adaptation measures, to help protect them.

Steps that can be taken include investment in water-efficient agriculture, the promotion of sustainable land-management practices, and enhanced early-warning systems for extreme weather events.

Furthermore, Iraq ought to focus on diversifying its economy away from dependence on oil and invest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. By reducing its carbon footprint and embracing clean energy alternatives, Iraq can both mitigate the effects of climate change and foster economic development.

However, it cannot tackle climate change alone. The international community must step up its support and assistance to help Iraq build resilience and adapt to a changing climate. This includes financial assistance, the facilitation of technology transfers, and capacity-building support to help enhance the nation’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Diplomatic initiatives, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, provide mechanisms for international cooperation and must be leveraged to improve dialogue and collaborations on climate action.

The effects of climate change are acutely felt by Iraq’s most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Moreover, neighboring countries can engage in cooperative efforts to manage shared water resources and address transboundary challenges.

More fundamentally, efforts to address climate change in Iraq require a holistic approach that takes into account the interconnected nature of environmental, social and economic issues. In other words, environmental conservation efforts must be integrated with initiatives to alleviate poverty, improve education, and enhance public health to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all Iraqis.

This must include the empowerment of local communities, particularly women and marginalized groups, to participate in decision-making processes and help implement climate-resilient solutions that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

In addition, it is important to point out that efforts to tackle the root causes of conflict and instability in Iraq are crucial for building resilience to climate change as well. Ongoing conflicts and political instability in the region have exacerbated environmental degradation and hindered efforts to address climate change. The promotion of peace, stability and good governance in Iraq is therefore essential to the creation of an enabling environment for climate action and sustainable development.

Finally, it is critical to recognize the fact that action to address climate change is not just an environmental issue but a moral imperative. It is about safeguarding the rights and well-being of future generations and guaranteeing they will have a planet that is habitable for all.

In Iraq, as in many parts of the world, the effects of climate change are already being felt and the window of opportunity to act is rapidly closing. Therefore, robust and decisive actions are needed at all levels of society, from grassroots initiatives to international treaties, to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future for Iraq and the world.

The impact of climate change in Iraq is undeniable and the stakes could not be higher. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects, build resilience, and secure a sustainable future for the country and its people.

Both Iraq and the international community must work together to address this existential threat by adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach that integrates environmental, social and economic considerations.

Failure to act now will not only jeopardize the future of Iraq but also threaten the stability and prosperity of the entire region. The time to act is now and the stakes could not be higher.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh