Mr. clarified. GHULAM ISACZAI
12 Nov 2022, Baghdad
When I traveled 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 on the two rivers was completely different. what I saw two decades ago when I first worked in Iraq. Dust filled the air, blown by the hot air. The land is a dry land lined with hardy palms that patiently struggle against the elements of nature. This is not the Mesopotamia described in history books, the land of civilizations. When I ask Iraqis and others who have been here for years, I am told that it has never been like this before. It is clear that climate change is hurting this country.
In the course of my profession, I have been to many countries and I have seen many problems, but the effects of climate change here are severe. This beautiful and fertile land, known throughout history for the civilizations that sprouted around the great rivers Tigris and Euphrates, now stands on the frontline of a global climate crisis as the 5th most vulnerable country in world.
I wanted to be more positive in my first public speech in Iraq, but the truth is hard to hide. I must say that all is not lost. There is hope that things will change, and for the Iraqis to take the lead.
With the 27th UN Climate Change Conference – COP27 – continuing in full swing in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, it is important to look at the environmental issues and challenges in Iraq and what needs to be done about them. COP 27 will build on the outcomes of COP26 and respond to the world’s dire climate emergency – from urgently needed efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to building resilience and adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change. COP 27 should provide commitments to finance climate action in developing countries, including Iraq. COP 27 is an important opportunity for world governments to maintain and further develop their climate commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions) while transferring the spirit of climate change and awareness back to Iraq.
We all know the problems here: extreme weather events and changes in climate patterns such as heat waves, heavy rains, rising temperatures and increasingly variable and unpredictable rainfall; sand and dust storm; prolonged drought; land degradation; flash flood; and water scarcity.
In 2021, Iraq experienced its second driest period in 40 years due to record low rainfall. Over the past 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 wetlands of the south, a natural wonder, are drying up. Temperatures soared in Iraq, with a high of nearly 54°C recorded in Basra. The low water in the river means that the sea water pushes to the southern lands, that salination threatens agriculture. Livelihoods and even the existence of entire communities are at stake.
Climate change in Iraq is not only affecting the Iraqi agricultural sector but also a serious threat to basic human rights, creating obstacles to sustainable development and exacerbating environmental, security, political, and economy of the country.
The data and science are clear. While climate change is affecting many countries, some of the steps to mitigate its impact start at home. We need to act now and start moving towards a climate-resilient economy, while addressing both adaptation and mitigation. We all have a responsibility to protect our collective future and work together for the greater good.
We can start by taking concrete steps at home. Everyone needs to make better and more responsible choices whether it’s through what they eat, how they travel, how they save water and electricity and what they buy.
Restoring damaged ecosystems is an important first step and water management is essential. Managing water resources will require diplomacy and dealing with Iraq’s own water pollution and inefficiency problems. Therefore, there is no waste by running the tap, excessive use in cultivation and pollution of rivers and streams. Iraq needs to modernize and expand water treatment plants, repair old and damaged water infrastructure, enforce water use limits, and invest in new irrigation infrastructure, harvesting water and promote new irrigation methods. Dialogue and engagement with neighboring countries to ensure a fair share of water is critical.
The use of solar energy, cost-effective and abundant from strong sunlight throughout the year, and improving energy efficiency by achieving zero gas flaring as well as simultaneously building renewables, such as wind and hydro, can really help reduce toxic emissions and costs.
Campaigning for the environment, promoting large-scale recycling and other good environmental practices, involving young people who make up more than half of Iraq’s population in climate-related matters from early life , guarantees the success of any efforts to save our planet.
Public advocacy – and accountability – can also encourage private local and international investment to create green startups in the agriculture, waste, and energy sectors. The revival of agriculture in southern Iraq, the date industry, is an example.
There is still time to turn things around. With climate action supported by the leaders and people of Iraq, we have a real opportunity to leave a better Iraq for our next generation. I am encouraged that as well as joining the Paris Agreement, Iraq has pioneered its Green Paper, which strengthens the climate adaptation 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.
