Iraq among 5 countries most affected by climate change: Environment minister

Iraq is entering a new phase in addressing environmental challenges, with the government placing greater emphasis on environmental policies and seeking to strengthen cooperation with Türkiye, Iraqi Environment Minister Sarwa Abdul Wahid said.

Speaking to Anadolu before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for Nov. 9-20 in Antalya, Türkiye, Abdul Wahid discussed Iraq's environmental challenges, including air pollution, declining green spaces, pollution from oil and industrial activities, and bilateral environmental cooperation with Türkiye.

She identified air pollution as one of Iraq's most pressing environmental problems, warning that the effects of climate change on the country are becoming increasingly severe.

"Iraq is one of the five countries most affected by climate change," she said, noting that industrial facilities, oil refineries and petroleum companies are major contributors to environmental pollution.

During field visits to Basra, Abdul Wahid said authorities found that some oil companies were operating in violation of environmental regulations and established standards.

She said an inspection campaign had been launched in response and would continue.

Highlighting the steady decline of green spaces in Baghdad, she said urban development has contributed to worsening air quality.

"Unfortunately, green spaces in Baghdad have been replaced by concrete buildings. When you look at the city from above, you see more concrete structures than green areas. This is one of the factors contributing to air pollution," she said.

The minister said new mechanisms and action plans were being developed to prevent pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, with the Environment Ministry assuming a regulatory and supervisory role.

She also noted that vehicle emissions and pollution from generators negatively affect air quality in parts of Baghdad, stressing the need for coordinated action among government institutions to address environmental problems.

Field inspections to contain pollution

Abdul Wahid said environmental issues are increasingly being discussed by Iraq's Council of Ministers, describing the current government's approach as different from that of previous administrations.

She emphasized that the ministry is prioritizing fieldwork over office-based activities, identifying pollution sources and those responsible through on-site inspections.

The findings are subsequently submitted to the Prime Minister's Office through reports and official correspondence, she added.

Iraq seeks international support for climate-related damage

Confirming Iraq's participation in COP31 in Antalya, Abdul Wahid called for greater international recognition of the damage caused by climate change.

"We expect the international community to take into account the damage Iraq has suffered from climate change," she said.

She emphasized the need for increased international grants and assistance, particularly for the country's most vulnerable provinces.

Abdul Wahid said Iraq also aims to sign memorandums of understanding on environmental cooperation with international organizations and other countries.

She added that Baghdad would pursue initiatives to establish regional partnerships and alliances aimed at protecting air and water resources.

Identifying Maysan, Dhi Qar, Basra, Diwaniyah and Muthanna as the provinces most vulnerable to climate change, Abdul Wahid said other parts of Iraq are also affected, but these five provinces face particularly severe conditions.

Iraq seeks joint environmental initiatives with Türkiye

Addressing relations between Iraq and Türkiye, Abdul Wahid further emphasized the importance Baghdad attaches to strengthening bilateral ties.

"Developing relations between Türkiye and Iraq is among the priorities of the current government. We consider Türkiye an important neighbor for Iraq," she said.

"The two countries share common challenges, particularly concerning rivers and climate change. We maintain regular contacts to strengthen environmental relations with Türkiye."

Abdul Wahid said she also plans to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish officials on the sidelines of the UN climate conference.

"We want to develop a shared vision with Türkiye and take our environmental relations to a more advanced level," she said.

"There are many issues of common concern between the two countries, foremost among them rivers and climate change."