������Ƶ

Iraq is grappling with a combination of soaring temperatures, rapidly declining rainfall, increased desertification and the deterioration of once-thriving agricultural lands. The UN ranks it among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change globally.

Since the beginning of this century, Iraq’s average temperature has by nearly 0.5 degrees Celsius per decade, a rate much faster than the global average. Projections suggest that, if current emissions continue unchecked, Iraq’s temperatures could be as much as 5.6 C higher than pre-industrial times by the end of the century. Such an increase would not only devastate the country’s fragile ecosystems but would also exacerbate economic hardship, displacement and social instability.

Already, the country is facing longer and harsher droughts, increasingly violent sandstorms and a sharp decline in water resources — a combination that threatens millions of lives and livelihoods.

Human Rights Watch in March released a sobering report titled “Iraq’s Climate Crisis is a Human Rights Crisis,” bringing global attention to the humanitarian dimension of Iraq’s environmental catastrophe. It underscores that the crisis is not just a matter of rising temperatures or drying rivers, it is about the fundamental rights of Iraq’s people — the right to water, food, health, shelter and even life itself.

The crisis is not just a matter of rising temperatures or drying rivers, it is about the fundamental rights of Iraq’s people

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The report documented how Iraqi communities, especially marginalized populations such as the Marsh Arabs and rural farmers, are being displaced, their traditional ways of life destroyed and their access to essential resources cut off. As the government struggles to respond adequately, many find themselves increasingly vulnerable to hunger, disease, poverty and forced migration.

The consequences of Iraq’s climate crisis have been devastating across every sector. For example, agricultural production, a cornerstone of Iraq’s economy and food security, has . Water shortages and soil degradation have made farming in many areas impossible, leaving thousands of families without a source of income. The Mesopotamian Marshes, an ecosystem that once covered thousands of square kilometers and supported a rich cultural heritage, have dramatically due to upstream water diversions and rising salinity levels. This environmental tragedy threatens not only biodiversity but also the ancient communities whose livelihoods depend on these wetlands.

Moreover, Iraq has witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of sandstorms, events that blanket cities in thick dust, shut down airports, destroy crops and cause widespread respiratory illnesses among the population. Hospitals in Baghdad and other cities report in patients suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases after each storm.

Environmental degradation is not an isolated problem for farmers or villagers, it is a nationwide crisis impacting public health, economic stability, education and national security.

The effects of Iraq’s climate crisis are not confined within its borders. The drying of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which are water sources for Iraq, Syria and parts of Turkiye and Iran, is a regional catastrophe in the making.

As upstream countries build more dams and divert water to serve their own growing populations and industries, Iraq is left gasping for water. This competition for dwindling water resources has already heightened tensions between nations and threatens to ignite new conflicts in an already volatile region.

Severe droughts, linked directly to human-induced climate change, have devastated large areas of Syria, contributing to mass migration, internal displacement and instability — dynamics that could easily worsen in Iraq and spill over into neighboring countries. Thus, Iraq’s environmental collapse risks triggering broader humanitarian disasters, refugee crises and security challenges that will reverberate throughout the Middle East and beyond. What is happening in Iraq is a stark warning for the entire region: environmental degradation knows no borders.

The international community, particularly the world’s most powerful nations, cannot afford to turn a blind eye to Iraq’s plight. Iraq did not cause the climate crisis on its own; historically, its carbon emissions have been relatively small compared to major industrialized countries. Yet it finds itself suffering disproportionately from a problem largely driven by global trends. Justice demands that wealthier nations, which have contributed most to the problem, step up to help Iraq adapt and survive.

Furthermore, helping Iraq is not just a moral obligation, it is a matter of enlightened self-interest. Instability in Iraq, fueled by climate collapse, could trigger waves of migration, regional conflicts and economic shocks that will impact Europe, Asia and beyond. Assisting Iraq in building resilience to climate change today will help avert future crises that might require far greater humanitarian and military interventions. The international community must recognize that Iraq’s fate is intertwined with global security, human rights and the broader fight against climate change.

There are concrete actions that can and must be taken immediately to help Iraq confront this existential challenge

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

There are concrete actions that can and must be taken immediately to help Iraq confront this existential challenge. One major area of focus should be strengthening water management systems. Iraq needs modern, efficient infrastructure to store, distribute and conserve its limited water supplies. Revitalizing irrigation systems, repairing aging dams and implementing water-saving technologies could make a tremendous difference.

Sustainable agricultural practices must be promoted to replace traditional methods that are no longer viable under current conditions. Encouraging the use of drought-resistant crops, soil conservation techniques and smart farming technologies would help revive Iraq’s agricultural sector and secure food supplies.

Developing renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, is another critical step. Iraq is blessed with abundant sunlight and wind, and shifting away from fossil fuels would not only reduce emissions but also create jobs and diversify the economy.

Vulnerable communities must receive targeted assistance, including emergency relief, healthcare and relocation support when necessary. Building new schools, clinics and infrastructure adapted to extreme weather conditions would help these communities survive and thrive.

Moreover, Iraq and its neighbors must engage in cooperative regional agreements to manage shared water resources fairly and sustainably. Such diplomacy would help prevent conflicts and foster long-term stability.

Finally, wealthy nations and international organizations must mobilize significant financial and technical aid to support Iraq’s adaptation efforts. Climate finance should not be limited to generic programs — it must address Iraq’s unique needs and vulnerabilities directly, ensuring that the most affected populations are prioritized.

In conclusion, in terms of facing the climate crisis, Iraq’s struggle is humanity’s struggle. The suffering of Iraqi farmers, children and communities points to the urgent need for collective action. Iraq must not be left to confront this catastrophe alone. By extending meaningful support, sharing technology and resources and upholding the basic principles of justice and human rights, the international community can help Iraq.

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