A conference organized in partnership between University of Kurdistan Hewler, the French Research Center on Iraq (CFRI), and the Bahralolom Forum on May 12 brought together senior Iraqi and Kurdish officials to address the challenges of climate change in Iraq and the importance of protecting the environment.
The uncontrolled warming of our planet that could, in our lifetimes, change how and where we live and force populations from their lands in greater numbers than in times of war.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) May 12, 2024
Addressing it requires collective action -mb. pic.twitter.com/BHvyiC72Cj
“The uncontrolled warming of our planet could, in our lifetimes, change how and where we live and force populations from their lands in greater numbers than in times of war,” Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani posted on X.
He also underlined during the conference that it is the KRG’s responsibility “to protect our nature and environment to stop desertification.”
“Our responsibility as KRG firstly is to protect our nature and environment to stop desertification.”
— University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (@UKH_official) May 12, 2024
- @Kurdistan Prime Minister H.E. Masrour Barzani#UKH_Actions_for_Climate_Change@masrourbarzani @VE_Official_VE@BahrAlolomForum @Cfri_Irak pic.twitter.com/V0BJCZfPVa
At the conference, in a response to a question from Kurdistan Chronicle, Prime Minister Barzani underlined that the KRG has plans to educate the next generation on the importance of protecting the environment and the dangers of climate change.
“We have plans in motion for this initiative. The Minister of Education himself is present here today, we’ve convened numerous meetings to underscore the critical role of elementary education in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental and climate issues among the next generation,” he said.
“Drawing from the experiences of countries that have excelled in educating and empowering young minds in this regard, we’ve gathered invaluable recommendations to integrate relevant topics into the curriculum across schools in the Kurdistan Region.”
Prime Minister Barzani also underlined that the KRG has a long-term plan “for the gradual establishment of these principles within our educational framework. Our goal is to instill in future generations a profound respect for the environment, urging all citizens of Kurdistan to treat our natural surroundings as they would their own homes, refraining from littering. This land is our homeland, and it is incumbent upon us to preserve it for generations to come.”
"Unfortunately Iraq had witnessed great impact of climate change and according to the new report of the UN internationally Iraq ranks fifth as being affected by climate change which has a dangerous affect on life in Iraq and the KRI."
— University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (@UKH_official) May 12, 2024
- H.E. Nechirvan Barzani… pic.twitter.com/GM0NjJGRFf
At the conference, founder and director of the CFRI Dr. Adel Bakawan warned that the threat of climate change is a threat to “the existence of Iraq and Kurdistan.”
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in his speech at the forum added that, according to a recent UN report, Iraq is the fifth-most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change.
“The ongoing effects of climate change have led to numerous threats, notably the escalation of desertification and the destruction of agricultural land. Data indicates that hundreds of square kilometers of agricultural land in Iraq transform into desert annually,” he said.
Moreover, he cited International Organization for Migration figures saying that 130,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in southern Iraq in recent years. “This is in addition to the deterioration of social security, increased unemployment and poverty, increased health problems, natural disasters, and many other consequences.”
Honored to have taken part in a panel discussion at @UKH_official’s symposium on #climatechange. Here is a summary of my remarks:
— Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman (@BayanRahman) May 12, 2024
The Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government of Iraq must work together, because climate change is a shared problem.
Climate change affects us… pic.twitter.com/RWBenC4c1i
Also at the conference, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Barzani, underlined the importance of working together to address the challenges of climate change for the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government of Iraq.
“Climate change affects us all, regardless of wealth, heritage, political affiliation, or social class,” she said.
“The Kurdistan Region is already building dams and ponds, but plans for other dams that we want to build are not funded. We mustn’t let tackling climate change become a victim of politics.”
Additionally, she said “reforestation can get us on the climate credits market and this can also support vulnerable communities.”
“We need bilateral agreements with neighboring countries because not all of our neighbors have signed the international conventions on watercourses. The recent exchange of visits with Turkey and Tehran are a good sign.”
