On Monday, the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR) said Iraqi officials are ignoring climate change and have no plans to address it, warning that Iraq and its population are facing disaster due to drought and increased waves of dust, and a new wave of displacement is likely to occur, especially in the South. He called on them to take urgent measures to protect the lives of citizens and prevent their displacement.


A study by the Iraqi Ministry of Environment, viewed by the IOHR, indicates that 92 percent of Iraq's territory is subject to desertification. 

Iraq is in the midst of a water scarcity crisis stemming from record low levels of rainfall, poor water resource management, and reductions in water flow into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers from upstream countries.

 

Drought conditions in Iraq have been exacerbated by the threat of climate change, which has contributed to record low rainfall and increasing temperatures throughout the country. As a result, the drought has affected northern Iraq since early 2021, while governorates in the South have witnessed decreased water supply and quality for several years.

 

Crop and livestock production have since plummeted, impacting vulnerable communities that have been affected by conflict and displacement over the last several years. At least seven million people in Iraq have been affected by the drought.


Recent dust storms have halted everyday life. Flights have been suspended, and schools closed. Yet, as the country recovers from the war on IS, climate change obscures its chances.