a person exploring the hills and mountains on the Iraqi-Iranian border in Wasit Governorate

Environmental Issues

Introduction

Marsh Arabs 3

Climate change is causing numerous challenges in Iraq, including prolonged heat waves, low rainfall, reduced cultivable land, increased soil salinity, reduced water flow in cross-border rivers, and more intense dust storms. The southern regions, such as Basra Governorate, are expected to be most affected. The steady reduction in water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, compounded by droughts, has reduced marshes and led to over half of the agricultural land deteriorating. 

Drought threatens Iraq's marshlands

Desertification affects 29.9% of Iraq, with Muthanna, Diwaniyah, and Dhi Qar governorates most affected. This human-induced climate change will have multiple economic, social, political, and cultural effects. Sustained drought and water shortages are causing significant climate migration, particularly affecting women and ethnic minorities. It is crucial that climate change mitigation and adaptation policies prioritize and are sensitive to the needs of these groups.

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