American Studies Center: Iraq's growth and stability in adapting to climate change

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[size=52]American Studies Center: Iraq's growth and stability in adapting to climate change[/size]

[size=45]Translated by / Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]A report by the United States Institute of Peace addressed the issue of the consequences of climate change and its impact on Iraq’s stability and economic growth, indicating that with the increase in drought and water scarcity, the Iraqi government must develop a comprehensive strategy with practical measures that are consistent with the realities of the consequences of climate change in the country.[/size]
[size=45]The report indicated that Iraq is likely to be among the five countries in the world most affected by the consequences of climate change, as it is already witnessing a decline in water quantities and desertification, causing the country to lose more than 60 thousand dunums of agricultural land annually. This phenomenon of climate change threatens the lives of rural families and leads to a decline in food security for a country with a population of approximately 43 million people. This causes displacement and social instability. The causes of water scarcity include the construction of dams on the sources of rivers in Turkey and changing the course of tributaries and rivers in Iran, as well as the increasing local consumption of water inside Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]The American Institute states that the effects of non-climate impacts on the country are increasing with each passing year, and on the other hand, its population is also increasing, as it is expected to reach approximately 80 million people by the year 2050, while the country’s resources are decreasing. Temperature rates in Iraq are increasing seven times more than international rates, which leads to an increase in the rate of evaporation from water bodies. It is expected that after the end of the century, the water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates will decrease from 30 to 70%, which requires the development of long-term plans to manage water resources, especially in agricultural areas.[/size]
[size=45]Agricultural areas in central and southern Iraq are witnessing the displacement of rural families due to scarcity of water resources. According to estimates by the International Organization for Migration, as of September 2023, approximately 130,788 people have been displaced due to factors related to drought conditions and a severe decrease in water levels.[/size]
[size=45]The US Institute of Peace points out in its report that amid this crisis of water scarcity, other additional factors threaten the stability of the country, represented by the lack of services, the spread of corruption, and the presence of armed groups, in addition to the consequences of years and decades of war and the destruction of infrastructure. If these consequences are not addressed, water scarcity and the consequences of climate change will contribute to obstructing the progress of the country’s ambitions towards development and economic growth. This is why it is important to take comprehensive and effective measures to prevent the consequences of climate change from doing so.[/size]
[size=45]The United States Institute of Peace, in coordination with the Institute of Regional and International Studies at the American University in Sulaymaniyah, conducted research this year on the causes and consequences of the water scarcity crisis in Iraq. The research conclusions emphasized the need to adopt a broad approach to the issue of water resources management in areas vulnerable to climate change. Avoiding any bad consequences of the water scarcity crisis in Iraq requires a more comprehensive strategy that extends to everything related to water resources from their sources to their mouths downstream, and this requires urgent and continuous communication and coordination with regional, local and internal parties.[/size]
[size=45]Within a regional political perspective, the countries bordering the Tigris and Euphrates river basins (Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran) must coordinate among themselves according to long-term, legally binding agreements. Iraq had witnessed a sharp decrease in water flows due to dams built in neighboring countries. Turkey is expanding dam facilities as part of a government management program for infrastructure water resources, while Iran is diverting the course of tributaries and rivers to prevent them from entering Iraqi territory and exploiting them for itself.[/size]
[size=45]An Iraqi official, who requested to remain anonymous, said, “We in Iraq are not satisfied with our water share issued by Turkey and Iran. The water problem should not be seen as an Iraqi problem only.” To ensure our fair share, we resort first and foremost to negotiation. We do not want to resort to international courts to resolve this crisis. Obtaining our water shares is our legitimate right. We want something and they want something, and this is how we negotiate. It is the method used to solve the problem of water shares.”[/size]
[size=45]The report indicates that one of the effective ways to solve the local water crisis and implement strategic projects related to water resources infrastructure and improve their management is the necessity of coordination and cooperation between different relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Finance, in addition to the Ministry of Planning, as well as Parliament’s support for it, and this must be activated. The matter.[/size]
[size=45]The report concludes that the Iraqi government must take steps to follow a comprehensive water resources management strategy, taking into account the realities of climate change. The Ministry of Water Resources is adopting a study to evaluate water management policies and infrastructure, while the Ministry of Environment is implementing a strategic plan to adapt to the consequences of climate change in coordination with United Nations agencies.[/size]
[size=45]• About the United States Institute of Peace[/size]
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