Iraq, once revered as the cradle of human civilization, is now a stark warning of the perils of climate change. Known historically as the land of the Tigris and Euphrates, the fertile rivers that nourished the first farming communities are now emblematic of a country grappling with escalating environmental and socio-economic challenges. As global temperatures rise, Iraq faces a confluence of crises water scarcity, desertification, heat stress, and displacement that threaten its future.
The Drying Lifelines: Water Scarcity in Iraq
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which supply 98% of Iraq’s surface water, have seen their flow decrease by up to 40% over the past four decades. The reasons are manifold: reduced rainfall, intensified evaporation due to rising temperatures, and upstream damming by neighboring countries. In regions like Basra, saltwater intrusion has compounded the problem, rendering vast stretches of farmland infertile.
In 2021, Iraq recorded its second driest season in 40 years, leaving millions without reliable access to drinking water and irrigation. A World Bank report predicts that, if current trends persist, Iraq could face a water deficit of 10 billion cubic meters by 2035—a figure that dwarfs the annual water consumption of major metropolitan areas.
Agriculture Under Siege
Agriculture, the second-largest contributor to Iraq’s GDP after oil, is crumbling under the strain of droughts. In 2021 alone, wheat and barley yields plummeted by 37% and 30%, respectively. By 2022, overall agricultural productivity had halved, forcing countless farmers to abandon their livelihoods and migrate to urban areas or abroad.
The Iraqi government has initiated climate-smart agriculture practices, including the use of drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems. However, these measures remain insufficient in the face of widespread soil degradation and the desertification of over 39% of the country’s land.
Desertification and the Disappearance of Marshlands
Iraq’s once-vast marshlands, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, have dwindled to a mere fraction of their former size. Over 70% of these wetlands have turned into deserts, with only 10% remaining intact. This environmental degradation not only disrupts ecosystems but also accelerates the socio-economic decline of communities that depend on these areas for sustenance.
Rising Heat and Public Health Challenges
In 2016, the southern city of Basra recorded temperatures nearing 130°F, one of the highest ever globally. Extreme heatwaves have become routine, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.
Simultaneously, Iraq now experiences up to 270 dust storms annually, exacerbating respiratory diseases like asthma and pneumonia. Poor air quality and overstretched healthcare systems leave millions vulnerable, with climate-related health crises becoming increasingly frequent.
Waterborne Diseases and Displacement
The combination of water scarcity and inadequate sanitation has led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including cholera, which resurged in 2015, 2017, and 2022. Diarrheal diseases, driven by contaminated water, account for up to 70% of infant deaths in Iraq.
These crises are forcing mass displacement. An estimated 1.2 million Iraqis live in informal settlements, where they face limited access to water, electricity, and basic services. Conflicts over dwindling resources often erupt into violence, perpetuating a cycle of instability and displacement.
As conditions worsen, many Iraqis are seeking refuge abroad. Climate-induced migration from Iraq has surged, particularly to Europe, where governments are grappling with the implications of this exodus. The rise in climate refugees underscores the urgent need for global action to address the root causes of displacement.
A Path Forward: Building Resilience
Iraq has taken initial steps to combat climate change, including a National Adaptation Plan focused on sustainable water management, renewable energy, and restoring degraded ecosystems. Local initiatives like rainwater harvesting and community-based conservation offer hope for mitigating some of the worst impacts.
However, Iraq cannot tackle these challenges alone. International support is crucial. Organizations like the United Nations and NGOs must provide financial and technical aid to bolster Iraq’s adaptation efforts. Developed nations must also reconsider their policies on foreign aid, border security, and asylum to prepare for the influx of climate refugees.
A Warning for the World
Iraq’s struggles are a microcosm of the global climate crisis. Its story highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to secure water resources, protect vulnerable populations, and build sustainable systems. If addressed effectively, Iraq could become a model for climate resilience. If not, it serves as a harbinger of what awaits other nations in an increasingly unstable world.