BAGHDAD, Jun 30 (NNN-NINA) – The Iraqi Environment Ministry, yesterday, called on the international community, to help Iraq meet the challenges of climate change.
“The Iraqi people went through difficult political and economic conditions, during the past decades. It is expected that climate change will exacerbate the sufferings,” Environment Minister, Jassim Al-Falahi, was quoted as saying.
Al-Falahi pointed out that, the needed international support will help Iraq adapt to climate change, in the context of economic change.
Earlier in the day, the UN Development Programme launched a two-year climate action project in Iraq, in which Canada and Britain commit to supporting Iraqi efforts, to adapt to climate change, and help the Iraqi government fulfil its obligations towards the Paris Agreement.
The project focuses on drought preparedness, water resource management and renewable energy development in Iraq.
According to the UN Environment Programme, Iraq ranks the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. Last year’s record low rainfall and this year’s dust storms have led to water shortages, desertification, and soil erosion in the country.
