Iraq ranks among worst countries for environmental protection amid severe climate change impact
The report, which assessed 180 countries based on 25 indicators of environmental health, evaluated factors such as biodiversity, protected land and marine areas, habitat health, and the effectiveness of conservation programs.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In the latest global environmental index, Iraq ranks as the third-worst country for environmental protection, trailing only Kiribati and Turkey. According to this year's findings, Luxembourg leads as the most environmentally responsible country, achieving a top score of 70 points, while Iraq scores a low 43.3, reflecting significant environmental challenges.
The report, which assessed 180 countries based on 25 indicators of environmental health, evaluated factors such as biodiversity, protected land and marine areas, habitat health, and the effectiveness of conservation programs. Kiribati ranked at the bottom with 41.2 points, followed closely by Turkey at 41.5 and Iraq with 43.3 points, underscoring severe environmental concerns in each of these countries.
Iraq’s environmental issues are compounded by its high vulnerability to climate change. The United Nations has identified Iraq as one of the five countries most affected by climate change globally. The nation grapples with recurring dust storms, water scarcity, waste disposal issues, and contamination of drinking water—problems that pose serious risks to both public health and the environment.
This year’s index underscores the urgent need for enhanced environmental policies and conservation efforts in Iraq to counteract the growing impacts of climate change and safeguard the country’s natural resources and biodiversity.