UN and Iraq Launch Climate Advisory Group to Tackle Climate Change and Pollution Crisis
The initiative, which seeks to enhance coordination between national and international stakeholders, aims to tackle Iraq’s escalating environmental crises, including severe air pollution in major cities.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Ministry of Environment and the United Nations have launched discussions to form an Environment and Climate Change Advisory Group, aiming to tackle Iraq’s escalating environmental crises, including severe air pollution in major cities.
The initiative, which seeks to enhance coordination between national and international stakeholders, was the focal point of a high-level meeting held on Monday between Iraq’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Hallo Al-Askari, and Ghulam Isaczai, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.
Senior representatives from key UN agencies—including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP)—attended the meeting alongside a World Bank representative and senior Iraqi officials.
A New Collaborative Effort
The Environment and Climate Change Advisory Group will serve as a strategic platform for aligning policies, identifying priorities, and strengthening global partnerships to address Iraq’s pressing environmental challenges. The group is expected to include:
1: National and international experts
2: Academics from Iraqi universities and research institutes
3: Youth representatives
4: Government officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Environment
5: Private sector stakeholders
Iraq’s Growing Environmental Crisis
Iraq faces severe environmental threats, including desertification, rising temperatures, water shortages, and worsening air pollution. The country is ranked among the world’s most vulnerable to climate change, with its cities increasingly suffering from toxic air quality due to excessive vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and unchecked urban expansion.
In recent years, the Iraqi government, in collaboration with the UN and international organizations, has launched multiple climate-focused initiatives. However, experts argue that without comprehensive governance structures, robust regulations, and sustained international funding, Iraq’s environmental crisis will continue to escalate.
A Critical Step Toward Sustainable Solutions
The proposed advisory group will play a crucial role in shaping national environmental policies, attracting international investment for green projects, and ensuring that Iraq meets its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The meeting marks a significant step toward integrating environmental sustainability into Iraq’s broader national strategy. However, success will depend on the political will, financial backing, and active engagement of all stakeholders.
As Iraq grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, this initiative signals a renewed commitment to environmental action—but whether it translates into tangible improvements remains to be seen.