Kirkuk Launches Citywide Green Initiative to Combat Rising Heat
The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat climate change effects and promote environmental awareness in a city that has long struggled with limited greenery and rising summer temperatures.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Due to a shortage of green spaces and increasing heat in the city of Kirkuk, the mayor has issued a directive requiring every household to plant two trees in front of their homes. For residents unable to afford trees, the municipality will provide them at no cost.
On Saturday, Kirkuk Mayor Ahmed Omar told Kurdistan24 that the municipality has adopted two major decisions to improve the city’s environment and climate. “One of the key decisions is that anyone building a new home must commit to planting two trees in front of their property,” he said.
The initiative also extends to older homes. Mayor Omar explained that a committee has been formed to visit existing houses to inform residents of the new requirement. “If anyone cannot afford to purchase two trees due to financial constraints, the municipality will evaluate the situation and provide the trees themselves,” he added.
Regarding suitable tree types for Kirkuk’s climate, the mayor stated that due to the city’s extreme heat, only two tree species are considered effective and appropriate: Acacia and Albizzia. “These two types are not only affordable but are also capable of withstanding high temperatures,” he noted.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat climate change effects and promote environmental awareness in a city that has long struggled with limited greenery and rising summer temperatures. The municipality hopes the campaign will not only cool the city but also enhance its aesthetic and ecological appeal.
