In Iraq, five million trees and plants must prevent the desertification of the country. Green belts can also provide protection against sandstorms and act as windbreaks for cities, according to experts. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani presented a similar campaign on Sunday.
“Climate change is reflected in rising temperatures, less precipitation and more dust storms, threatening food, health and environmental security,” he told a two-day climate conference in Basra. In the spring of 2022, Iraq was hit by a dozen sand and dust storms , which caused breathing difficulties for thousands of people. Schools and government agencies were temporarily closed and air traffic grounded.
More than seven million civilians have been affected by the storms and drought, according to al-Sudani. “Hundreds of thousands have been displaced after losing their livelihoods that depend on agriculture and fishing.” In addition, the water levels of the two largest rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris, are alarmingly low.
Irrigation and energy projects planned
Another challenge is desertification. This already affects 39 percent of Iraqi territory. Five million trees and palms must now be planted to counteract this development. Other measures, according to the prime minister, include a climate conference in Baghdad, new irrigation and renewable energy projects. By 2030, the country should cover a third of its electricity needs with renewable energy from the new plants.
Al-Sudani gave no further details about the project. In the recent past, lush palm groves protected cities like Baghdad and Karbala, but decades of conflict, mismanagement and new concrete settlements have wilted the national symbol.
Source: Krone
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