Why is Iraq’s Climate Crisis a Human Rights Crisis?

The climate crisis in Iraq represents not just an environmental emergency, it is also an important humanitarian crisis affecting large segments of the population. Millions are affected by water scarcity, extreme heat,and land degradation resulting in higher levels of displacement, poverty and food insecurity along with its pre-existing socio economic fragility. 

Farmers, who lose their crops and fishermen, who can no longer pursue their livelihoods are compelled to leave the rural areas and relocate to increasingly overcrowded cities. This leads to a strain on infrastructure, growing unemployment rates and increased social unrest. The already deteriorating health conditions are now receiving added burdens from pollution associated with oil production which has been linked to increased rising cancer rates. 

Iraq is experiencing a significant climate crisis in recent days notably featuring shrinking bodies of water, worsening droughts and increasing sandstorms. The United Nations ranks Iraq the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change with extensive heat and crop failures causing devastation to farmers and forcing thousands into the cities.

In 2023 Iraq said that 8 of its 10 main crops have died contributing to increasing food insecurity. While Iraq is suffering from climate change effects, it is also the 2nd largest gas flarer in the world which adds to the pollution and health risks. 

It is imperative that Iraq undergoes a just transition to renewable energy but the economy is still largely dependent on fossil fuel revenues. The interplay of climate induced displacement, economic instability and declining public health is reinforcing a cycle of vulnerability which threatens the security and human rights of the people of Iraq.