Iraq will seek international grants to address climate-related damage and expand environmental cooperation as it prepares for COP31, Environment Minister Sarwa Abdul Wahid told Anadolu Ajansı in an interview published Friday.
Abdul Wahid described Iraq as “one of five countries most affected by climate change.” She singled out Maysan, Dhi Qar, Basra, Diwaniyah and Muthanna as provinces facing especially severe impacts, while saying other parts of Iraq are affected too. She called for greater international recognition of the damage and more assistance for vulnerable areas.
Abdul Wahid described two diplomatic aims: signing environmental memorandums with foreign governments and international organizations, and establishing regional alliances focused on protecting air and water. She plans to meet Turkish officials during COP31, citing rivers and climate change as shared concerns for the two neighbors.
In Iraq, she linked poor air quality to oil and industrial activity, vehicle emissions and generators. She also pointed to the decline of green space in Baghdad amid urban development.
During field visits in Basra, officials found some oil companies violating environmental standards, Abdul Wahid said. Authorities launched follow-up inspections after the violations were identified, and the campaign will continue. She said the ministry is emphasizing field visits to locate pollution sources and identify those responsible.
Inspection findings are sent to the prime minister’s office through formal reports, she said. The Environment Ministry is developing measures to reduce pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, where it has a regulatory and oversight role. Abdul Wahid said environmental problems are receiving greater attention in Cabinet discussions than under earlier administrations and require coordination among government agencies.
Anadolu Ajansı reported that COP31 is scheduled for Nov. 9-20 in Antalya, Türkiye.
