UN in Iraq announces its support to mitigate the impact of climate change

The United Nations Mission in Iraq announced its support to mitigate the impact of climate change . 

The mission said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "under the title"Invest in Our Planet" for the year 2022, this day serves as a reminder to redirect all our attention to making the twenty-first century a century that places a priority on the health of our planet and all kinds of creatures, including the human nature. Our choices today can either accelerate the destruction of the environment or help preserve it and protect our health, our families and our livelihoods.”.

"Climate change, extreme natural disasters, man-made changes in nature, and long-term conflicts that disrupt biodiversity are destroying the planet we leave for future generations," the statement added.

 The mission also noted that "restoring our damaged ecosystems will help eradicate poverty, combat climate change and ultimately achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Everyone must play an important role, if we are to succeed.".

In addition to that, the mission added, "The environmental situation has been subjected to many recurring pressures in Iraq, ranging from poor water quality, deforestation and soil salinity to air pollution, the spread of conflicts and land use change, all of which have led to the degradation of major ecosystems, climate change and water shortage."

Furthermore, the statement added that "protecting the earth through environmental action policies has become a top priority in Iraq. On March 22, 2022, the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Environment Program announced the first natural reserve in Iraq, which is home to (230) plant species, a large number of which are endangered." This reserve will help mitigate extreme natural phenomena, enhance carbon storage and provide space for plants and animals to reproduce and adapt to the changing climate.”. 

In conclusion, the mission indicated that it "supports in mitigating the impact of climate change and adapting to it, by designing sustainable projects that focus on supporting small and medium businesses, livelihoods, development and investments in water and wastewater infrastructure, irrigation and water consumption management, as well as the use of renewable energy such as solar energy." The United Nations is also working with the government to train, develop skills and strengthen capacities to address climate change. Advocacy efforts work to raise public awareness on issues related to water consumption and sustainable water management.”