Iraq calls on International Community regarding climate change in the country

INA – BAGHDAD
 
Minister of Environment Jassim Al-Falahi sent on Wednesday, an invitation to the international community regarding climate change in Iraq.
 
Al-Falahi expressed his "great appreciation for launching the project catalyst climate work in Iraq and enter into the International Climate Agreement," according to his words in a press conference held in the presence of the United Nations Development Resident Representative, the British and Canadian ambassadors, as it was attended by the Iraqi News Agency – INA.
 
He highlighted that "the Cabinet approved the document of the National Climate Change Policy as it is a major climate change policy to establish a diversified economy by relying on alternative energy and complementary water sources, as well as representing methane emissions from gas and oil.”
 
"The Iraqi people went through difficult political and economic conditions during the past decades, which increased poverty in society, as well as the high rate of internal displacement and external migration," he noted.
 
He pointed out that "it is expected that the problem of climate change will exacerbate the suffering and make Iraq the largest country exposed to climate change."
 
Al-Falahi called on the international community to appreciate the Iraqi government's response to international participation and preservation of the environment despite the great changes that Iraq is facing at all levels. In addition to that, the support it needs internationally and required help to adapt to climate change gradually with the concept of economic change."
 
"Catalyst climate action in Iraq is a project that supports the Iraqi government and contributes to the national document of all institutions and ministries in all governorates, including the Kurdistan region, with supporting the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Environment for the concept of renewable energy in Iraq,” he explained.
 
He added that, “preparing the national plan to focus on the economic concept of climate change in Iraq, and re-audit the legislation, as well as its adaptation according to Iraq's commitments in the Paris agreement and the national contribution document, which will help the government in greater interaction through negotiations with neighboring countries,”
 
He included, "The Ministry of Environment and on behalf of the Iraqi government is grateful to the United Kingdom and Canada for their support to the project of catalyst climate action in Iraq."