Iraq: Major industrialized countries must bear responsibility for the effects of climate change

INA - BAGHDAD

Iraqi Minister of Environment Hallo Al-Askari stressed on Tuesday that Iraq is among the countries affected by climate change and that major industrialized countries must bear the moral and legal responsibility to support developing countries.

"Iraq is among the countries affected by climate change, but not among the countries that influence it," said Al-Askari in his remarks during the Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in the German capital - according to a statement by the Ministry of Environment and received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He stressed that "major industrialized countries bear the moral and legal responsibility to support developing countries, including Iraq, to help them implement mitigation and adaptation projects to confront the repercussions of climate change."

"Climate finance is the critical element for enhancing climate ambition," he added, stressing that the outcomes of the Conference of the Parties - COP29 regarding the means of implementation, "especially financing, are still insufficient."

He added that "the lack of adequate funding hinders the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions - NDCs and limits the ability of developing countries to take effective action to address climate change."

Al-Askari stressed "the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, particularly the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities - CBDR-RC, taking into account each country's national circumstances."

"Political will at the highest levels is a pivotal factor in advancing climate action, along with the need to build trust among international partners and fulfill climate finance commitments," he noted.

Regarding the role of the G77 and China, "the Minister affirmed that the group is committed to implementing the Global Stocktake - GST, but stressed that climate finance remains the missing link in implementing climate commitments."

He explained that the decisions taken regarding the GST must be translated into practical steps that enhance climate action on the ground.

The Minister of Environment concluded his remarks by emphasizing that "the G77 and China will continue to put forward constructive proposals to bridge the financing gap," calling on "major industrialized countries to shoulder their responsibilities and work diligently and in good faith to ensure tangible progress in combating global climate change."