Updates: polution; hunting; animal slaughter; climate change

[Anthea]

Duhok forest catches fire

The Zawita forest in Duhok province caught fire on Thursday, burning many pine trees, including some estimated to be 150 years old

“The reason behind the fire remains unclear,” Shivan Ismail, director of Duhok Forest Police, told Rudaw, adding that the fire initially started small, but strong winds caused it to spread rapidly.

Despite extensive efforts by firefighting teams from across the province, the fire has yet to be brought under control, Ismail noted.

More than 150 dunams of forest were destroyed in a recent fire in the Zawita area. The Zawita pine forest, often referred to as the lungs of Duhok due to its role in providing clean air, is made up of 90 percent pine trees, which remain green throughout all four seasons.

Fires are a perennial concern in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Earlier this week, wildfires sweeping through Sulaimani province scorched hundreds of dunams of land, destroyed centuries-old trees, and caused widespread environmental damage, as officials and residents warn that limited resources and difficult terrain are hampering firefighting efforts.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/030720252

[Anthea]

KRG Water Project to End Decades-Long
Shortage for 63,000+ Residents

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The largest water infrastructure project in the Qushtapa subdistrict is expected to be completed by the end of this year, aiming to permanently address the region’s chronic water scarcity. With a total budget exceeding 222 billion dinar's, the project will supply clean water to 72 villages, the town of Qushtapa, and the town of Bastana, directly benefiting more than 63,000 citizens

Maher Hassan, head of the supervisory committee at the Directorate of Water and Sewage, confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the project was initiated under the direction of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister. “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, it was decided that this project be implemented. This is to rescue the people of the region, because currently wells must be drilled 700 meters deep to access water, and even then the water is not suitable for supply,” he stated.

The project, once operational, will eliminate the need for 111 water wells, many of which have proven inefficient and unsustainable. According to the project blueprint, water is sourced from the Lesser Zab River, where 3,300 cubic meters are extracted daily. After undergoing multi-stage purification, 300 cubic meters are distributed daily to Qushtapa and surrounding villages.

The infrastructure includes three primary storage tanks and 15 secondary reservoirs. Water from the Lesser Zab passes through three advanced treatment units, after which it is purified and directed to regional stations. The system is designed with a maximum daily capacity of 72,000 cubic meters, ensuring long-term sustainability of the supply

Ari Salim, director of the Qushtapa water project, detailed the technical components of the scheme, emphasizing its modern design and reach. He noted that water is drawn from the river using six high-capacity pumps and then sent to large clarifiers where sediment is removed. “In the second phase, the water is filtered and then sent to the main station, which has a capacity of 12,000 cubic meters,” Salim said.

He confirmed that as of now, 55 percent of the work has been completed. The distribution system involves a 300-kilometer network of pipes, with diameters ranging from 800 millimeters to 90 millimeters at final delivery points, ensuring that the purified water reaches individual households throughout the subdistrict.

The entire project, officially valued at 222 billion and 37 million dinars, is regarded as a landmark investment in public infrastructure by the KRG, with the goal of securing water access for the next two decades

As climate change and population growth place increasing pressure on natural resources, the Qushtapa water project is being viewed as a strategic and timely intervention to safeguard regional stability, economic development, and public health in this rapidly growing part of the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... -residents

[Anthea]

Iraq Faces Deadly Drought
Amid Government Inaction

Iraq has officially entered the list of the ten countries most at risk of extreme water scarcity, a leading expert in water and environmental affairs warned on Saturday, citing worsening drought conditions and a lack of effective government response

Adel Al-Mukhtar, an Iraqi specialist in environmental affairs, stated that the country is facing a "real and deadly drought" and has reached "the most difficult water stage in its entire history." He warned that the crisis now extends beyond declining water releases to threaten Iraq’s entire environmental and social infrastructure.

“Iraq is suffering from a dangerous water situation,” Al-Mukhtar said. “This places the country among the ten nations most exposed to thirst due to severe drought and water mismanagement.”

The classification underscores the magnitude of Iraq’s water crisis, which is being fueled by climate change, reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and a continuous drop in surface and underground water levels. Experts say the nation is inching closer to the total collapse of water security, raising fears of a long-term environmental disaster.

Speaking to Baghdad Today, Al-Mukhtar criticized the Iraqi government for failing to present viable long-term solutions. “There are no real strategies in place to face this crisis,” he said. “Even the recent increase in water releases from Turkey is merely a temporary fix—it does not address the root of the problem.”

The government has touted short-term agreements with neighboring Turkey and Iran, but experts argue that deeper structural reforms—such as modernizing the agricultural sector and investing in internal dam infrastructure—remain either delayed or largely unimplemented.

The water crisis, Al-Mukhtar warned, could trigger wide-ranging consequences including environmental degradation, economic instability, and mass displacement from rural areas to cities.

“This crisis is already pushing farmers out of the countryside,” he said, pointing to seasonal migration trends in Iraq’s southern and Middle Euphrates regions. "We are seeing shrinking farmland, rising unemployment, and growing social vulnerability. Drought is no longer just a natural disaster—it's a gateway to broader economic and security breakdowns."

Despite repeated warnings from experts and international organizations, Iraq’s water crisis remains a politically sidelined issue. With heatwaves intensifying and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers continuing to recede, time is running out for authorities to act.

“Iraq is in its most critical water phase,” Al-Mukhtar concluded. “But what’s coming could be even worse if real action isn’t taken now.”

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/888400

[Anthea]

Drought Dries Maysan Marshes
Triggers Mass Migration

A deepening water crisis has emptied the eastern marshes of Maysan province in Southern Iraq, displacing hundreds of families and wiping out traditional livelihoods in one of the country’s most ecologically and culturally significant areas

Local officials and media reports confirm that rivers and streams in villages such as Amilha, Zweida, and Shuwaitiat have completely dried up, forcing residents to abandon their homes as fishing and buffalo herding—once the pillars of the local economy—become impossible to sustain. Dead livestock, deserted villages, and rising unemployment now define the landscape.

“We are witnessing a wave of migration to the city of Maysan due to the complete drying up of rivers and marshes,” said Munir Saadi, director of the Musharrah sub-district. “At least 50 villages have either been deserted or severely affected, causing serious economic and social consequences.”

Residents have called on the government to urgently restore water flows to the marshes, warning that further delays could deepen the humanitarian impact

Environmental expert Adel Al-Mukhtar described the situation as catastrophic, blaming both climate change and chronic government mismanagement. “Iraq is currently experiencing the worst water crisis in its history. The government has no real solution,” he said. “Even the temporary increase in water releases from Turkey is not enough—it’s just a short-term patch.”

Al-Mukhtar, a leading environmental affairs specialist, warned that Iraq has officially entered the list of the ten countries most at risk of extreme water scarcity. He said the crisis has reached a stage where it threatens not just the environment, but Iraq’s social and economic stability as well.

“This crisis is already pushing farmers out of the countryside,” he added. “We are seeing shrinking farmland, rising unemployment, and growing social vulnerability. Drought is no longer just a natural disaster—it’s a gateway to broader economic and security breakdowns.”

Experts have repeatedly criticized Baghdad for failing to implement long-term reforms, including investment in modern irrigation systems and internal dam infrastructure. Despite international warnings, Iraq’s water crisis remains politically sidelined as the country endures its hottest years on record and watches the Tigris and Euphrates rivers continue to recede.

“The marshes are dying,” said Al-Mukhtar. “And so are the communities that have depended on them for generations.”

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/888608

[Anthea]

Over 2 Million Now Receive 24-Hour Electricity

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced on Tuesday that two million people across the Kurdistan now have access to uninterrupted electricity as part of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) 'Runaki' initiative. "2 million people across the Kurdistan Region now enjoy 24-hour electricity through the KRG’s Runaki initiative. It will reach every home and business by the end of 2026," PM Barzani wrote on the social media platform X.

The Ministry of Electricity of the KRG issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the project's expansion, noting that over two million citizens—approximately 30% of the Region's population—now benefit from the initiative. The ministry added that most residents in the cities of Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani currently receive 24-hour electricity. The coverage also includes Erbil's 150-meter ring road and Sulaimani's 60-meter ring road.

The ministry emphasized that the achievement marks a significant step toward delivering continuous and more affordable electricity while contributing to a cleaner environment in the Kurdistan Region.

According to recent KRG survey data, a total of 2,055,000 citizens and 544,000 subscribers are currently benefiting from the 'Runaki' project:

City Breakdown:

Erbil: 1,375,000 citizens; 354,000 subscribers
Sulaimani: 504,000 citizens; 140,000 subscribers
Duhok: 176,000 citizens; 50,000 subscribers

As a result of the 'Runaki' project, more than 2,100 diesel generators in urban neighborhoods have been decommissioned. The KRG aims to retire over 7,000 such generators by the end of 2026.

Generators Decommissioned:

Erbil: 1,652 (equivalent to 285,796 automobile CO2 emissions)
Sulaimani: 202 (equivalent to 50,516 automobiles)
Duhok: 163 (equivalent to 28,199 automobiles)
Total: 2,107 (equivalent to 364,511 automobiles)

The KRG also noted that citizens paid their lowest electricity bills in May 2025, owing to new tariffs designed to protect low-income families and promote responsible electricity usage. Under these revised rates, 80% of citizens are now paying less than they did previously for both national grid power and private diesel generators combined.

Prime Minister Barzani first unveiled the 'Runaki' initiative in November 2024, aiming to provide round-the-clock electricity to every home and business by the end of 2026. On May 14, 2025, the KRG Council of Ministers unanimously approved the project. As outlined in the official plan, the city centers of Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, and Halabja are expected to be fully covered with 24-hour electricity by the end of 2025.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... ki-project

[Anthea]

Dozens of Dams and Lakes Built

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Government (KRG) has implemented a sweeping water infrastructure initiative aimed at safeguarding the Region’s long-term water security, with the construction of dozens of dams and artificial lakes across Kurdistan

As part of a broader vision under the motto “Stronger Kurdistan,” the government has prioritized projects to combat drought, secure clean water access, boost agricultural production, and protect livestock resources.

Dams Across All Provinces:

The General Director of Water Resources in the Kurdistan Region, Dr. Karwan Sabah Hawrami, emphasized that the ninth cabinet placed water security high on its agenda, implementing vital and strategic projects despite financial and political adversity.

“The government approached this sector with an unwavering commitment,” Dr. Hawrami stated, “launching key infrastructure works in line with the national reform and service delivery program.”

Major dams completed include:

Chomargeh Dam in Erbil with a storage capacity of 1.2 million m³, costing 4.4 billion IQD.
Khans Dam in Sheikhan, Duhok with a capacity of 7 million m³, at 9.2 billion IQD.
Dedwana Dam in Darbandikhan with 21 million m³, costing 26.6 billion IQD.
Avqoban Dam in Shaqlawa, Erbil with 2.6 million m³, costing 8.1 billion IQD.
Shoger Dam in Koya with 2 million m³, at 5.6 billion IQD.
Tourjar Dam in Garmiyan with 2 million m³, costing 5.8 billion IQD.
Gomaspan Dam in Erbil with a massive 97 million m³ capacity, at 95 billion IQD.
Pastura Dam in Erbil with 20 million m³, costing 23 billion IQD.
Dwin Dam, currently under construction in Erbil, will hold 100 million m³ with a projected cost of 88 billion IQD

Artificial lakes include:

Chalkarda Lake (Erbil)
Pereysi Xwaro Lake (Halabja)
Khadris Lake (Duhok)
Sirqazl Lake (Garmiyan)
Qadiana and Bani Maran Lakes (Erbil)
Karitan Lake (2021)

A total of 58 additional lakes are either under construction or in the planning phase.

Innovative Projects and Community Engagement

For the first time in the history of successive KRG cabinets, new initiatives have been implemented, including underground floodwater collection systems equipped with advanced sensors to monitor and store rainfall and flash flood waters for later use.

Dr. Hawrami also highlighted the launch of the “Village Lake” initiative, a government-backed scheme encouraging rural residents to build small private lakes with direct support, contributing to localized water security and community development.

Building Resilience Despite Crisis

Despite severe economic pressures from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region has achieved a notable transformation in water infrastructure. The increase in strategic projects, Dr. Hawrami noted, has significantly enhanced storage capacity and solidified the Region’s ability to withstand climate-related water stress.

These achievements mark a major stride in Kurdistan’s journey toward sustainable development, self-sufficiency, and climate resilience.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... th-cabinet

[Anthea]

KRG Bolsters Environmental Protection Efforts

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Government (KRG) has prioritized environmental protection, with the Environment Protection and Improvement Board expanding offices and enforcing regulations to combat climate change and promote sustainability

Dr. Sanan Abdullah, spokesperson for the Environment Protection and Improvement Board of the Kurdistan Regional Government, told Kurdistan24 on Firday, "We, as the Environment Board, work in coordination with the relevant authorities of the Kurdistan Regional Government to improve and protect the environment of the Kurdistan Region."

The spokesperson for the Environment Protection and Improvement Board says: "It is stated in the agenda of the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government that we must all protect Kurdistan's environment. On this basis, we have worked with the relevant authorities."

He adds: "Internally, as the Environment Protection and Improvement Board, we have opened several offices, including in the independent administrations of Zakho and Soran, in Halabja province, and a department dedicated to climate change within the Board's main office."

He also noted that they continue to enforce environmental regulations with factories, refineries, and investors, imposing conditions upon them. He stated that entities that do not implement the conditions and regulations and commit violations will face legal action.

He also mentioned that the conditions and regulations include installing filters, water treatment units, increasing green spaces, and waste management. "Every investor must commit to providing 25% green space. Last year, we created 858,000 dunams of green space in all cities and towns."

Sanan Abdullah also stated, "We have a National Adaptation Document. This document is for confronting climate change in the sectors of water, agriculture, food security, and biodiversity. It is very important for us to adapt these sectors."

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... on-efforts

[Anthea]

KRG Boosts Agriculture
Expands Green Spaces

The Kurdistan Government (KRG), under its ninth cabinet, has prioritized revitalizing the agricultural sector and expanding green spaces across the region, marking significant progress in both environmental and economic fields

The agricultural sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic under the ninth cabinet, witnessing a remarkable revival. In addition to meeting domestic demand, the KRG has focused on marketing local products internationally, resulting in exports to several countries. Products such as rice, sumac, tahini, pomegranates, honey, apples, mushrooms, and potatoes have been exported to the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and various European markets.

Farmers in Kurdistan have credited the government’s support plans for the improvement in both quality and quantity of their produce. As part of this strategy, agricultural investment has increased from 1.8% to 10% during the ninth cabinet.

According to official data, a total of 12,814 tons of agricultural products have been exported. Potatoes accounted for the largest share at 7,253 tons, followed by pomegranates at 2,228 tons, and various other produce totaling 2,259 tons. Additional exports included 784 tons of gallnuts (mazu), 120.4 tons of apples, 119 tons of truffles (dombalan), and 50.9 tons of Kurdish and Anbar rice.

Moreover, the export of produce to central and southern Iraq has grown significantly, with hundreds of thousands of tons shipped in recent years.

Major Steps in Greening and Environmental Protection

Alongside agricultural achievements, the KRG has taken major steps to expand green spaces and protect the environment. The ninth cabinet has issued more than 14,390 environmental permits, requiring projects to allocate over 25% of their areas for greenery.

As a result of these initiatives, the overall percentage of green space in Kurdistan has increased to 20%. This growth has been achieved through large-scale tree planting campaigns and by enforcing strict environmental requirements for new projects.

In Erbil, a comprehensive greening campaign is ongoing, currently covering more than 200 dunams of land. Additionally, work has begun on a new green belt for the city, spanning 12,000 dunams. Over the past five years, 858 dunams of land have been utilized for “greening-in-lieu” projects, further contributing to urban sustainability and environmental health.

Through these combined efforts, the KRG’s ninth cabinet has not only strengthened Kurdistan’s agricultural identity but also taken concrete steps to align the region’s urban and rural development with international environmental standards.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/889100

[Anthea]

Iraq Urges Turkey to Boost
Water Flow Amid Drought

Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab, has urged Turkey to release more water into Iraq’s rivers, warning that the country is grappling with one of its most severe water shortages in decades due to declining rainfall and reduced upstream flows

In a meeting on Sunday with Turkish Ambassador Anil Bora Inan, Diab highlighted the worsening effects of climate change, noting that Iraq’s water crisis requires immediate bilateral coordination to avoid further environmental and humanitarian consequences.

To counter the ongoing drought, Diab said Iraq has launched emergency actions that include eliminating unauthorized water usage, suspending the planting of summer crops, and restricting irrigation to essential horticulture and public water supply systems.

He also stressed the need to protect Iraq’s fragile ecosystems by maintaining minimum environmental river flows, preventing increased salinity in the Shatt al-Arab, and preserving biodiversity in the southern marshes.

Ambassador Inan reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to cooperate on water management by sharing technical expertise and supporting Iraq’s water harvesting initiatives through modern dam technologies.

He also promised to relay Baghdad’s concerns to the Turkish government and emphasized Ankara’s continued commitment to the bilateral water framework agreement recently signed between the two countries.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/889764

[Anthea]

Erbil Water Project Largest in Kurdistan
a 'First' for Iraq, Says Minister

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Municipalities and Tourism, Sasan Awni, has declared the new Erbil Emergency Rapid Water Project a historic achievement that will save the capital from a "decades-long problem of water scarcity," positioning it as the largest and most technologically advanced initiative of its kind in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the project’s first phase on Sunday, which was held under the supervision of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Minister Awni celebrated the momentous occasion for the capital.

"It is a source of happiness and pride today that, with the presence and supervision of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the major project of supplying water to the city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, begins its operation," Awni announced. "This project will save Erbil from a decades-long problem of water scarcity and will also solve the water shortage issue for decades to come."

The minister framed the Erbil project as a cornerstone of a broader, successful strategy by the government to address water infrastructure across the region, noting that "establishing water services is considered one of the government's main priorities." He cited the fruition of "other similar projects, such as the Goptapa-Chamchamal water project and its surroundings, the Qushtapa and Bestana water project and their villages, and the progress of the Akre water project."

Detailing the sheer scale of the new Erbil facility, Awni described it as "one of the largest at the Iraqi level and a critical piece of infrastructure for the water supply sector in the Kurdistan Region."

He explained, "This is the fourth water project for the city of Erbil, following the Ifraz 1, 2, and 3 projects, which were built in 1968, 1983, and 2006, respectively. All three of those projects combined produce 300,000 cubic meters of water per day. However, this project alone produces as much as the previous three combined, plus an additional 180,000 cubic meters of water per day."

The project, implemented by Hemen Group at a cost of 480 million dollars, features a water treatment station with a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters and a main transmission line of 204 kilometers of carbon steel pipes. Awni emphasized that its rapid completion was unprecedented.

"This project is considered the first of its kind at the Iraqi level in terms of supply capacity, design, implementation, as well as operational and engineering technology," he stated, adding, "It is the first time a project of this scale has been implemented with such speed and high quality, completed in less than a year with continuous 24-hour work in three different shifts."

A major environmental benefit of the project will be the replenishment of the capital's groundwater reserves. "Upon its full completion, more than a thousand wells will be decommissioned," the minister said. He revealed that the process has already begun, with 180 wells shut down in the past six days alone, and an estimated 300 wells to be decommissioned within the next 10 days.

Technologically, the project operates at the cutting edge. Water is transferred from the Great Zab River to the plant, where it undergoes five treatment stages. Minister Awni highlighted a key innovation: "For the first time at the Iraqi level, water waste within the project is zero. This is due to an advanced water recycling system within the plant."

The first operational phase, which consists of the MRzero 2 line and eight sub-lines, is now supplying 130,000 cubic meters of water daily to more than 120,000 families in neighborhoods around the 120-meter ring road.

The neighborhoods now receiving a continuous supply of clean water include: Rashkin, 32 Park, Turaq, Alan City, Diyari City, Baghlumnara, Mamzawa, Qatawi, Zhyan, Roshnbiri, Fermanberan, Zaytun City, Daratu, Bnaslawa, Hiran City, Altun City, Galawezh, Awenay Shar, Berkoty Nwe, Ta'jily Nwe, sectors 8 and 5 of Hasarok, Hawkarī, Kasnazan, Zilan, Lawan, Ainday Du, Andazyaran, Ashti, and Qalaty Nwe.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... s-minister

[Anthea]

Runaki Project Aims to Cut Emissions
Boost Public Health

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A major Kurdistan Government (KRG) initiative to provide 24-hour electricity is poised to shut down more than 7,000 private generators, a move that medical and environmental experts say will directly impact public health by reducing air pollution previously linked to a rise in cancer cases

The Runaki Project, designed to deliver continuous power to citizens, has environmental protection as one of its key goals. In Sulaimani province alone, 292 neighborhood generators have already been shut down, a reduction in emissions equivalent to that of 50,516 cars. According to doctors and environmental specialists, removing these generators will lead to a decrease in disease.

The health concerns are significant. At Hiwa Hospital in Sulaimani city, 3,310 people, including 201 children, have been registered with various types of cancer in 2024. Dr. Yad Naqshbandi, the director of Hiwa Hospital, announced the gravity of the situation, stating, "In just the first six months of this year, 2,681 new cases of cancer have been registered."

Dr. Naqshbandi emphasized the need for comprehensive environmental reform. "Improving the quality and cleanliness of the environment by removing generators, or ensuring all factories that scientifically require them have filters, and also regulating the food quality in the Kurdistan is necessary," he said. "Because even if their effects are not apparent now, their direct impact will emerge in the future, in about 10 more years."

Scientific research corroborates the dangers of generator emissions. A study conducted by specialists from the University of Sulaimani between 2018 and 2023 analyzed the extent of environmental pollution from these sources.

"We focused on six gases to determine their emission levels," said Salih Najib, an environmental specialist involved in the study. "It was found that some of the gases emitted from the generators affected the atmosphere, while others impact human health. We found that the gases emitted from the generators include carbon monoxide, which affects human health, and likewise, nitrogen oxide, which similarly impacts human health."

Under the Runaki Project, citizens will receive continuous power and a single monthly bill determined by usage. The initiative promises not only to modernize the electricity grid but also to foster cleaner environments in neighborhoods and cities across the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/85 ... lic-health

[Anthea]

50°C record just a stone's throw from Europe

Extreme temperatures in Silopi, Turkey, on July 25, as shown in our temperature map. Turkey has just reached a historic milestone, recording its first 50 degrees, at the gates of Europe, while uncontrollable fires have already killed 13 people since the beginning of July. An extraordinary heatwave continues to hit Southern Europe, already tested by several weeks of intense heat. This scorching air mass continues to break records never reached before.

Historical record broken in Turkey

On July 25, the thermometer rose to 50.5 degrees in Silopi, a town located in southeastern Turkey, near the borders with Iraq and Syria. This is the highest temperature ever recorded in the country in any period, beating the previous all-time high of 49.5 degrees, measured in Sarıcakaya in August 2023. The 50-degree mark was also almost crossed in Kızıltepe, near the Syrian border.

Thousands of hectares ravaged

These extreme temperatures have led to the outbreak of major fires, one of which, which occurred on Wednesday and then on Thursday in the province of Eskişehir, turned into a tragedy.

More than 1,000 evacuations and at least 13 dead, including 10 rescue workers.

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Temperatures Dip as
Iraq Scorches Under 51°C Heat

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A blistering heatwave is sweeping across central and southern Iraq, pushing temperatures to a life-threatening 51 degrees Celsius (half the boiling point of water) and forcing the government to declare official holidays, even as citizens continue to protest chronic electricity and water shortages in the suffocating heat. In contrast, the Kurdistan Region is expected to see a brief, temporary drop in temperatures before another surge arrives next week

The Iraqi Federal Meteorological Authority issued a stark forecast for Monday, warning that temperatures would reach 51°C in the cities of Baghdad, Babil, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Muthanna, and Basra. Numerous other provinces, including Karbala, Najaf, and Kirkuk, are expected to endure temperatures between 49°C and 50°C. In response to the extreme conditions, the authority has urged citizens to remain indoors unless it is for "very necessary and important work."

The severity of the heatwave prompted the Iraqi government to announce an official holiday on Sunday, for the provinces of Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan, Karbala, Diwaniyah, Babil, and Wasit. While the meteorological authority has denied rumors that temperatures will reach an unprecedented 65°C this summer, it confirmed that readings will exceed 50°C in several areas, marking this as the "most intense heatwave of this summer."

Despite the dangerous temperatures and government-mandated holidays, daily protests are reportedly being held in many of Iraq's provinces. The demonstrations are against the persistent lack of basic services, particularly the shortages of water and electricity, which are most critical during such extreme weather events.

In Kurdistan, residents can expect some short-term relief. Meteorology expert Mohammed Kamal told Kurdistan24 on Monday that a drop in temperatures is expected to last until Thursday, July 31. However, he cautioned that this respite will be temporary.

"We are in the 'Chila' of summer (the 40 hottest days of the season); the rise in temperature is a normal occurrence, and I expect temperatures to set record numbers several more times before the 'Chila' ends," Kamal said. He specifically predicted that "a week later, especially on August 7th and 8th, temperatures will rise again."

Within Kurdistan, the Garmian Administration is forecast to experience the highest temperatures, where the mercury is estimated to reach 51°C, matching the extreme heat in southern Iraq.

Monday's Forecasted Temperatures in Iraq:

Baghdad: 51°C
Babil: 51°C
Maysan: 51°C
Dhi Qar: 51°C
Muthanna: 51°C
Basra: 51°C
Saladin: 50°C
Karbala: 50°C
Wasit: 50°C
Najaf: 50°C
Diwaniyah: 50°C
Kirkuk: 49°C
Nineveh: 49°C
Diyala: 49°C
Anbar: 48°C

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/854398/kurdistan-temperatures-dip-as-iraq-scorches-under-51c-heat

[Anthea]

Erbil to plant 5,000 orange saplings

Authorities in Erbil province have launched a new initiative to plant 5,000 orange saplings in parks and public spaces in an effort to increase the city’s greenery as the effects of climate change continue to take their toll

‘Our goal is not just to increase green space, but we want to change to philosophy of planting in the city. Fruit trees, especially oranges, combine visual beauty with environmental and economic benefits,” Lava Kamal, the head of a nursery in Erbil, told Rudaw on Wednesday.

The project also includes the distribution of thousands of orange saplings to citizens for free, with the aim of encouraging them to participate in making the city greener.

Launched by city’s parks engineering department

According to Kamal, it is part of a “new environmental strategy” that gives greater importance to planting fruit-bearing trees as opposed to trees planted only for beauty purposes.

“It is a source of pride that all these saplings are locally produced and have been grown under the supervision of our experts, so we do not need to import saplings from abroad,” Kamal noted, adding that the orange tree is suitable for Erbil’s hot climate.

Detailing their future plans, Kamal said that “we are working on adding other types of fruit trees next year, such as figs, olives, grapes, and pomegranates, all of which are suitable for the Kurdistan Region’s climate.”

Zahir Sabir, a resident of Erbil’s Shaqlawa district, commended the initiative as a “very good and beautiful step,” praising the choice of orange trees as “they are both fruit-bearing and provide a beautiful view in all four seasons.”

Erbil has one of the highest levels of air pollution in Iraq. There are several causes, most notably, plumes of smoke from electricity generators and a large number of cars using low-quality fuel. Dust storms are also a frequent occurrence in Erbil.

Iraq is considered among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with poor water resource management and upstream dam projects in neighboring countries further decreasing the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/300720251

[Anthea]

Erbil Launches Green Belt Project

Under the direction of Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, authorities have begun implementing the ambitious “Green Belt” project around the capital, Erbil — a major environmental and developmental initiative aimed at protecting the city from unregulated urban expansion and the effects of climate change

According to a follow-up report by BasNews, groundwork for the project has started on Erbil’s outskirts, where iron poles and fencing are being installed to form a 2-kilometer-wide belt around the city.

This infrastructure will support the planting of thousands of dunams of olive, pistachio, and other tree species suited to the region’s climate and soil.

The project aims to expand green spaces, improve air quality, and provide a healthier environment for residents.

It will also generate thousands of jobs in agriculture, irrigation, and maintenance, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

As part of the initiative, more than 12,800 dunams will be planted with various trees, supported by over 10 water collection ponds to ensure sustainable irrigation.

The first phase, now underway, covers 2,800 dunams stretching from the Baharka area toward the Mosul road.

Officials say the “Green Belt” project reflects a long-term vision for Erbil’s development through 2050, with the goal of increasing the city’s green space beyond international standards.

This is expected to contribute significantly to improving public health, reducing air pollution, lowering temperatures, and preserving biodiversity.

The project also serves as a natural barrier against sandstorms and dust, providing protection for a city that has seen rapid population and urban growth in recent years.

By restoring environmental balance and creating recreational spaces, the Green Belt is set to become a cornerstone of Erbil’s sustainable urban development strategy.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/890918