Latest news with #Luayal-Mukhtar
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
From oil fields to air pollution: Iraq's carbon emissions skyrocket
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq now ranks as the third-largest carbon emitter in the Arab world, with annual emissions exceeding 340 million tons—a figure that has renewed debate over the country's environmental path. The figures were published in a recent report by the Energy Research Unit, but Iraq's Environment Ministry questioned their accuracy. Ministry spokesperson Luay al-Mukhtar told Shafaq News the data was 'unverified and lacking scientific sources,' adding that Iraq is already working to reduce emissions through initiatives like the Carbon Economies Company, launched in 2023. Environmental specialists, however, say the crisis is worsening. Omar Abdul Latif, a local expert, attributed the rise in carbon output to unregulated industrial activity, waste incineration, and the widespread use of private generators, all of which contribute heavily to air pollution. Despite having a smaller population than other top emitters, Iraq's per capita emissions remain among the highest in the region. In 2021, Iraq emitted 177.8 million tons of CO₂. By 2023, that figure had risen to 342.8 million tons—an increase of over 27 million tons and an average annual growth rate of 4.88%. Environmental analyst Khalid Suleiman told Shafaq News that inadequate regulation and underinvestment in green infrastructure have left Iraq behind its Gulf neighbors. 'Unlike Saudi Arabia, Iraq lacks vegetation cover to offset emissions, and it doesn't approach this problem scientifically,' he said. Academic and environmental researcher Manar Majid added that gas flaring at oil extraction sites increased by 7% in 2024 alone. 'If Iraq invested properly in natural gas and clean energy, it could reduce emissions and even benefit economically, like Qatar,' she noted. Though Iraq has hosted its first National Carbon Economies Conference and signed memorandums of understanding with international firms, Majid cautioned that without cross-ministerial coordination, a national strategy, and reliable funding, these efforts are unlikely to succeed. Iraq is already experiencing the harsh effects of climate change. Soaring summer temperatures, prolonged droughts, and rapid desertification have compounded the country's environmental challenges. With highs regularly surpassing 50°C—and an average temperature increase of nearly 1°C since 1990—experts are urging the government to prioritize reforestation, enforce emissions controls, and adopt science-based climate policies.
Rudaw Net
15-03-2025
- Health
- Rudaw Net
Air quality improving in Iraq: Environment ministry
Also in Iraq Kirkuk land restoration on hold pending guidelines for new law How was ISIS' second-in-command killed in Iraq? Man arrested in Baghdad for inciting violence outside Syrian embassy Iraq electricity ministry to visit Turkmenistan to initiate gas imports A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's air quality has significantly improved compared to last year, the Ministry of Environment said on Saturday, reporting the closure of dozens of illegal factories in Baghdad to reduce pollution levels. 'In early 2025, air quality in Baghdad was mostly acceptable to good, but at times, it deteriorated to unhealthy levels,' Luay al-Mukhtar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, told Rudaw. Iraq ranked as the sixth most polluted country in the world in 2023, according to IQAir, a global air quality monitoring company. That year, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) - a hazardous mix of sulfates, black carbon, nitrates, and ammonium capable of entering the bloodstream through the lungs - exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended limits by seven to ten times. Exposure to these particles 'causes and worsens several health issues, including asthma, cancer, strokes, and lung diseases,' according to IQAir. Mukhtar linked air pollution to human activities, population density, numbers of vehicles, power generators, and industrial activity. 'Since Baghdad is Iraq's largest city, home to about a quarter of the country's population, it has extensive industrial activity, along with a massive number of cars and generators, all of which contribute to its declining air quality,' he said. However, he noted a 'noticeable improvement' in air quality over the past year, attributing it to stricter environmental monitoring and enforcement. He highlighted the closure of 77 metal smelting furnaces and over 35 illegal brick factories in Baghdad as part of efforts to curb pollution. Many other polluting activities have been shut down, he said, and the ministry, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working to prevent burning of waste, which causes severe environmental problems. Baghdad residents, the second-largest Arab capital by population, frequently complain of a strong sulfur odor in the air coming from the burning of unrefined heavy oil in numerous brick and asphalt factories on the city's outskirts. In October 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani formed a specialized committee to investigate pollution issues and the sulfur emissions after around 200 people were hospitalized due to air pollution. Mukhtar said that other provinces have larger agricultural areas, smaller populations, and fewer industrial activities, particularly outside city centers, which contributes to better air quality compared to Baghdad. In the past month, Baghdad has had four days when the air quality was 'unhealthy,' 12 days when it was 'unhealthy for sensitive groups,' and the rest was moderate, according to IQAir.
