Mitigating Climate Threats in Iraq: The Government's Role in Supporting Sustainable Development for Businesses and SMEs

Iraq faces severe climate threats, including desertification, water scarcity, and heat waves. Desertification is a significant issue, as the country is situated in the heart of the Arabian Desert and has seen a considerable increase in desertification in recent years, leading to soil degradation and vegetation loss. This significantly impacts the country's agriculture and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Water scarcity is another significant issue for Iraq, as the country is facing a growing water shortage due to the over-extraction of groundwater, the drying up rivers and lakes, and poor water management practices. This significantly impacts agriculture and threatens the health and well-being of communities in the country.

Heatwaves are also a growing threat to Iraq, as temperatures in the country are increasing, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses and death, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable populations.

After ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2021, the Iraqi government stepped up its response to climate change impacts by implementing a variety of new adaptations and mitigation strategies and has made some progress toward stepping up its response to these impacts.

Several important initiatives, such as the Central Bank of Iraq, issued regulations in January 2022 to finance solar power systems for residential, commercial, and government locations, which are part of the government's push to promote solar energy. A five-year interest-free loan is included in the Central Bank's financing program along with a six percent administrative charge.

In 2021, the Iraq Council of Ministers approved the Mesopotamian Revitalization Initiative, which implemented a green strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change on Iraq and the region's environment and economy as a result of climate change. As Iraqi President Barham Salih stated, the climate crisis is an existential threat to our future, and we must act now and not be frightened by inaction. He pointed out that "the revitalization of Mesopotamia is vital for Iraq and the region and brings us together to face shared climate change challenges as it includes reforestation, modernization of water management, sustainable energy, and CO2 reduction, and encourages the private sector to take the lead."

The government must develop a climate change policy that encourages sustainable economic growth and helps businesses transition to low-carbon economies. The government of Iraq can use the Climate Canvas methodology to help businesses address climate change issues by:

Identifying the most vulnerable sectors and regions to climate change impacts through data analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Engaging with businesses in those sectors and regions to understand their unique challenges and opportunities in adapting to climate change.

Co-creating solutions with businesses and other stakeholders using the 

Climate Canvas methodology, which involves mapping out the potential impacts of climate change, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of adaptation measures, and prioritizing the most impactful solutions.

Supporting businesses in implementing the identified adaptation measures through policies, incentives, and technical assistance.

Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the adaptation measures and making adjustments to ensure long-term resilience.

By following these steps, the government of Iraq can help businesses build resilience to climate change and ensure sustainable economic development.

The Iraqi government should also consider climate change activism and civil society as part of its climate change response strategy. As a part of its approach to building a resilient society in the face of climate change, the government should take lessons from global success stories and engage civil society as a partner in identifying the best practices for implementing a strong adaptation strategy and mobilizing a broader stakeholder community to accomplish this goal. Indeed, several initiatives have already taken root in Iraq, and the government can continue to build on them and foster the emergence of others.

The government of Iraq can use the Climate Canvas methodology to help businesses address climate change issues by:

1. Identifying the most vulnerable sectors and regions to climate change impacts through data analysis and stakeholder consultations.

2. Engaging with businesses in those sectors and regions to understand their unique challenges and opportunities in adapting to climate change.

3. Co-creating solutions with businesses and other stakeholders using the Climate Canvas methodology involves mapping out the potential impacts of climate change, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of adaptation measures, and prioritizing the most impactful solutions.

4. Supporting businesses in implementing the identified adaptation measures through policies, incentives, and technical assistance.

5. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the adaptation measures and making adjustments to ensure long-term resilience.

By following these steps, the government of Iraq can help businesses build resilience to climate change and ensure sustainable economic development.

In conclusion, Iraq is facing a number of severe climate threats, and the government should be taking aggressive actions to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable development. By supporting businesses and SMEs in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices, the government plays an essential role in protecting the country's environment and ensuring a healthy and secure future for its citizens.