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COP28 offers new hope for saving the planet: Iraqi Environment Minister


Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi, Iraq’s Environment Minister, has dubbed the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) as a “moment to truly reclaim the opportunity to safeguard the planet”. He underscored that the conference has, in the past few days, concentrated on bolstering global and national endeavours to mitigate the recent surge in climate change.

He accentuated that Iraq is one of the nations most affected by climate change, as evidenced by desertification, water scarcity, and rising temperatures.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he noted that the UAE has made considerable advancements in climate action and sustainable economics. He accentuated Iraq’s ongoing progress towards a green economy, remarking that his ministry will soon unveil its strategy in this regard.

The Iraqi Environment Minister elucidated that COP28 represents a pivotal juncture to restore the opportunity to preserve the planet by fulfilling commitments to combat climate change. Paramount among these commitments is
the adherence to the Paris Agreement to curb the planet’s temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

He expounded that Iraq is actively participating in the conference through diverse presidential, governmental, parliamentary, youth, women, and private sector teams, marking its first energetic involvement in climate conferences of this magnitude.

The Iraqi Minister emphasised that the Iraqi government has, for the first time in its history, allocated a specific section in its 2023 budget for the environment and climate. This move aims to bolster environmental protection and improvement, safeguarding public health, natural resources, and biodiversity, while ensuring sustainable development and fostering international and regional cooperation in this domain.

Amidi elaborated that Iraq’s climate policy, enshrined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) document, prioritises the utilisation of renewable energy sources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, the pro
motion of energy efficiency, and the attainment of sustainable development goals.

The Iraqi Minister declared, “The environmental and climate portfolio is one of Iraq’s most crucial areas, as the past four decades have witnessed significant environmental repercussions.” He affirmed that his country’s government possesses an ambitious programme in this regard, having completed notable projects in the climate and environmental sectors, encompassing renewable energy projects, agricultural initiatives, environmental resource management, and water scarcity alleviation.

Amidi disclosed that Iraq is gearing up to host a regional conference on environment and climate during the first quarter of the upcoming year. He extended an invitation to Egypt and the UAE, the respective hosts of COP27 and COP28, to partake in this groundbreaking regional gathering.

Source: Emirates News Agency