By Miran Hussein
Climate change is one of the most important global issues and is at the forefront of the agenda for most developed countries and all nations worldwide. Currently, this issue has become a global concern similar to terrorism, occupying the attention of the entire world.
The world unanimously agrees that this issue is not limited to a single continent, region, or country, but rather is a global matter. Therefore, there are ongoing international efforts to find solutions to the causes of this problem globally. It is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity and the entire world without discrimination. This international phenomenon’s consequences affect all regions and continents without exception, resulting in various impacts such as temperature rise, desertification, and floods. These issues lead to further problems like environmental migration, damage to agricultural and industrial sectors, and disease spread, among others. Both natural and human factors contribute to the emergence of this problem.
Climate change is a natural phenomenon with multiple contributing factors, such as the emission of gases from various burning processes (like factories, vehicles, forest fires, etc.), urban expansion, and other natural phenomena. However, gas emissions and smoke are the major causes of climate change. This issue has created numerous political, economic, and security problems for the entire world, all of which have become threats to global peace and stability.
The participation of a Kurdistan Regional Government delegation in the climate change summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan at a high level demonstrates Kurdistan Region’s commitment to this issue. This is appropriate and shows a sense of responsibility towards the matter. The Kurdistan Region participates as a constitutional entity in the world, particularly significant as it is located in the Middle East and is part of Iraq, both of which are victims of global climate change. There are several serious risks facing the Middle East, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, particularly regarding water crisis, temperature rise, environmental migration, desertification, and decreased agricultural production, all of which have become notably apparent in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The importance of Kurdistan Region’s participation in this summit lies in its ability to play a role as a political authority in a recognized region of the Middle East in combating global climate change. During previous climate change summits held in Sharm El-Sheikh and Dubai, several international decisions and strategies were established to confront climate change. It is essential for the Kurdistan Region to remain informed, participate in decision-making, play its role, and benefit from any steps taken in this regard. Through participation in these summits, the Kurdistan Region can benefit from international assistance provided to those affected by climate change. Similarly, these summits provide opportunities to identify areas where the Kurdistan Region needs international cooperation in environmental matters and climate change response.
In return, it is time for the Kurdistan Region to consider developing a long-term strategy in environmental matters and climate change response. It should strive to participate in all international events and present itself as a party committed to international standards on the global stage. The region should take serious steps to become a successful model in climate change management in the Middle East, particularly in water storage, environmental greening, and reducing environmental pollution causes across all provinces of the region, while imposing strict measures on all citizens.
International parties should be informed of the achievements, needs, challenges, and obstacles facing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s work in this regard. The Kurdistan Region needs to have a team of experts supervising this matter who coordinate with international parties, and climate change should be part of the new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet’s agenda.