Iraq's Desperate Bid to Tame the Sandstorms Devastating the Region

In a determined effort to combat increasingly frequent and intense sandstorms, Iraqi authorities, along with the United Nations and other international partners, are working to stabilise the soil in a key desert region. The area, located between the cities of Nasiriyah and Samawah, has been plagued by sand and dust storms driven by climate change, with severe drought, rising temperatures, and deforestation exacerbating the issue. The project, which includes applying a 20-25 centimetre layer of moist clay to the sand dunes and planting heat-tolerant seedlings, aims to reduce the impact of transboundary dust storms that can reach neighbouring countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. According to the Ministry of Environment, Iraq now faces around 243 storms per year, a number expected to rise to 300 "dust days" by 2050 unless drastic measures are taken. The initiative, which has been implemented in three southern areas, also involves digging water canals and supplying electricity to pump water from the Euphrates river, preparing barren lands for vegetation. One of the project's ultimate goals is to increase green spaces and enable farmers to sustain the lands after droughts and chronic water shortages have reduced agricultural areas. Iraq has a proven track record in combating desertification and dust storms, with successful projects dating back to the 1970s. However, environmental challenges have largely been overlooked in recent decades due to turmoil and conflict. With the severe impact of climate change, the country is now working to revive these efforts, with experts making 'slow but steady progress'. The project's success is crucial, not only for Iraq but also for the entire region, as it has the potential to reduce the frequency and intensity of sandstorms and mitigate their devastating effects on human health, transportation, and the economy.