Climate security challenges in Iraq

Iraq has begun to feel the brunt of climate change and an increase in climate-related security risks.

The country’s vulnerability to climate change is a product of a high degree of exposure to climate change factors, a susceptibility to be affected by climate change, and a lack of capacity to adapt and respond to the effects of climate change through weak governance, structures and mechanisms.

This study seeks to delve deeper into the issue of climate change and its links to and effects on conflict dynamics throughout the country. Specifically, it examines nine districts spanning the provinces of Basra, Kirkuk, Al-Qadisiyah, Salahaldin, and Sulaymaniyah, exploring the ways in which climate change is contributing to conflict and insecurity in these districts through an analysis of climate security risk pathways.