Collective Action for the Environment in Iraq: A New Initiative by PAX

Jul 12, 2024 | PAX International
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Today marks the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms. The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day as these storms have become a serious global concern. The storms pose significant threats to the environment, health, agriculture, livelihood, and socio-economic wellbeing. In Iraq, predictions indicate that the number of storms will soon reach around 300 per year. At times, just one storm results in thousands of people seeking medical treatment.

But Sand and Dust Storms are only part of Iraq’s environmental struggles. The country grapples with climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and deforestation. In response, PAX has initiated a 2.5-year project on collective environmental action.

This project collects data, stories and experiences from communities to help these communities as well as the Iraqi government to address the challenges. PAX implements the project together with the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Sulaimania and Clingendael Institute.