Updates: polution; hunting; animal slaughter; climate change

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Erbil Bright, Baghdad Dark:

Iraq Wastes $18 Billion in Gas Amid Power Crisis

Kurdistan stands as a rare bright spot in Iraq’s troubled energy landscape. Despite years of financial strain and political pressure from Baghdad, the Kurdistan Government (KRG) has made significant progress in providing uninterrupted electricity to its citizens — a stark contrast to the rest of Iraq, where millions continue to live in the dark.

A Bright Kurdistan

Since 2014, the KRG has weathered multiple economic crises — from the costly war against ISIS and the global pandemic to the collapse of oil prices and repeated budget cuts by Baghdad. According to a 2024 report by the Atlantic Council, the KRG’s official share of the federal budget was 12.67%, totaling around 13.5 trillion Iraqi dinars. Yet, the federal government has often withheld or delayed these funds.

In May 2025, tensions escalated again when Iraq’s Ministry of Finance accused the KRG of “exceeding its revenue by $10.34 billion” and suspended the salaries of tens of thousands of public employees in the Kurdistan Region. Critics pointed out the inconsistency in Baghdad’s priorities — noting that while the budget for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) soared from $2.16 billion in 2022 to $3.5 billion in 2024, essential allocations to the Kurdistan Region were curtailed.

Despite these challenges, the KRG launched the “Runaki Project” in 2024 to ensure 24-hour electricity across the Region by the end of 2026. The project has already achieved notable success: over 2.7 million people — nearly 40% of the population — now enjoy uninterrupted power. The KRG has added 1,840 megawatts of new capacity, bringing the region’s total to about 8,200 megawatts.

More than 3,500 electricity distribution projects have been completed under this initiative. Additionally, 2,100 private diesel generators have been permanently shut down, marking a step toward cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions. According to Al-Monitor, around 30% of the Kurdistan Region’s residents now have round-the-clock power, an achievement almost unparalleled in Iraq.

The KRG’s energy policy emphasizes modernization, sustainability, and independence from Baghdad’s electricity grid. The regional government is also expanding investment in renewable sources and natural gas utilization to reduce reliance on diesel and imported fuels. This energy autonomy has become a symbol of the region’s administrative competence and forward planning compared to the federal government’s inefficiency.

Baghdad: A Rich and Corrupt Capital

Meanwhile, Iraq’s capital — home to nearly six million people — continues to face persistent blackouts. The electricity supply in Baghdad typically operates in three-hour cycles, leaving neighborhoods without power for extended periods. Despite vast natural and financial resources, Iraq has failed to translate its oil wealth into reliable energy for its citizens.

In 2025, the country lost around 20,000 megawatts of power after the suspension of electricity and gas imports from Iran, worsening the crisis. A study by the Baker Institute found that Iraq flares approximately $18 billion worth of natural gas each year instead of capturing it to generate electricity. This waste has long been a source of criticism from energy experts and economists, who see it as emblematic of government corruption and inefficiency.

The Ministry of Electricity in Baghdad promised in December 2024 to build 74 new power stations and repair 900 distribution units before the summer of 2025. However, those plans remain largely unfulfilled as the capital’s residents continue to face power shortages well into the winter.

The problem extends beyond Baghdad. In Anbar province, residents suffer from heavy industrial pollution caused by private factories operating near residential zones. The thick smoke emitted by these facilities has triggered widespread respiratory diseases, particularly among children and the elderly.

Locals blame government negligence. “These factories are very dangerous for people’s lives because they cause shortness of breath and have a very unpleasant smell,” said citizen Sabah Tai, calling for urgent government intervention. Another resident, Abu Ahmed, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Shutting down these private factories is very important so that they no longer affect citizens’ health.”

Environmental authorities in Anbar acknowledge the existence of dozens of unlicensed factories but admit facing obstacles due to political influence. Dr. Omar al-Dulaimi, Director of the Habbaniyah Environment Department, said, “Many industrial activities in Anbar province have toxic waste and harmful gases, polluting the environment. We have taken measures, such as imposing fines, but their negative consequences are very significant.”

While citizens struggle with pollution and power shortages, the central government continues to burn billions of dollars’ worth of gas and import electricity from neighboring countries. The stark contrast between the Kurdistan Region’s illumination and Baghdad’s darkness underscores a deeper reality — one of governance disparity, accountability, and the will to reform.

The KRG’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and provide sustainable power stand as a model of resilience in Iraq’s broader struggle with corruption, mismanagement, and dependence on foreign energy. As the Kurdistan Region moves toward full electricity coverage, Baghdad’s failures cast a long shadow over a country still unable to harness its own vast potential.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/896355

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Erbil’s Global Standard Green Expansion
with Ongoing Citywide Tree-Planting Campaign

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Erbil’s parks and landscaping directorate announced on Tuesday that the city’s ambitious greening campaign is steadily progressing, bringing its overall greenery coverage to nearly 20 percent — a figure approaching the international urban standard of 25 percent

Rebin Ahmed, Director of Erbil Parks and Landscaping Directorate, told Kurdistan24 that the city’s “Autumn Green Initiative” aims to expand green zones and enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.

“Since the beginning of September, over 10,000 trees of various species have been planted across Erbil’s six municipalities,” he said

According to Ahmed, the campaign includes planting diverse tree species in central parks, public places, and main street medians to help improve air quality, beautify the city, and provide natural shade.

He added that the initiative is ongoing and will continue until Erbil reaches the global green space benchmark.

The Erbil Municipality’s official Facebook page shared that on Tuesday alone, more than 250 trees were planted in Hasarok village’s inner forest area and another 300 trees along the central street medians of Hana City Street.

Additionally, 250 more trees were planted around Lawlaw Park near the Perzin residential complex.

In a parallel environmental effort, the Runaki Project is complementing Erbil’s green expansion by significantly improving air quality through a reliable, 24-hour electricity supply.

By reducing dependence on private diesel generators — a major source of urban pollution — the project helps lower emissions and supports the government’s broader environmental vision for a cleaner and healthier Kurdistan Region.

The “Green Erbil” initiative is part of a broader vision by the Erbil Municipality to make the city more sustainable, livable, and environmentally balanced.

Urban planners and environmental advocates have praised the ongoing effort as a vital step toward combating pollution, enhancing public health, and creating a greener urban identity for Kurdistan’s capital.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has linked the expansion of green spaces to its broader economic diversification strategy, aiming to boost tourism and generate additional revenue for the region.

By creating more parks, landscaped public areas, and scenic urban spaces across Kurdistan, the government seeks to attract both domestic and international visitors, enhance recreational opportunities, and develop eco-friendly tourism hubs that complement the region’s cultural and historical attractions.

This approach positions environmental sustainability as a key driver of economic growth while improving the quality of life for residents.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... g-campaign

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Iraq requests increased water releases
from Turkey as drought worsens

Baghdad has urged Ankara to increase water releases to the Euphrates and Tigris rivers by one billion cubic meters per month during October and November, a senior Iraqi water ministry official told Rudaw on Monday. The request follows a tentative agreement reached last Friday between top Iraqi and Turkish diplomats on sharing water resources

"Iraqi Water Resources Minister Aoun Diab has requested increasing water releases for the Tigris River to 500 cubic meters per second and for the Euphrates River to 500 cubic meters per second," said Khaled Shamal, spokesperson for Iraq’s water ministry.

This would bring the total to one billion cubic meters per month

Shamal added, "We expect this year to be a rainy one, with heavy rains beginning in December. Iraq therefore needs an increased water supply for the next 50 days to improve water reserves."

The appeal by Baghdad’s water ministry follows Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein’s joint press conference in Ankara on Friday with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. The senior Iraqi diplomat then stated that a draft “framework” agreement on water management between Iraq and Turkey would soon be signed in Iraq.

Fidan responded, “We understand the difficulties you are facing. We are brothers and sisters in this region,” emphasizing Turkey’s active engagement in addressing Iraq’s water challenges.

The waters of the Euphrates and Tigris belong to all of us

Iraq depends heavily on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, both originating in Turkey. However, large Turkish dam projects, including the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), have significantly reduced water flow to Iraq, worsening drought, desertification, and environmental degradation. Currently, Iraq receives less than 40 percent of its historical water share.

While Iraq’s water crisis is driven by climate change, declining rainfall, poor resource management and upstream damming by Turkey and Iran, the absence of comprehensive water-sharing agreements with these neighbors leaves Iraq vulnerable to unilateral upstream actions that threaten its water security.

Shamal told Rudaw on Monday, “This year is considered the worst water year in Iraq’s history, with drought conditions not seen since 1933.” Regarding the anticipated deal with Ankara, he noted “the agreement aims to implement large irrigation and dam projects, involving major Turkish companies specializing in water management.”

The World Resources Institute lists Iraq among 25 countries facing “extreme water stress,” meaning it uses over 80 percent of its available water resources - making it highly vulnerable to droughts.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/131020253

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Project to solve water crisis for 30 years

A contract to implement a strategic water project, connecting Dukan Lake to Sulaimani was signed on Sunday at a cost of $423 million, solving the water shortage problem in the city for the next three decades, as it is designed to provide 480,000 cubic meters of water per day

“Our plan is to start the project within a month and a half after [finalizing] some administrative procedures,” Hazhar Majid, director of Habika company told Rudaw on Sunday.

Majid said the $423 million project is 122 kilometers long and should be completed within two and a half years.

A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Municipalities in Erbil on Sunday to sign the contract with the implementing company.

The Dukan-Sulaimani Line 3 Project receives water from the Dukan Lake’s water resources.

“We can only meet half of the water demand due to reduction of water sources,” Bakhtiar Tahir, director of the Sulaimani Water Office told Rudaw, adding “with the completion of all phases of the project, the water shortage problem will be solved.”

Currently, 15 neighborhoods in Sulaimani, or about 15 percent of the city, do not have a water network and are supplied with water by tankers once a week, and thousands of households buy water by tankers.

The mega water project in Sulaimani is similar to that of Erbil, called the Rapid Water Emergency Project, which will also address water scarcity in the Kurdistan Region’s capital city for the next three decades. The Erbil water project, launched by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in September 2024, is to finish in November, and begin supplying neighborhoods in December, according to Ari Ahmed, head of the Kurdistan Region’s water and sewerage department.

These strategic projects in Sulaimani and Erbil come as Iraq faces its worst water crisis in decades. The country consumes more than 80 percent of its available supply and is ranked among the 25 most water-stressed nations in the world, according to the World Resources Institute.

Iraq relies heavily on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, but large Turkish dam projects, including the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), have cut flows to less than 40 percent of historic levels. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, upstream dams, and years of mismanagement have deepened the crisis.

In July, Turkey pledged to increase releases into the rivers by 420 cubic meters per second following a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani. Iraqi officials later said Ankara did not fulfill the commitment, though Turkish officials told Rudaw in August that Iraq had expressed satisfaction with the flows.

Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable to climate change, including water and food insecurity, according to the UN. It is facing a severe water shortage because of reduced precipitation, higher temperatures, and waste mismanagement.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/121020253

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Basra Water Protests Escalate

The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights in Basra issued a stern warning on Tuesday to security forces: cease firing live rounds and deploying tear gas in residential neighborhoods. The call came after four straight days of protests over worsening water conditions in the province

Late Monday, security elements moved into the Tamimiya and Hayyaniya districts to disperse protesters decrying the rise in salinity levels in local water supplies. According to Iraqi media reports, clashes left multiple civilians wounded as security forces advanced into densely populated areas.

Ali al-Abbadi, director of Basra’s human rights commission, appealed directly to Iraq’s Interior Minister and the Basra Police Command, demanding immediate intervention to stop the use of lethal force and tear gas in Hayyaniyah—an area heavily populated by families, including children and women. “Such actions endanger civilians and constitute serious violations of human rights,” he told Shafaq.

Amid swirling tensions, social media circulated video footage showing what appeared to be an assault on a protester along al-Qaim Street. In response, Police Chief Maj. Gen. Latif Abdul-Ridha al-Saad announced an investigation to “determine the circumstances and take legal measures against those involved,” adding that several officers were harmed while safeguarding the protests and public property.

This eruption of dissent comes against the backdrop of a deepening water crisis across southern Iraq. Basra has witnessed rising salinity in freshwater sources, increasingly polluted river inflows, and dwindling flows in the Tigris and Euphrates—partly attributable to upstream damming, climate change, and weak management of water infrastructure.

Activists in Basra have warned that decades of neglect have already pushed the region to a breaking point. In past episodes, health systems recorded mass hospitalizations from waterborne illnesses, and residents repeatedly blocked roads to demand accountability

Analysts say that the current protests could mark a turning point: the visible risk of civilian harm raises the political stakes for local and central authorities. The unfolding situation will test the balance between maintaining public order and upholding civilians’ rights—especially under the pressure of an intensifying water emergency.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/896872

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Iraq Chronic Power Shortag
KRG Nears 24-Hour Electricity

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — As Iraq continues to grapple with chronic electricity shortages despite decades of promises and billions of dollars spent, the Kurdistan Government (KRG) is making steady progress toward providing round-the-clock electricity across the Region by next year

The KRG’s Runaki program, one of the flagship initiatives of the ninth cabinet, represents a major step forward in modernizing the Region’s energy infrastructure. In addition to ensuring 24-hour power, the program offers major environmental and health benefits by removing thousands of diesel generators from residential areas and restoring the urban beauty of cities and towns throughout the Kurdistan Region.

In stark contrast, the federal government in Baghdad — despite being a state with vast resources and repeated claims of institutional reform — continues to fall short of expectations. Most Iraqi provinces still receive only four hours or less of power each day, forcing citizens to rely heavily on costly and polluting diesel generators.

Successive Iraqi governments have signed numerous high-profile contracts with foreign companies to overhaul the country’s electricity network. Yet the results remain largely unchanged: aging infrastructure, rampant corruption, and poor management continue to leave millions in the dark, particularly during the summer months when demand is at its peak.

Instead of addressing these deep-rooted problems, the Iraqi government and Baghdad province have recently announced a mobile application, MyGenerator, designed to manage payments for diesel generators electronically. Officials claim the app will provide information on amp prices and generator operating hours, along with a “Smart Mukhtar” system for registering neighborhood users.

However, critics argue that this move highlights the federal government’s failure to solve the core problem — the lack of reliable national electricity — and its growing dependence on temporary, inefficient fixes.

While Baghdad focuses on regulating diesel generator payments, the KRG is moving in the opposite direction: reducing dependency on generators altogether through a comprehensive and forward-looking electricity policy. The KRG has even expressed willingness to extend its successful project model to other parts of Iraq, aiming to help citizens nationwide overcome decades of mismanagement in the electricity sector.

As the contrast widens between the two administrations, the KRG’s progress underscores what effective governance and clear priorities can achieve — while Baghdad’s latest app serves as yet another reminder of promises unfulfilled and opportunities wasted.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... icity-goal