Climate Change and Poverty: The Plight of Displaced Iraqis
For the past decade, Nasser Jabbar and his children have lived in a rundown house in a shantytown in southern Iraq. Drought forced Jabbar, a former herder and farmer, out of the countryside and into a life of unemployment and urban poverty. He is just one example of the extreme poverty that those displaced by climate change face in south and central Iraq.
Drought has plagued Iraq for the past four consecutive years, leading to declining rainfall and devastating consequences for farmers and herders. Many of the displaced individuals in Jabbar’s neighborhood abandoned their villages after a lifetime of working in agriculture. In the village of Gateia, Jabbar farmed five hectares of land with his brothers, cultivating barley in winter and vegetables in summer. However, as the climate became increasingly inhospitable, Jabbar’s efforts to combat the water scarcity were in vain. His well dried up, and he was forced to sell off his herd of goats. Eventually, he had to leave his fields behind and seek work in the city.
Despite Iraq being an oil-rich country, poverty is widespread. The authorities attribute the water shortages to upstream dams built by neighboring countries Iran and Turkey, which have dramatically lowered water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that have irrigated Iraq for centuries. According to an International Organization for Migration report, over 21,000 families remain displaced due to drought conditions across 12 governorates in central and southern Iraq.
The majority of climate refugees resettle in urban areas, exacerbating the strain on already struggling cities. Dhi Qar province, where Jabbar resides, has experienced significant internal migration due to water shortages. Over the past five years, thousands of housing units have been built on the outskirts of Nasiriyah, accommodating between 20,000 and 25,000 people who have fled the drought-stricken southern marshes. This influx of migrants has put additional pressure on employment opportunities, exacerbating the already high rates of unemployment among young people.
Iraq’s infrastructure, both in urban centers and rural areas, is ill-equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change and forced migration. Limited, aging, and underfunded infrastructure hinders cities’ ability to provide basic services to existing residents, let alone the influx of climate refugees. Thomas Wilson, a climate and water specialist at the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasizes the need for resource management plans, effective governance, and investment in the regions from which the displaced come. These measures are crucial in reducing and mitigating forced migration.
The consequences of climate change and poverty extend beyond economic hardships. A UN-issued report highlights the risk of social unrest due to climate factors in Iraq. Limited economic opportunities in crowded urban areas can lead to feelings of marginalization, exclusion, and injustice, potentially fueling tensions between different ethno-religious groups and increasing grievances towards state institutions.
Qassem Jabbar, Nasser’s brother, joined him in Nasiriyah three years ago. Like Nasser, Qassem has been unable to find work since leaving their village. With ten children of his own, he struggles to cover school fees for them all. The cycle of poverty and displacement continues to perpetuate itself, leaving families like the Jabbars trapped in a cycle of vulnerability.
Addressing the challenges faced by displaced Iraqis requires a comprehensive approach that includes investment in infrastructure, effective governance, and resource management. By prioritizing the regions affected by drought and climate change, Iraq can work towards reducing forced migration and providing opportunities for its citizens. Additionally, international support and cooperation are crucial in addressing the root causes of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all Iraqis.