A month ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unusual offer to the people of Iran. He proposed that if they overthrew their government, Israel would send its best water experts to help fix Iran’s ongoing water crisis. While his intention might have been to exploit a critical vulnerability for the Iranian government, his approach raised eyebrows.
Iran is grappling with severe resource issues. The combination of climate change, sanctions, and government mismanagement has pushed the country into a crisis. Tehran frequently experiences power outages, and even historic areas like its former U.S. embassy feel the impact.
Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, openly discussed the situation. “We face serious problems with water, electricity, and gas. Our wells are drying up,” he stated plainly. The country has endured nearly five years of drought, which experts say has been exacerbated by climate change. Last year, Tehran received only 158mm of rain, a significant decline from the average.
Due to insufficient rainfall and poor water management, many of Iran’s dams are alarmingly low. Nineteen dams are running critically low, with only 3% to 15% of their capacity remaining. As a result, authorities have begun halting construction plans in Tehran for the next two years to conserve water.
Shina Ansari, Iran’s vice president and head of the Environmental Protection Agency, underscored the situation’s severity. “We’ve been in a drought for the fifth consecutive year,” she said. Climate change has raised temperatures significantly, reducing rainfall by 30% over the past five years. The reliance on water-intensive crops has further exacerbated the crisis.
The effects of the drought are widespread. Land subsidence is evident, particularly in Isfahan, where historic sites and infrastructure are at risk. Over-extraction of groundwater is a key issue, with figures showing that millions of cubic meters are taken annually for agriculture, further worsening the situation.
A striking consequence of these water shortages is the near evaporation of Lake Urmia, once the largest lake in the Middle East. Recent estimates suggest it might vanish entirely if current conditions persist. Experts warn its loss could lead to increased diseases and regional instability, similar to the fallout from the drying of the Aral Sea.
Despite numerous plans, efforts to save Lake Urmia have largely fallen short. Agricultural land has expanded dramatically in the region, creating a demand for water far exceeding local resources. Moving forward, experts like Banafsheh Zahrai caution that unless substantial changes are made, the lake may become a thing of the past.
Beyond immediate water solutions, the Iranian government is trying to address long-term agricultural practices. Agriculture consumes about 88% of the country’s water, yet contributes only 10-12% to the national GDP. Ansari acknowledges the need to shift focus from water-consuming crops to more sustainable alternatives. This transition won’t be easy, requiring delicate negotiations with farmers.
However, there are signs of hope. The government plans to increase renewable energy, especially solar power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Current efforts aim to boost renewable energy capacity significantly within the next few years. Getting there, however, is a tremendous challenge amidst a changing climate.
In summary, Iran stands at a crucial crossroads. The combined pressures of climate change, governmental decisions, and societal needs will shape its future. Addressing this complex crisis will require innovative solutions and a willingness to adapt old practices to new realities.
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