Urgent Action Needed: Protect Kurdistan’s Environment from Illegal Refineries, Deforestation, and Rising Vehicle Emissions – Shafaq News

Shafaq News reported that Maarouf Majid, who leads the Environment Future Organization in Al-Sulaymaniyah, is sounding the alarm about serious environmental issues facing the Kurdistan Region. He says it’s time for the government to take action to tackle these problems.

During a press conference, Majid highlighted three critical issues: illegal refineries, deforestation, and a rising number of vehicles. He pointed out that these factors are harming the region’s air quality, soil, and water resources.

With over 2.4 million vehicles in the Kurdistan Region, air pollution is a growing concern. Majid stressed the need to improve public transportation to help lessen the environmental impact of this expanding fleet.

Erbil province alone hosts about 138 illegal refineries, which Majid claims are causing serious damage to the region’s natural resources. He urged the government to take decisive action against these facilities and suggested seeking $200 million in compensation for the environmental damage they’ve inflicted.

Majid also reported that the region has lost nearly 50% of its forested areas, which underscores the urgent need for a vigorous reforestation campaign to combat the loss and restore greenery.

Additionally, the rising number of residential power generators—over 7,000—contributes to air pollution. While these generators are necessary to address power shortages, they significantly worsen air quality.

In conclusion, Majid called for a comprehensive environmental strategy for the Kurdistan Region. He believes that better oversight, swift policy changes, and public awareness campaigns are crucial to addressing these pressing challenges. He remarked, “A healthy environment ensures a sustainable and healthy future for coming generations.”

The Kurdistan Region faces significant ecological pressures due to rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle numbers, and illegal industrial activities. These threats, along with deforestation and pollution from generators, require immediate attention from both the government and environmental organizations to protect the region’s ecological future.