As the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference wraps up in Belém, Brazil, Iran is facing serious environmental challenges. From droughts and floods to heatwaves and wildfires, these issues are worsening due to climate change.
In many Iranian cities like Tehran and Mashhad, water shortages are becoming the norm. Reservoirs are running dry after years of drought. To combat this, authorities are using cloud seeding to generate more rainfall. However, studies show that extracting too much groundwater can lead to soil collapse, making it harder for the ground to absorb rain. This situation heightens the risk of flooding, as seen recently in some western provinces.
In the Hyrcanian forests of Mazandaran Province, wildfires have raged for over two weeks, fueled by dry conditions and high winds. Meanwhile, southern regions such as Khuzestan have seen temperatures soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), making them among the hottest places on Earth. In cities like Tehran, land subsidence due to water over-extraction is damaging infrastructure.
The root causes of Iran’s environmental woes include decades of poor management, an inefficient agricultural sector, and unsustainable development practices. Climate change is intensifying these problems. Expert opinions suggest that if Iran does not adapt its policies, the crisis could affect not just its borders but the entire Middle East.
During COP30, Iran’s delegation, led by Environment Chief Shina Ansari, acknowledged the severe risks posed by climate change. Reports indicate that Iran’s climate is warming at twice the global average rate, with predictions of temperatures rising by about 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2030. Ansari mentioned some efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including plans for solar energy expansion. However, she also highlighted the challenges posed by U.S. and European sanctions, which limit access to vital technology and investment.
Notably, Iran is considered one of the largest carbon emitters globally and has not ratified the Paris Agreement aimed at mitigating climate change. In fact, it is among the three worst-performing nations in terms of climate action, alongside the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. While neighboring countries are taking steps to combat climate change, Iran has been criticized for its lack of action. Recent social media discussions show a growing frustration among citizens regarding the government’s handling of environmental issues.
As Turkey prepares to host COP31, the pressure is on Iran to address its environmental challenges seriously. Failure to act could leave the country grappling with even more severe ecological and social repercussions in the future.
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