Global Warming

Climate Change Ravages Southern Iraq

Southern Iraq was once known as the “black land” – the vast swaths of palm trees blocking out everything else, and providing food, shelter, and shade.

But the palm trees, as well as fruit trees and vegetable farms, have now mostly disappeared in and around the southern port city of Basra. Instead, real estate projects have taken over, as well as deserts.

The effect of climate change on agricultural land in Iraq, including rising water salinity and higher temperatures, has forced many farmers to turn to building and selling houses. Where farmers used to grow pomegranates, figs, olives, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables, the land has now turned into a desert.