Srwa Abdulwahid, Iraqi Minister of Environment, stated that a four-year priority for the ministry is eliminating water and air pollution, stressing the enforcement of environmental laws and holding all public and private institutions accountable if they cause harm or fail to meet ministry standards to safeguard public health.

Abdulwahid issued a statement on Friday on World Environment Day, emphasizing Iraq's commitment to UN sustainable goals and stating that the government is actively developing solutions for decades of environmental damage while transitioning toward a sustainable green economy.

“We affirm that this day is not limited to merely reminding us of the importance of working toward a clean and safe environment; rather, it represents a genuine opportunity to reflect on the damage and pollution inflicted upon our environment and to review the policies and measures necessary to address the accumulated environmental challenges,” Abdulwahid noted.

She warned that neglecting environmental issues risks public health and social stability, emphasizing that the ministry is determined to reverse these dangers.

Backed by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, she utilized World Environment Day to formally renew Iraq's commitment to aggressively reforming its domestic climate policies.

Cleaning Up Waterways and Combating Air Pollution 

Abdulwahid announced that “among our top priorities over the next four years is to work to eliminate sources of water pollution and remove all landfills and violations that lead to the contamination of rivers and waterways.”

Additionally, the ministry will also combat air pollution by tightening oversight and enforcing strict legal penalties against non-compliant public and private companies.

She highlighted the ministry's determination to strictly enforce environmental laws across both public and private sectors, warning that any institution causing environmental harm will be held legally accountable to protect public health.

Legal Action and Shared National Responsibility 

The minister further underlined the government's reliance on the judiciary, led by Judge Faiq Zidan, President of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, to protect the environment and uphold the rule of law, adding that combating corruption and safeguarding nature are inseparable paths toward building a strong state and a healthy society.

“Environmental protection is a shared national responsibility that requires the cooperation of state institutions and all segments of society, alongside the private sector, civil society organizations, and media and educational institutions, to ensure a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for coming generations,” Abdulwahid added.

National Pollution Data and Statistics

Iraq ranks among the top 11 most air-polluted nations on Earth, with toxic city air measuring over 8 times higher than World Health Organization safety limits.

Approximately 6 million cubic meters of untreated industrial and municipal wastewater are dumped directly into Iraq's rivers every single day. 

These critical pollution crises cause severe public health damage, costing the Iraqi economy more than $1.4 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.