raq’s Minister of Environment, Halo Al-Askari, confirmed on Wednesday that the country is actively investing in environmental projects and taking steps to reduce environmental pollutants.
Speaking at the Iraq Energy Conference, Al-Askari highlighted the importance of the government’s decision to separate the Ministry of Health from the Ministry of Environment, calling it a step in the right direction. He also noted the key role that many developed countries play in addressing climate issues.
Al-Askari emphasized that Iraq is moving towards investing in environmental projects and stressed that the Ministry of Environment has many strengths and capabilities. He shared that the ministry’s vision is evolving, with a focus on changing the mindset to view the ministry as a supervisory body that can help expand the economy, especially in the green economy sector.
The minister also revealed that the Iraqi government has approved the establishment of a factory that will convert waste into energy, describing this as a significant achievement. Additionally, the ministry is working on the creation of the Carbon Economics Company, the first of its kind in Iraq.
Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Environment has been collaborating with other ministries to improve Iraq’s environmental situation, including installing filters in factories and preventing waste burning.
Al-Askari further explained that Iraq is focused on reducing environmental pollution. While desertification is a regional and global issue, he noted that Iraq has a dedicated desertification committee and has actively participated in international conferences, including those related to Saudi Arabia’s green initiative.
Finally, Al-Askari pointed out that climate change is a global concern and that Iraq is leading the Group of 77 with China in preparations for the upcoming climate summit in Brazil.
