Iraq is experiencing a severe environmental crisis as crude oil seeps into land and rivers, threatening agriculture, public health, and livelihoods. Aging infrastructures, particularly old pipelines damaged during conflicts, are significant contributors. The government’s temporary measures are insufficient, necessitating urgent and comprehensive strategies to address the root causes and protect Iraq’s natural resources.
Iraq is currently facing a severe environmental crisis marked by crude oil contamination impacting land, rivers, and public health. This situation, once seen as a national asset, is now posing significant threats to agriculture and community livelihoods as oil seeps into vital resources and threatens the health of millions.
Contaminated regions, such as Al-Muslaha in the Makhoul Mountains, exemplify the problem, where crude oil flows into the Tigris River, transforming the environment. Mahmoud Al-Qaisi, a former Baiji refinery employee, noted that these oil wells have remained largely unexploited for over 50 years, posing both investment potential and ecological risks. He criticized the government’s neglect, noting the recurring threat of the oil patches to the river’s water quality.
The infrastructure’s deterioration, particularly the old pipelines damaged during conflicts with ISIS, has exacerbated the situation. Ali Khorsheed, a former Kirkuk Environment Department head, highlighted that these pipelines were frequently sabotaged and utilized for illegal oil extraction. Following ISIS’s control over oil fields from 2014 to 2017, significant oil spills occurred, further polluting the environment.
The environmental implications are dire as oil pollution has led to livestock deaths and agricultural destruction. Ali Al-Ubaidi reported witnessing wildlife fatalities due to petrochemical contamination near the Tigris River, the community’s primary water source. Saadoun Abdullah, a farmer, lamented the loss of farmland due to oil from the Ajil and Alas fields, which destroyed vast agricultural stretches.
Despite its economic significance, government responses remain inadequate, focusing on temporary solutions rather than comprehensive strategies. Experts emphasize the urgent need for a modernized pipeline network and preventive measures against sabotage. Unfortunately, government efforts have mainly been reactive, addressing visible pollution without tackling the underlying infrastructural issues.
The persistent oil leakage marks an ongoing crisis with local impacts but potential to extend harm across Iraq, threatening food and water security. Urgent calls from both residents and environmental specialists highlight the necessity for concerted government action to halt the deterioration and preserve Iraq’s natural resources.
Iraq is facing a grave environmental crisis caused by widespread crude oil contamination due to aging infrastructure and insufficient government intervention. This contamination threatens agriculture, public health, and economic stability. Despite the evident need for comprehensive reform, current government solutions are largely temporary. Immediate and sustainable actions are vital to mitigate further damage and restore the health of Iraq’s environment and communities.
Original Source: shafaq.com
