Iraq’s Scorching Summers: The Impact of Climate Change

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings

High temperatures in summer are a common occurrence in Iraq, but the situation is exacerbating with each passing year. The growing desertification — where fertile land turns dry — is pushing temperatures even higher. Yesterday, the Iraqi government announced a two-day mandatory official holiday due to a heat wave, as temperatures soared above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. This is the first heat advisory issued by the Iraqi government this summer. Such public holidays are not uncommon when severe heat waves strike during Iraq’s long, hot summers. In southern Iraq, temperatures even touched a blistering 54 degrees Celsius (129 degrees Fahrenheit)!

Baghdad is simmering!

Baghdad is Simmering!

The world is on track for its hottest year on record, and levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have reached new highs, further fueling global warming, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). On the heels of two record-setting years for global heat, 2016 is likely to set a new high for the planet in modern times. Two key climate change indicators — global surface temperatures and Arctic sea ice extent — have broken numerous records through the first half of 2016, according to NASA analyses of ground-based observations and satellite data.

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Credit: NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies

Each of the first six months of 2016 set a record as the warmest respective month globally in the modern temperature record, which dates to 1880, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. The six-month period from January to June was also the planet’s warmest half-year on record, with an average temperature 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.4 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the late nineteenth century.

The extent of Arctic sea ice at the peak of the summer melt season now typically covers 40% less area than it did in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Arctic sea ice extent in September, the seasonal low point in the annual cycle, has been declining at a rate of 13.4% per decade.

The Global Context

Previous El Niño events have driven temperatures to what were then record levels, such as in 1998. But in 2016, even as the effects of the recent El Niño taper off, global temperatures have risen well beyond those of 18 years ago because of the overall warming that has taken place in that time.

Iraq’s summers are known for their merciless heat, but just as Iraqis have shown resilience and ingenuity in dealing with violence, they do likewise when it comes to exceptionally hot days. Some shop owners are merciful to shoppers, setting up showers on the sidewalk that people stand under without hesitation to cool off.

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Iraqis cool down from the scorching summer temperatures under public showers in Baghdad. (Image: Ali Al-Saadi/AFP/Getty Images)

Resilience in the Face of Heat

Iraqis are undeterred by severe heatwaves and can be seen dancing at a party in Baghdad. This spirit of resilience and adaptation is crucial in the face of a changing climate. However, it is clear that more systemic solutions are needed to combat the rising temperatures and environmental degradation that are threatening the region.

As we continue to witness record-breaking temperatures and environmental changes, it is imperative for global leaders and communities to take decisive action. The time to act on climate change is now, not only for the future of Iraq but for the well-being of our entire planet.

17 thoughts on “Iraq’s Scorching Summers: The Impact of Climate Change”

  2. Cannot imagine staying in 50 degrees celsius ..wonder how the Iraqis manage with those robes. They seem to be at the receiving end of everything and even the weather Gods are merciless!

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  7. World is on the way to destruction. The way global temperature are rising poses severe threat to the existence of lives on the beautiful planets. Glaciers are melting and environment is getting hot day by day. The days are not far when whole system will collapse of global warming, if proper measures are not taken as of now. Developed country can not scuttle developing country’s wings… poverty is perpetuating in a number of developing and least developed nations. Exploitation of resources using th3 Convention way is unavoidable in these countries as they can not affort pro environment techniques for exploitation. Developed nations should take the responsibility of maneuvering the menace with the expertise thwy hold in science, technology, management and execution. Liked and followed ur blog, check mine if u wish to read/follow.

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  9. Kathleen's avatar Kat

    50 degrees! We are experiencing changes in weather as well in the tropics – it’s no longer warm and humid. The sunny days are getting too hot now while the wet days are flash floods. Just a few months ago, we experienced hail in downtown KL – hail in the equator!

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