Latest news with #GreenObservatory
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Climate
- Shafaq News
40% of Iraq faces desertification, 70% of farmland deemed barren
Shafaq News/ Desertification has affected roughly 40% of the country's total land area, while over 70% of its agricultural land has become unproductive due to prolonged drought and poor water management, Iraq's Green Observatory warned Tuesday. In a statement marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Observatory said large portions of the country now require urgent reforestation and environmental rehabilitation to stem further ecological degradation. 'The desertification crisis is not limited to public land—it has severely impacted farmlands as well,' the statement read, citing field reports from across Iraq's provinces. According to the Observatory, Dhi Qar Province recorded the highest levels of land degradation and population displacement, driven by dwindling vegetation cover and acute water scarcity. In contrast, Nineveh Province saw the lowest levels of desertification, aided by more favorable geography and increased grassroots efforts in tree planting and greenbelt initiatives. The group warned that without swift governmental and regional intervention, Iraq risks facing a severe environmental and humanitarian crisis. 'The continued migration from rural areas to cities will further strain public services and infrastructure,' it stated.
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq: No radiation detected after Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Shafaq News/ On Monday, Iraq's Green Observatory confirmed normal radiation levels across southern provinces bordering Iran, following Israeli airstrikes on multiple nuclear facilities. Chemical expert Ayoub Hassan assessed that Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar are the most exposed in the event of a radioactive leak, particularly if Iran's key nuclear installations— Natanz, Fordow, or Bushehr—are hit. While Natanz, Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility, is located roughly 400 kilometers from Iraq's border, its underground design and enrichment levels below 5% limit the potential hazard. Bushehr, Iran's only operational nuclear power reactor, lies around 450 kilometers from Basra and contains radioactive elements such as uranium, cesium, and strontium, and Fordow, a heavily fortified site enriching uranium to levels exceeding 60%, is located further inland and has not been struck, according to Iranian sources. Hassan explained that the possibility of radiation reaching Iraq hinges entirely on meteorological conditions. 'A radioactive plume would need northeast winds sustaining 30 to 50 km/h to reach Basra within nine hours and Baghdad in about fourteen,' he noted. 'Current wind speeds remain below 15 km/h, eliminating any immediate threat.' In anticipation of potential developments, Iraq's Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Science and Technology have deployed round-the-clock monitoring systems along the eastern border. Hassan urged enhanced cooperation with neighboring states that possess advanced radiation detection tools to strengthen early warning capabilities. Israel launched the strikes as part of Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure in a bid to cripple its enrichment and weapons-development capacity. While Tehran reported casualties among nuclear personnel and confirmed damage to key sites, it denied any radiation leakage. Nuclear experts have cautioned that a direct strike on an active reactor—particularly one involved in power generation—could trigger widespread contamination of agricultural zones and water sources. However, health risks to nearby populations would remain low unless individuals are directly exposed to the radioactive materials.
