Baghdad: Newspapers issued in Baghdad on Monday continued to focus on the worsening environmental pollution in the capital and its health impacts, in addition to the ongoing water crisis and efforts to form the next government.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, dedicated extensive coverage to the air pollution crisis in Baghdad, highlighting growing warnings about the severe health risks caused by rising pollutant levels.
The paper quoted the ‘Green Iraq Observatory’ as confirming a dangerous increase in air pollution over the past hours, due to cloud cover that prevented pollutant dispersion and kept them close to the ground, exacerbating environmental conditions and increasing public health risks. The observatory explained that nitrogen dioxide, one of the major pollutants in Baghdad’s atmosphere, causes eye and respiratory irritation, while prolonged exposure may lead to cardiovascular diseases. It also warned of the rising concentra
tion of sulfur dioxide, an essential component in the formation of acid rain, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, in addition to serious corrosive effects on the airways and lungs.
According to the observatory, the Air Quality Index in Baghdad often ranges between 150 and 200 points, categorized as ‘unhealthy’ to ‘very unhealthy.’ However, it recently surged during one night to approximately 380 points, a level that significantly exceeds the threshold of severe danger. The observatory did not rule out the possibility of pollution spreading to provinces near Baghdad if current weather conditions persist and winds-needed to disperse pollutants-remain absent.
In a related development, Az-Zaman newspaper followed up on the water crisis and water security challenges in Iraq, highlighting the governmental and institutional efforts to confront water scarcity. The paper reported that the Center for Studies and Research at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities organized a specialized semi
nar titled ‘The Water Crisis in Iraq and the Requirements for Strengthening Water Security.’ The event discussed key climatic, economic, and administrative challenges affecting the water sector, while presenting research perspectives and practical solutions aimed at supporting decision-makers and enhancing sustainable water resource management.
Az-Zaman quoted the Center’s Director, Ismail Suleiman Hassan, as saying that the timing of the seminar coincides with a highly sensitive water situation in Iraq, stressing the importance of investing in research efforts to find viable solutions to be submitted to the relevant authorities. The newspaper also pointed out that the ministry launched a regional workshop, in cooperation with UNESCO, on the implementation of integrated flood management and the preservation of water resources. The workshop included proposed solutions for executing a comprehensive integrated water management program across the region.
Furthermore, the paper cited the Director General of Plan
ning and Follow-up at the ministry, Hatim Hameed, who affirmed that attention to water resources has become essential to meet citizens’ needs for drinking and domestic water, as well as agricultural and industrial demands. He emphasized the need to align these efforts with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal No. 6 related to clean water and sanitation. Hameed explained that Iraq is suffering from an unprecedented drought not seen since the start of hydrological data recording in 1933-over ninety years ago-underscoring the urgent need for an integrated approach to water resource management. He added that the government prioritizes reducing the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable water supplies through ministry-led plans that include rehabilitating and reclaiming irrigation projects, and adopting modern irrigation techniques such as sprinkling and drip systems to increase water use efficiency.
On the political front, Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, co
ntinued its coverage of the ongoing efforts to form the next government. According to the newspaper, the Coordination Framework forces are scheduled to hold a broad meeting later on Monday to continue discussions on forming the new government, follow up on the work of the two committees tasked with interviewing candidates for the prime minister’s post, and negotiate with political partners in order to fulfill electoral entitlements, in addition to reviewing the latest political developments.
Al-Sabah quoted State of Law Coalition member Salah Boushi as saying that the Coordination Framework has officially moved from the stage of negotiations to the decision-making phase regarding the formation of the government and the selection of the prime minister. He stressed that the Framework aims to avoid any political vacuum that could delay the government formation process. Boushi added that the Framework has sent a clear message affirming its ability to establish a stable government without political deadlock or ob
struction.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ali Al-Dafa’i, member of the political bureau, spokesman for the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, told the newspaper he expects today’s meeting to produce significant and decisive outcomes, marking the transition from negotiation to resolution. He reaffirmed that the meeting will clearly define the next steps toward completing the government formation requirements.