Baghdad: The Iraqi Ministry of Environment has highlighted artificial rainmaking as a scientific strategy to bolster water security and tackle the challenges posed by climate change. This initiative aligns with the government agenda spearheaded by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and Environment Minister Sarwa Abdul Wahid, aiming for sustainable water management and resource optimization.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry’s commitment was underscored during a workshop on “Artificial Rainmaking,” organized by the Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies under the National Security Advisory. The event saw participation from various governmental bodies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Council of Advisors, and the Ministries of Transport and Water Resources.
Dr. Raghad Asad al-Obaidi, Acting Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Environment, noted the increasing climate and environmental hurdles facing Iraq, such as rising temperatures and diminishing water supplies. She emphasized the need for advanced solutions to safeguard water, food security, and ecosystems.
Al-Obaidi clarified that artificial rainmaking is part of a comprehensive water management strategy. It is designed to enhance precipitation from existing clouds rather than creating rain artificially, and it complements efforts to improve water use efficiency and foster regional cooperation.
She further outlined the Ministry’s approach, which involves conducting thorough environmental assessments, adopting low-impact technologies, developing a meteorological data monitoring system, and ensuring independent evaluations of the project’s feasibility.
Concluding the workshop, Al-Obaidi reiterated the importance of innovative, scientifically-backed solutions and international cooperation in addressing climate change effects. She affirmed that, if executed according to rigorous scientific standards, artificial rainmaking could significantly contribute to Iraq’s water security and sustainable development objectives.