According to the United Nations (UN), climate change refers to 'long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns due to natural and human activities' (UN 2022b). Countries in conflict have neither the capacity nor the political will to deal with climate change and its consequences. Iraq, one of the most vulnerable states to suffer the effects of climate change is a case in point. Decades of conflict, political upheavals and weak governance have destroyed the country's infrastructure and environment. Security and political challenges are more urgent priorities for local authorities than dealing with the risks and consequences from environment destruction and climate change in the longer term. The recent call by the United States (US) top diplomat to the Iraqi government for swift actions by the government while disregarding the inability and lack of political will to address climate change is worthy of note (Shafaq News 2022).
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