As dust storms increase, Iran and Iraq discuss fighting climate change

One person died and more than 5,000 were taken to hospital with respiratory problems during recent storms in Iraq

A motorist drives a scooter along a bridge in the city of Nasiriyah, Iraq, during a heavy dust storm. AFP

A man crosses the River Euphrates in Nasiriyah, where the dust storm had reduced visibility severely. AFP

Heavy dust in the air in Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP

A man wears a mask as he rests in a traffic policeman's booth during the storm in Baghdad. Reuters

A patient suffering from breathing problems arrives for care at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Baghdad. AFP

Baghdad's streets were quieter than usual as the dust storm raged. AP

A man wearing a protective mask pushes a cart during the dust storm in Baghdad. AP

This man found it hard to see from one side of the bridge to the other as he crossed over the Euphrates. AFP

Dust or sand storms are not unusual in the region but many have hit Baghdad and its surrounding areas in the past few weeks. Reuters

Cars drive by a mosque in Baghdad, barely visible due to the storm. Reuters

People cross a bridge during a sandstorm in Baghdad. Reuters

The storms tend to turn the sky an orange colour. AFP

Dust fills the air in Baghdad. AFP

Iranian and Iraqi leaders have discussed ways to tackle climate change after a series of heavy dust storms in the region over the past few weeks.

Iraq has been hit with several storms in the past month, leading to one death. More than 5,000 people were taken to hospital with respiratory problems.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi called for an effective method to reduce the impact of climate change during a meeting with Iran’s vice president and head of the Department of Environment, Ali Salajegheh.

“The two parties discussed strengthening co-operation by confronting environmental challenges in a manner that guarantees the rights and common interests of the region,” said a statement carried by Iraq's state news agency.

Mr Al Kadhimi said it was the region's responsibility “to develop effective solutions to confront environmental threats”.

Mr Salajegheh said Iran was willing “to resolve outstanding issues” in the environmental field.

The Iranian official stressed the need to solve the issue of drought. He said: “Confronting the threat of dust storms has become a common regional demand and requires everyone to contribute to developing an effective solution for it.”

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also met Mr Salajegheh. He said an agreement had been made to tackle drought and desertification.

Climate change 'has no borders'

Iraq is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable places. Climate change has taken a toll on the annual rainfall, increasing the frequency of dust storms, diminishing water supplies and harming agriculture.

Mr Al Kadhimi held a phone call with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi late on Sunday and discussed ways to tackle the increase in dust storms.

Mr Raisi said: “Climate change is not restricted to any country and the climatic phenomena has no borders,” according to a statement by the semi-official Iranian state news agency IRNA.

The Iranian president said the region must “heed their responsibilities regarding this problem and act urgently”.

The region has always experienced dust storms, but they have become more frequent and intense in recent years.

The trend has been associated with the overuse of river water, more dams, overgrazing and deforestation.