Iraq: Shrinking Rivers, Rising Tensions and Survival

Iraq is facing a deepening water crisis, driven by years of conflict, drought, rising temperatures, and pollution. For many communities, water shortages are reshaping daily life, especially for young people. In this episode, we explore how these pressures intersect with conflict, and whether water management can offer a starting point for cooperation and a more stable future for Iraqis. Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Andrea Dekrout, Senior Mediation Adviser, DPPA Standby Team and Peshtiwan Al-Dawoudi, Country Director for Iraq, Berghof Foundation References:Schwartzstein, P. (2024). The heat and the fury: On the frontlines of climate violence. Island Press.Schwartzstein, P. (2023). Climate, Water, and Militias: A Field Study from Southern Iraq. Center for Climate and Security.Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from UN Web TV and World Is One News.