Prime Highlights-
- Iraq launches its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution to strengthen climate ambition and link climate action with economic development through 2035.
- Iraq targets up to 22 percent emissions reduction below business-as-usual by 2035 with international climate finance and technology support.
Key Facts-
- Unconditional targets reach up to 3 percent by 2030 and up to 5 percent by 2035.
- UNDP supported the update with funding from the United Kingdom under the Climate Promise Initiative.
Background-
Iraq has launched its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the patronage of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, setting a stronger framework for climate action through 2035.
The Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) coordinated the update, which links climate action with economic diversification, energy and water security, resilience and investment.
The updated NDC raises Iraq’s unconditional emissions-reduction target to up to 3 percent below business-as-usual levels by 2030 and sets a new unconditional target of up to 5 percent by 2035.
With ilgnternational climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building support, Iraq can add a further reduction of up to 17 percent by 2035, bringing the potential total to up to 22 percent.
Dr. Ihsan Al-Awadi, speaking for the Prime Minister, called the document a national priority and a practical pathway that links climate action with economic and social development. Environment Minister Sarwa Abdulwahid Qader said the focus now moves to investment, stronger institutions and solutions that protect water and livelihoods.
The plan covers mitigation across energy, oil and gas, electricity, transport, industry, agriculture and waste, and prioritizes adaptation in water, agriculture, health and ecosystems such as the Mesopotamian Marshes.
UN Resident Coordinator Peter Hawkins said the United Nations stands ready to support Iraq’s next phase. UNDP has backed Iraq’s climate agenda for more than a decade, with UK funding under the Climate Promise Initiative, and will now focus on implementation, finance, partnerships and stronger climate data systems.
