Environmental Diplomacy and Climate Change

Abstract Climate change is one of the most prominent challenges facing countries and societies in the contemporary world, because of its profound environmental, economic and social effects. This article seeks to shed light on the environmental and climate crisis that Iraq is witnessing, by tracing its historical roots over the past five decades, and analyzing its ongoing repercussions on society and the environment. Iraq is working in cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations and some major countries to make bilateral and multilateral agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing diplomatic cooperation at the regional and international levels to address worsening climate challenges. The article is based on several topics and themes which are: the historical background of the climate crisis and its roots in Iraq, and the most prominent environmental and climate challenges facing the country at the moment; the concept of environmental diplomacy, its development, and its various dimensions, and Iraqi environmental diplomacy efforts, through government policies aimed at addressing the climate crisis, stopping environmental degradation, and promoting the concepts of sustainable development. The conclusions and recommendations are aimed at supporting, and developing the Iraqi path forward in the field of environmental diplomacy, to ensure its effectiveness in facing future challenges.