Civil Engineering Department Hosts Symposium on Climate Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Iraq

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Ghabban, and the supervision of the Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Prof. Dr. Ali Majeed Khadr, the Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures Branch of the Civil Engineering Department organized a scientific symposium entitled “Climate Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in Iraq.”

The symposium commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, a moment of silence for the martyrs of Iraq, and the playing of the national anthem.

Prof. Dr. Ali delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of this symposium, which focuses on water resources in Iraq, especially given the increasing demand for these resources due to population growth and agricultural consumption. He highlighted the need to find solutions to the problems faced by the country as a result of water pollution, climate change, and drought. He noted that the symposium provides an opportunity for experts and specialists to gather and exchange ideas, leading to recommendations that can assist decision-makers in taking appropriate and scientifically-sound actions.

Dr. Mustafa Majeed, Head of the Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures Branch, stated that the symposium aims to shed light on the reality of water resources in Iraq in light of the challenges posed by climate change, including rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, which may lead to water crises and the drying up of agricultural lands. He stressed the need to study and analyse the water situation in the face of these changes in order to develop visions and ideas that can mitigate or reduce these future impacts.

The symposium included several presentations:

• The first presentation on the strategy for managing water resources in Iraq in light of climate change (presented by Engineer Hatem Hamid Hussein, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Water Resources).
• The second presentation on the reality of Iraqi marshes – challenges and opportunities (presented by Engineer Fadhil Mozan, Assistant Director General of the Marshes Rehabilitation Center at the Ministry of Water Resources).
• The third presentation on climate change – repercussions and future impacts (presented by Dr. Mustafa Majeed, Head of the Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures Branch).
• The fourth presentation on controlling the salt front in the Shatt al-Arab using inflatable dams (presented by Dr. Hazem Mohammed Karim, Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures Branch).