Climate change in Iran

Lake Urmia has shrunk due to reduced inflow in recent decades. This is attributable to climate change, and contributes to water scarcity in Iran.[1]

Iran is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Iran contributes to about 1.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and is ranked 8th in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) world wide and is ranked first in the MENA region due to its reliance on oil and natural gas. Climate change has led to reduced precipitation as well as increased temperatures, with Iran holding the hottest temperature recorded in Asia.[2]

The country is facing water shortages with around 35% of Iranians experiencing water scarcity. These issues are exacerbated by rapid urbanization which has led to worsened air quality and heat islands.[3] Iran is one of only three countries not to ratify the Paris Agreement.[4][note 1]

Iran's regional climates vary from the hot, arid deserts in the south and east to cooler, milder conditions along the Caspian Sea in the north, and temperate climates in the western-south Zagros Basin and southern coastal areas. This diversity contributes to a range of natural hazards, including floods, landslides, and droughts.[6]

  1. ^ Shadkam, Somayeh; Ludwig, Fulco; van Oel, Pieter; Kirmit, Çağla; Kabat, Pavel (2016-10-01). "Impacts of climate change and water resources development on the declining inflow into Iran's Urmia Lake". Journal of Great Lakes Research. 42 (5): 942–952. doi:10.1016/j.jglr.2016.07.033. ISSN 0380-1330.
  2. ^ AJLabs. "Mapping the hottest temperatures around the world". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  3. ^ "Climate profile: Iran". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  4. ^ Anderson, Maia Golzar (September 22, 2023). "Bringing Iran to the climate action table".
  5. ^ "United Nations Treaty Collection". treaties.un.org. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).


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