Iraq Unveils Foundational Documents for Enhanced Paris Agreement Climate Commitments

Iraq Launches Foundational Climate Documents

Baghdad, Iraq – On September 21, 2025, Iraq officially unveiled a pivotal set of documents designed to underpin its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The launch, held at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, signifies Iraq's intensified commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development. These documents collectively form the strategic foundation for the nation's climate action, outlining a clear roadmap to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.

The comprehensive package includes the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Country Programme, the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), the Climate Investment Plan (CIP), and the Energy Transition Framework Study. Together, these instruments are intended to guide Iraq's efforts in tackling critical environmental challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and pollution.

Key Mitigation Targets and Investments

Iraq's Updated NDC, which was initially submitted in October 2021, demonstrates increased ambition in its climate targets. The country has raised its conditional mitigation target to a 15% reduction compared to business as usual, up from 13% in its initial NDC. Furthermore, the unconditional mitigation target has been increased from 1% to 2%.

Central to these commitments is the ambitious goal to install 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, including through private sector investments. Achieving these mitigation targets and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is projected to require substantial investments, estimated at US$100 billion. The strategy also places a significant focus on reducing methane emissions across key sectors, including agriculture, waste, and the vital oil and gas industry. Mitigation measures include reducing flaring, improving monitoring, and conducting leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs in oil and gas facilities.

Adaptation and Resilience Strategies

Recognizing its vulnerability to climate impacts, Iraq's updated commitments also detail robust adaptation and resilience strategies. The country initiated the development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in 2020, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), to build resilience against climate change. The adaptation efforts span critical sectors such as agriculture, health, water, land use, forestry, and tourism.

The national strategy prioritizes the development of sustainable infrastructure and the strengthening of institutional management and capacities to combat climate change. These efforts are crucial for a nation increasingly experiencing extreme climate events and facing severe challenges like water scarcity, salinity, and desertification, particularly in its vulnerable southern regions.

International Collaboration and Support

The development of these foundational documents was a collaborative effort, benefiting from technical assistance provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). International partners, including GIZ and the World Bank, contributed valuable expertise, while the UK Government offered essential financial support through UNDP's Climate Promise facility.

H.E. Dr. Hallo Mustafa Al Askari, Minister of Environment, emphasized the government's dedication, stating, 'I am proud to serve in a government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, that has placed the environment at the heart of its agenda, moving from planning to implementation through integrated strategies to address climate change.' This collaborative approach underscores the global commitment to supporting Iraq's climate change journey and aligning its actions with international climate goals.