Bringing environmental rights to Iraq’s airwaves

Photo Courtesy of Iraq Green Observatory

Iraqi radio show The Green Economy is a welcome addition to the airwaves, explaining the vital environmental issues facing the country, and analyzing the government’s efforts to address them.
A new show was launched on Iraq’s Radio Nawa last year: The Green Economy. The programme tackles the profound impact the global climate emergency is having on the country, and delves into vital environmental rights topics, from water security and food security, to desertification, pollution, and agricultural challenges.
The show is produced by journalist Nora Al-Sultan, in collaboration with environmental consultant Adel Al-Mukhtar. In addition to raising listeners’ awareness about environmental issues, the show calls on the government to be more effective in mitigating the effects of the crisis. 
This significant endeavour is supported by the charity Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), with funding from the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), as part of the Strengthening Independent Media in the Arab Region programme.
Water, agricultural and environmental activists in the country have declared that content on climate change has been missing from the Iraqi airwaves and is direly needed: JHR is hoping to continue its support for The Green Economy and ensure its continued success.
One positive development to come out of the show is The Green Observatory. This inspiring online platform is run by journalists committed to collecting and publishing data related to environmental and climate changes, human rights stories, and insightful reports. 
Iraq Green Observatory website. https://iraqgren.net/