Effects of Climate Change on Drainage and Water Security of the Euphrates River in Iraq: Challenges and Prospects for the Future
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Abstract
The research investigates the impact of climate change on Iraq's water resources, specifically focusing on the Euphrates River. It analyzes projected changes in precipitation, temperature, and surface runoff using climate data and an analytical approach. The study outlines future scenarios for the Euphrates Basin, emphasizing the effects of climate change on water sustainability. Rainfall is expected to decrease by up to 13% after 2021, possibly exceeding 40% by the end of the century, especially in Turkey, the main runoff source. Flows in the Euphrates River may decrease by 23.5% by 2100, with surface runoff dropping by 30% after 2040. Average winter temperatures are projected to rise by 1-5°C between 2021 and 2081. These changes pose a threat to water resources in Iraq, as the country already loses about 14.7% of its reserves annually due to drought, with 85% of water used for agriculture, compared to 70% in developed countries. The research aims to offer strategic recommendations for climate adaptation, focusing on improved water management, sustainable agricultural practices, and enhanced environmental awareness to ensure future water and food security.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
College of Education for Humanities, TIKRIT UNIVERSITY. THIS IS AN OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE UNDER THE CC BY LICENSE http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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