3.3.1 Climate change-induced displacement

3.3.1 Climate change-induced displacement

As of March 2025, IOM reported that over 172 000 individuals in Iraq remained displaced across 12 governorates due to climate-related factors, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation measures like sustainable water management, rural support, and urban planning.1194 (See section 3.1 on Impact of climate change)

Climate-related challenges1195 triggered families’ displacement, impacted services for children1196 and often led to violence, conflicts, and the growth of informal settlements.1197

Climate change has also negatively affected agriculture, the main livelihood for many returnees, reducing economic stability and hindering durable solutions.1198 An increasing number of Iraqis are moving to urban areas in search of employment due to the lack of arable land and the disappearance of waterways essential for fishing.1199 Weak governance and poor resource management exacerbate these issues, undermining stability.1200 Thi Qar1201 and Missan1202 governorates are particularly affected by drought-related displacement whereas limited access to farmland and irrigation affect both returnees and displaced people.1203