Perspective Chapter: Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Sustainable Water Resources in Iraq

Abstract

In the past few years, the adverse effects of climate change on the water resources of Iraq become significant. The observation indicated an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events. Scientific pieces of evidence showed that water resources in Iraq declined and more decrease is expected in the future due to reduced precipitation and evaporation rate rise. Water demands have also increased as a consequence of these effects. Climate change and population growth impose adaptation plans in all consumed sectors, these plans involve the balancing of water resources and water demands to prevent water stress and support sustainability. The adaptation strategy involved improving irrigation system efficiency, water use pricing, water meter installation, enhancing urban water network, institutional and legal changes and efficient water management plans that could support water and food securities increase resilience and reduce vulnerability. The adaptation plans should be implemented in ascending manners on the time horizon to eliminate adaptation barriers, as the negative impact of climate change increases with time. Modern adaptation options are beneficial to implement smart agriculture, crop genetic engineering, micro-irrigation and drought-resistant crops.