As part of the cultural season of the Environmental Research Center

Dr. ABBAS J. KADHEM -head of the Sustainable Development Department-ERC presented a lecture on Wednesday, 3/1/2024 at 10:00 pm entitled (Climate Change in Iraq).

The lecture begins by defining the concept of climate change, emphasizing its significance as a phenomenon characterized by long-term shifts in weather conditions, leading to comprehensive environmental impacts. The focus is directed towards climate changes in Iraq, where there is a recorded increase in temperatures and fluctuations in precipitation patterns.

The lecture provides participants with an overview of the effects of these changes on the environment, such as a decline in water resources and negative impacts on agriculture and biodiversity. The speaker also discusses potential health effects, with a particular focus on the rise in temperatures and the impact on air quality and human health.

Attention is then turned to the future projections of the climate in Iraq, highlighting the importance and necessity of adapting to these changes. There is an emphasis on developing effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance adaptability to the expected impacts of climate change. The lecture concludes by calling for active engagement and motivation to bring about positive change in addressing these pressing environmental challenges.

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Al-Ghaban, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Zainab Bahaa Muhammad, Director of the Environmental Research Center, our center held a workshop entitled (Reducing the phenomenon of drug abuse among young people) delivered by Prof. Dr. Rana Riyad Khalil, a teacher at the center, summarized the workshop with several points, the most important of which are:
1. Awareness and education: Promoting awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and providing correct information about its harmful effects on physical and mental health.
2. Psychological and social support: Providing psychological and social support to young people by creating healthy and supportive environments that help them deal with life’s stresses without resorting to drugs.
3. Legislation and oversight: Tightening oversight and implementing appropriate legislation to limit the circulation and distribution of drugs, in addition to providing strict penalties for those involved in these crimes.
4. Treatment and rehabilitation programmes: Providing effective programs for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, including psychological, medical and social support to help them overcome their addiction.
5. International cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation to combat drug smuggling and exchanging information and expertise in the field of preventing and treating drug addiction between countries.
In conclusion, the doctor explained that addressing the phenomenon of drug abuse among young people requires joint efforts from governments, civil society, families, and health and social institutions to ensure the provision of a healthy and safe environment for young people in which they can grow and develop away from the inevitable dangers of drug abuse.