Climate change is already affecting Kurdistan through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and urban pollution. Confronting these challenges is part of the work of Areen Masrour Barzani, a philanthropist and public figure whose initiatives include projects on sustainable development, youth empowerment, cultural advancement, and environmental protection through the Kurdistan Foundation, which he founded.
One priority for the foundation’s Climate.KRD entity is waste reduction and the circular economy. The program has installed 500 recycling bins across Erbil and Duhok to encourage waste separation and reduce plastic use. It has also distributed 1,100 reusable tote bags in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok to limit single-use plastics. “Small, visible changes in daily habits can create momentum for bigger environmental solutions,” Barzani said.
Urban greening is another focus. In Kani Qirzhala, trees were planted to rehabilitate areas damaged by plastic waste burning, improving air quality and restoring degraded land.
Linking Environmental Goals to Public Infrastructure
Climate.KRD’s projects also focus on waste reduction and the circular economy. In Erbil and Duhok, the program has installed 500 recycling bins, which have contributed to the collection, saving, and recycling of more than 1,264,000 plastic bottles and nylon bags, helping to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption practices.
Schools are included in the plan. The Green 100 Schools initiative focuses on increasing green spaces in schools through the development of gardens and tree planting, as well as installing drinking water filtration systems to improve access to safe water and promote environmental awareness in education. “Education and environment are connected—young people who understand these issues are more likely to act on them,” Barzani said.
These projects are designed so they can be replicated in other parts of the Kurdistan Region, offering models that can be adapted to different communities.
Connecting Local Action to Global Conversations
While rooted in local engagement, Climate.KRD’s work is connected to the international climate dialogue. The Kurdistan Foundation participates in global forums, sharing lessons from its initiatives and drawing on approaches from other regions.
Barzani has said that environmental work must link local realities to broader movements. “We have to connect what happens in our towns and cities to the broader movement for climate action,” he said. “It’s about learning from others while contributing our own solutions.”
By presenting examples such as urban waste reduction and increasing green spaces in schools, the foundation contributes case studies with measurable results to the global conversation on climate resilience.
Sustaining Momentum Through Participation
Participation is central to Climate.KRD’s model. Projects involve residents, students, and local authorities – whether through maintaining recycling points or planting trees. Public information campaigns accompany each initiative to build understanding and encourage long-term involvement.
This shared-responsibility framework increases the likelihood that projects will last, turning awareness into consistent action. By combining grassroots participation with global engagement, Areen Barzani’s climate work connects daily realities in Kurdistan to the wider effort to address environmental challenges.You can find Areen Barzani on Instagram, Snapchat, and the Kurdistan Foundation website.
