Publication Details
Abstract
This study seeks to analyze the impact of environmental pollution on growth opportunities and the achievement of sustainable development in Iraq, with a particular focus on Basra Governorate as a case study that reflects the unbalanced interaction between economic activities, especially oil and industrial sectors, and natural resources. The study also aims to identify the sources and dimensions of pollution, assess its effects on quality of life, economic growth prospects, and explore the potential transition toward a green economy as a strategic alternative. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on the collection and analysis of data covering the period between 2010 and 2023, while linking it to economic growth indicators, in addition to reviewing the theoretical framework and relevant literature. The findings reveal that environmental pollution in Basra has had adverse effects on the quality of life, as evidenced by the rising prevalence of respiratory and cancerous diseases, declining agricultural productivity, and the deterioration of water and soil resources. The study further demonstrates an inverse relationship between pollution and sustainable growth: carbon emissions have increased alongside fragile and unstable economic growth, underscoring the risks of excessive dependence on oil. Moreover, the results confirm that weak environmental legislation and poor waste management represent major drivers of pollution, while pollution itself poses a barrier to attracting both domestic and foreign investments. This study seeks to analyze the impact of environmental pollution on growth opportunities and the achievement of sustainable development in Iraq, with a particular focus on Basra Governorate as a case study that reflects the unbalanced interaction between economic activities—especially oil and industrial sectors—and natural resources. The study also aims to identify the sources and dimensions of pollution, assess its effects on quality of life, economic growth prospects, and explore the potential transition toward a green economy as a strategic alternative. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on the collection and analysis of data covering the period between 2010 and 2023, while linking it to economic growth indicators, in addition to reviewing the theoretical framework and relevant literature. The findings reveal that environmental pollution in Basra has had adverse effects on the quality of life, as evidenced by the rising prevalence of respiratory and cancerous diseases, declining agricultural productivity, and the deterioration of water and soil resources. The study further demonstrates an inverse relationship between pollution and sustainable growth: carbon emissions have increased alongside fragile and unstable economic growth, underscoring the risks of excessive dependence on oil. Moreover, the results confirm that weak environmental legislation and poor waste management represent major drivers of pollution, while pollution itself poses a barrier to attracting both domestic and foreign investments. Accordingly, the study recommends the urgent need to strengthen legislation and enforce environmental monitoring, promote the transition toward a green economy through renewable energy and clean technologies, improve waste management, safeguard the agricultural sector, and enhance environmental awareness and community participation. Furthermore, the diversification of Iraq's economy is highlighted as essential to reducing its reliance on oil.