The Iranian regime’s actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only its population but also the environment.
Two of these factors are excessive groundwater extraction and soil erosion, both of which have devastating effects on the country’s natural resources and the well-being of its citizens.
As we explore these issues, it becomes evident that the regime’s neglect and mismanagement of these environmental crises pose a significant threat to the people and their homeland.
The Iranian regime’s policies are taking a toll on both its citizens and the environment they call home. Recent revelations from state-run media outlets have exposed alarming truths about the extent of environmental degradation in Iran.
Not only does the regime’s rule endanger human lives, but it also wreaks havoc on nature itself.
A few months ago, the media reported that Tehran has witnessed the extraction of a staggering 50 billion cubic meters of groundwater over the past three decades.
This extensive groundwater depletion has led to concerns among experts who argue that it is linked to an upsurge in seismic activity, including earthquakes.
Unsurprisingly, this has caused a notable increase in land subsidence in Tehran, further exacerbating the region’s instability.
In parallel, regime-affiliated media have highlighted the alarming intensification of soil erosion in Iran, elucidating the dire consequences that result from this destructive process.
For instance, the state-run media outlet Noor News reported a staggering $10 billion worth of damage caused by soil erosion in Iran.
To put this into perspective, the scale of soil erosion in Iran is mind-boggling. It is 16 times the size of Europe and Australia, seven times the size of America, and five times the size of Asia. These staggering numbers highlight the gravity of the issue.
Moreover, the same media outlet delved deeper into the issue, unveiling that Iran alone is responsible for 2 billion out of the 75 billion tons of soil displaced due to water erosion globally each year.
This means that a substantial 2.7% of the world’s total soil erosion is attributed to Iran, a sobering revelation that demands immediate attention.
The gravity of these environmental issues is not a secret within the regime. In December, the regime’s parliamentary research center sounded the alarm, warning that the earthquake risk induced by “land subsidence” threatens the lives of at least 24 million Iranians.
With approximately 8 million residential units and 24 million individuals in Iran exposed to the perils of land subsidence, it is crucial to acknowledge the enormity of this threat.
The regime’s own official media has corroborated these concerns, revealing that land subsidence in Iran occurs at a rate five to seven times higher than the global average.
This alarming rate translates to an annual land subsidence of 25 to 30 centimeters, equating to approximately one meter every five years. This constant sinking of the land beneath our feet exacerbates the challenges faced by Iranians, both in urban and rural areas.
Amidst these environmental challenges, it is essential to recognize that development and population rejuvenation are fundamental prerequisites for any country.
However, in the case of Iran, the regime’s neglect has resulted in catastrophic consequences. Isa Mansouri, an expert in development studies, brought this issue to the forefront:
“In 1980, when the country’s population stood at 36 million, our water resources were abundant at 140 billion cubic meters. Today, with a population of 87 million, our water resources have dwindled to a mere 90 billion cubic meters. This amounts to a disheartening 30% reduction in water resources, ushering in a new crisis. To compound this, water consumption has increased by 34%.”
In a context where water scarcity has led to internal migration, Iran’s recognition and response to this crisis rank it 63rd out of 63 countries.
Consequently, internal migrations have surged, further aggravating the problem. The number of abandoned villages has increased from 36,000 to 40,000, leaving communities in turmoil.
Environmental activist Mohammad Darvish attributes the abandonment of over 40,000 villages in Iran to the drought and water scarcity that have plagued the country for decades.
In a telling statistic, Iran ranks 57th out of 63 countries in renewable energy use, 49th in regional policies, and 61st in greenhouse gas emissions among these nations.
The official newspaper Hamdelli provides yet another bleak perspective, indicating that, according to the World Health Organization’s forecast, 6.6 million people living in Iranian villages, not just in arid regions but in rainy areas with high water stress, face dire circumstances. Additionally, 11.9 million urban residents live with high water stress, grappling with the repercussions of water scarcity.
Iran’s environmental challenges are not isolated incidents, but interlinked issues that require immediate attention. The Iranian regime’s negligence in managing these crises not only jeopardizes the well-being of its population but also endangers the nation’s natural resources.
Acknowledging and addressing these issues is imperative, not only to safeguard the future of the Iranian people, but also to preserve the environment for generations to come.
