the iraqi government is very serious about combating climate change and drought. those are the words of the iraqi president, abdul latif rashid, as iraq s drought crisis worsens thanks to record low rainfall and rising temperatures due to climate change. the effects of climate change in iraq are clear to see. this was the sawa lake, known as the pearl of the south . it s centuries old. this picture was taken in 2017. but look at it now almost entirely gone. it s a similar story across the country as reservoirs and rivers dry up. in his first english speaking tv interview since taking office in october, president rashid admitted the country needs to improve its water system after years of terror attacks and conflicts stopped it from making the improvements needed to combat drought. the president talked exclusively to the bbc s maryam moshiri.
the effects of climate change in iraq are clear to see. this was the sawa lake, known as the pearl of the south, it is centuries old. this picture was taken in 2017. but look at it now, almost entirely gone. it is a similar story across the country, as reservoirs and rivers dry up. in his first english speaking tv interview since taking office in december, president abdul latif rashid admitted the country needs to improve its water system, after years of terror attacks and conflicts stopped it from making improvements. he has been speaking exclusively to the bbc s maryam moshiri. let s talk about the problems facing people living in the country. iraq are suffering a drought in many parts, that is causing insecurity and displacement for many people. what is the government doing to try and change the effects of the drought, which have been severe in