MEED Air Quality Network

Iraq is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, ranked 5th globally by the UN Environment Programme. Challenges such as rising temperatures, reduced water flows from neighbouring countries, and inefficient agricultural practices are compounded by gas flaring from oil wells and unregulated industrial activities. These factors have led to a significant decline in cultivable land, with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture reporting an annual loss of 100,000 square kilometres due to desertification and soil erosion.

Air pollution is another critical concern. According to IQAir’s 2022 World Air Quality Report , Iraq ranked as the second most polluted country globally.

To address these issues, MEED Foundation launched the Air Quality Network (AQN) in early 2024, deploying 28 advanced air quality sensors across 17,000 square kilometres in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, and Kirkuk. These sensors provide real-time data on air pollution, temperature, pressure, and humidity, updated every 15 seconds. The data is publicly accessible via the IQAir Dashboard and AirVisual app, allowing users to monitor air quality in real time.

Key partners in this initiative include iQ Group, a leading internet services provider ensuring the sensors remain connected through its fibre optic network, and the Civil Development Organisation (CDO), a non-profit focused on societal development.

Data analysis is conducted in partnership with the University of Sulaimani’s College of Environmental Sciences, helping identify pollution sources and inform public sector policymaking.

MEED Foundation plans to expand the network across the Kurdistan Region, providing greater insight into Iraq’s air quality challenges and supporting the development of effective solutions.

Partners

---