The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad, under the auspices of the Dean, Professor Dr. Ghassan Hamid Abdul Majeed, hosted a lecture titled “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change in Iraq through Artificial Rainmaking.” The lecture was delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Haider Mohammed Abdul Hameed in the Mahdi Hantoush Hall on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM, in the presence of the Dean, several faculty members, and students.
The lecture focused on three main points:
1. **Water Storage Challenges**: The first point highlighted Iraq’s water storage issues, emphasizing the significant decrease in water levels in dams, lakes, and rivers. This decline has had serious impacts on agriculture, livestock, and the ability to meet human consumption needs, raising environmental concerns and increasing the risk of desertification in Iraq.
2. **Combating Climate Change**: The second point explored strategies for addressing the effects of climate change in Iraq, with artificial rainmaking (cloud seeding) presented as one possible solution to improve water availability. Dr. Haider explained both the traditional and modern techniques of cloud seeding, which involves creating rain by injecting ions into the atmosphere without the use of harmful chemicals.
3. **Reports and Findings**: The third section of the lecture reviewed reports on the mechanics and necessity of artificial rainmaking, highlighting its potential to revitalize the environment and mitigate climate change. The lecturer stressed the urgent need for implementing artificial rainmaking in Iraq to improve weather conditions, reduce temperatures, expand green areas, and fight desertification.
The lecture concluded with active discussions among the attendees, who exchanged views on tackling desertification. The Dean, Professor Dr. Ghassan Hamid, praised the topic’s relevance, emphasizing the importance of addressing this sensitive issue in light of current challenges.
