The article explores how climate activism in Iraq and Yemen is closely linked to public grievances over governance failures and ongoing conflicts. Both countries, among the most vulnerable to climate change, are affected by endemic state corruption and geopolitical tensions. In Iraq, violent confrontations involving Iran-backed militias and U.S./Israeli forces further exacerbate governance issues, while in Yemen, the Houthi movement exacerbates insecurity and isolation.
In Iraq, severe environmental crises, including water scarcity and agricultural decline, stem from mismanagement and state neglect. Activists, including youth and civil society groups, have emerged to advocate for environmental justice, often framing their demands in the context of broader political accountability. Protests have connected environmental issues to systemic corruption and the inadequacy of governance, showcasing a significant intersection of climate activism and political expression.
Similarly, Yemen’s climate activism is characterized by grassroots responses to acute environmental degradation exacerbated by war and state collapse. With severe water scarcity and climate shocks worsening public frustration, local youth-led groups have stepped in to address urgent needs, despite lacking substantial support from a fragmented state.
In both countries, climate activism serves as a platform for broader demands for dignity, accountability, and reform, illustrating how environmental issues can mobilize citizens against governance failures. This ongoing struggle emphasizes that climate activism is not merely an isolated ecologic concern, but part of the fight against systemic issues that perpetuate suffering and neglect amidst the climate crisis.
