Iran’s Climate Resilience: DOE Chief Highlights Remarkable Progress Amid Sanctions
TEHRAN – The Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated significant advancements in adapting to climate change, even when faced with unilateral coercive measures and limitations on access to modern technologies, financial support, and foreign investment. The head of the Department of Environment (DOE), Shina Ansari, emphasized this progress during her speech at the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which is taking place in Belém, Brazil, from November 6 to 21.
Ansari’s remarks highlight how, in recent years, countries participating in this conference have committed to protecting the environment by:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Adapting to climate change
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources
During the conference, Ansari stated, “This gathering could provide nations with an invaluable opportunity to take realistic, equitable, and inclusive actions to address the environmental crises and challenges facing our planet.”
Despite the challenges posed by sanctions and technology restrictions, Iran has made commendable strides in various areas:
- Solar Energy: Increased capacity by 75% in the past year.
- Wind Power: Expanded generation capabilities.
- Nuclear Power: Plans to enhance nuclear energy capacity.
- Carbon Market: Joined the BRICS carbon market.
- Carbon Emissions: Reduced emissions through effective flare management, achieving a reduction of 10 billion cubic meters and planning an additional 12 billion cubic meter reduction over the next four years.
These initiatives reflect Iran’s unwavering dedication to environmental protection and underscore the nation’s efforts to secure the right of its citizens to a clean and healthy environment.
However, Ansari did not shy away from acknowledging the significant environmental challenges Iran faces, including:
- Extended periods of drought
- Temperature increases: Approximately 1.8 degrees Celsius
- Decline in precipitation: A reduction of 50 millimeters over the past 50 years
“This does not mean that we overlook major environmental challenges,” she stated, emphasizing that despite various obstacles, Iran is committed to continuing its efforts.
Addressing the conference, she highlighted the military aggression from the United States and its regional allies, which she described as a violation of international law. “These actions have resulted in extensive environmental destruction,” she explained, pointing out the release of over 50,000 tons of carbon emissions in Tehran alone due to military actions.
Despite these adversities, the Islamic Republic of Iran remains optimistic about international cooperation in addressing climate-related issues. Ansari expressed Iran’s willingness to share its knowledge and experiences, stating, “We are heirs to one Earth and one destiny. May we act with respect and justice so that we may pass on a sustainable legacy to future generations.”
On the sidelines of COP30, the head of the DOE has engaged in discussions with various international counterparts and representatives. Notably, she met with Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). During their meeting, she elaborated on Iran’s efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable power capacity, despite the challenges posed by sanctions.
Stiell praised Iran’s initiatives and assured that the UNFCC would support the country’s efforts. Additionally, in a meeting with Anacláudia Rossbach from the UN-Habitat, Ansari emphasized the importance of comprehensive urban planning to address climate change impacts and enhance city resilience.
“Despite economic and climate challenges, Iran is doing its best to utilize regional and global scientific capacities to make cities more sustainable,” she affirmed.
Furthermore, Ansari met with Croatian Minister for Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Marija Vuckovic, where they discussed enhancing environmental cooperation between their countries. Ansari expressed Iran’s readiness to share its expertise in managing protected areas and addressing industrial pollution.
In discussions with UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the focus was on strengthening bilateral ties to improve resilience against climate change impacts, particularly in West Asia.
COP30 has gathered world leaders, scientists, and non-governmental organizations to prioritize actions against climate change. Key agenda items include:
- Limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C
- Presenting new national action plans (NDCs)
- Progress on finance pledges made at COP29
The COP30 Action Agenda is structured around six crucial areas to address collective commitments under the Paris Agreement:
- Transitioning Energy, Industry, and Transport
- Stewarding Forests, Oceans, and Biodiversity
- Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems
- Building Resilience for Cities, Infrastructure, and Water
- Fostering Human and Social Development
- Cross-cutting Enablers and Accelerators
As the conference progresses, the commitment of nations to environmental sustainability remains a critical focus, underscoring the urgency for collective action in combating climate change.
