Earth’s history has been marked by major climate changes, from ice ages to warmer periods, as well as geological processes such as continental drift. Many major climate changes in Earth’s history occurred without human influence. In addition to Earth’s natural climate cycles, human influence on the climate has been scientifically established, although questions remain regarding the extent of that influence. On the other hand, one fact is undeniable: local environmental pollution.
Climate change and environmental pollution are often discussed together, even though they are not the same issue. Climate change is a global issue with enormous economic and political stakes, involving the world’s largest countries and corporations. As a result, vast amounts of information—studies, documentaries, and media programs—are produced each year to shape public opinion. This makes it easy for media outlets to highlight climate change stories, even though ordinary people have very limited influence over global climate policies. In contrast, environmental problems that directly affect people’s daily lives, health, and future generations are often overlooked. Media in Kurdistan often focus heavily on global climate debates, while paying far less attention to local environmental problems that people can influence.
Water and air pollution, urban flooding, and waste management are local environmental problems for which practical solutions exist. But how often are these issues discussed by scientific institutions, the public, and the media? Unfortunately, scientific institutions often remain confined to academic research and have limited influence on public awareness. When the media presents these issues as unsolvable, people cannot be blamed for inaction. People may become more concerned with high-speed internet access than with reliable supplies of clean drinking water. In such a situation, Kurdistan’s environment requires knowledgeable and professional advocates to inform the government, the public, and the media about the importance of environmental protection. While there may appear to be many environmental associations and organizations, the question is how often have you heard that sewage and stormwater systems should not be combined? How often do flood or bridge damage reports mention that excessive concreting and asphalting increase flood risk and should be considered during project design?
Scientific institutions, the media, and the public must work together to protect the environment, because environmental degradation affects everyone. Engineers must be at the forefront of environmental protection efforts. Because practical solutions depend on engineering, it is the responsibility of the public and the media to support these efforts.
