Climate change ravages Iraq as palm trees make way for desert

Iraqi farmers are struggling to replace the palm trees that have died as a result of climate change and other factors [Azhar al-Rubaie/Al Jazeera]

Basra, Iraq – Southern Iraq was once known as the “black land” – the vast swaths of palm trees blocking out everything else, and providing food, shelter, and shade.

But the palm trees, as well as fruit trees and vegetable farms, have now mostly disappeared in and around the southern port city of Basra. Instead, real estate projects have taken over, as well as deserts.