Geologists Union: Erbil Runaki project saved from pollution

The report, prepared by several environmental experts, compares the air conditions in Erbil in December 2024, before the project and November 2025, after the project.

According to the report, before the project was implemented, the air in Erbil was significantly polluted due to the operation of thousands of neighborhood generators. Levels of suspended particles such as PM2 had reached about 128 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the World Health Organization standard of 45 micrograms, posing a serious health risk to citizens.

After the implementation of the Runaki project and the shutdown of most generators, the data show a significant improvement: including a significant reduction in suspended particulate matter (PM): PM2 by 79.6% and PM2 by 76.7%, bringing Erbil air closer to international standards. As well as approaching zero for toxic substances, the content of harmful hydrocarbons such as TVOC and HCHO has decreased by about 99.9%.

Carbon dioxide CO2 levels have fallen by 23%.

The report emphasizes that these results are indisputable evidence that Erbil has moved out of the “pollution risk zone” and its residents are now breathing cleaner air, which reduces the risk of breathing and heart disease.

Finally, the union calls on stakeholders to continue to monitor and support other environmental projects to protect this important achievement.