The heartbreak in Iran

Unless you’re completely apathetic, it’s painful to see what’s going on in Iran.

 What was once one of the world’s most powerful and important powers is now a tragedy.  Years of plundering by the shahs’ regimes, and the rigidity and incompetence of the Islamic Republic has left this nation of over 70 million in economic shambles and a world pariah.

 Indeed, the Iranians have plenty to worry about right now, but one legacy of its governments and their path to development is the harm to its environment.  Depending on which survey you read, Iran is one of the most polluted nations on earth—often in the top 10%.  Its oil industry has given the country horrible air pollution and a polluted Persian Gulf.  The countryside has suffered from deforestation and overgrazing, its desert lands have grown in size, and its capital, Tehran, is one of the most polluted cities in the world.

 The government seems to think it's doing a fine job.  According to Article 50 of the Islamic Republic’s Constitution, “any form of activities, whether economic or otherwise, that causes pollution of or irreparable damage to the environment is prohibited.”  Furthermore, the government claims to have taken on “green initiatives” . . . though that portion of Iran’s Department of the Environment (DOE) has not been updated since 2002 (at least in English).

 Americans’ image of Iran as an isolated and rigid regime isn’t exactly accurate.  The Islamic Republic has diplomatic relations with the largest European powers, including the USA’s closest ally, the United Kingdom.  Iran also has diplomatic relations with Japan and other leading Asian nations . . . and on the environmental side, Iran signed the Kyoto Protocol in 2005.  You would think trade with nations like Germany would give Iran access to technology and innovation that could help reduce the environmental impact to which its citizens are subjected.

 But aside from Iran’s DOE site, most of the news regarding the country’s environment is grim.  Its economy has been stagnant for years, and many of its most creative citizens have emigrated.

 A repressive government and corruption do little for innovation.  The hope and glee of thirty years ago has turned into a weariness and frustration with the current regime, and the violence in the streets show the price that Iranians are paying for demanding a voice in how their government is run.  Unfortunately, lack of environmental oversight has made Iranians pay a price when it comes to their health and well-being--and there's no indication this will ever change.