Erbil now enjoys cleaner air thanks to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Runaki project. The program shut down thousands of diesel generators, cutting harmful emissions and improving visibility across the city.
Residents immediately noticed the change. Commuters like Mohammed Burhan say the haze and smoke are gone. He explained that the sky looks clearer every day, even when approaching the city from Shaqlawa.
Scientific data confirms these observations. The Kurdistan Region’s Environment Board reports that PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants have dropped by more than half. These fine particles are known to cause serious health problems, so their decline marks a major public health gain.
The project eliminated 1,200 generators in central Erbil and hundreds more in surrounding areas. Across the Kurdistan Region, over 2,500 generators have been shut down. This move reduced oil and diesel use, cutting carbon dioxide emissions and helping fight climate change.
Visibility has improved from six kilometers to as much as ten kilometers. Officials credit the project with linking key sectors like health, climate, and energy. This coordination has amplified the benefits for both the environment and residents.
The Runaki project now supplies reliable electricity to more than 2.75 million people. Leaders plan to build on this progress with more green space projects and expanded clean energy.