Iraq’s Lake Sawa Dries Up Signaling Water Shortage

This year, for the first time in its long history, Iraq’s Lake Sawa dried up.

A combination of bad ownership by local investors, government neglect and climate change has turned Lake Sawa into a salty, flat area.

The loss of Lake Sawa is only the latest addition to Iraq’s water shortage. Experts say it is caused by climate change. Iraq has had drought and record low rainfall for years. The importance of water is driving up competition among businessmen and farmers. The poorest Iraqis are affected the most by the disaster.