Germany pledges to invest €62 million to shield water supplies in Iraq from the effects of climate change.

Germany has pledged €62 million ($68.5 million) to protect Iraq’s drinking water from climate change effects, which are already causing sandstorms, high temperatures, and a shortage of clean water. Iraq will contribute $15.9 million to the project, which is expected to provide access to clean water to 130,000 people.

Germany’s talks with Iraq also included efforts to end Iraq’s dependence on oil as a source of energy and foreign income. Plans for Berlin to relax labour migration rules in exchange for Iraq taking back more failed asylum seekers were also discussed.

The initiative comes after the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, where delegates called for increased funding for poorer countries. Germany will also support Iraq in its efforts to reduce its dependence on oil as a source of energy and foreign income. During a visit to Kenya and Ethiopia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to discuss clean energy projects, including a geothermal power plant in Kenya that Germany has helped to fund with €215m, and the potential for green hydrogen.

Berlin aims to support Kenya’s economic development and spur climate action on the continent, while also diversifying its energy sources by importing green hydrogen from the Gulf and Africa.