Hassan Mao, EUAM IRAQ (Environment and Climate Security Adviser)
My name is Hassan Mao. I come from Nyköping, Sweden and am seconded by MCF to EUAM Iraq in Baghdad.
EUAM Iraq is one of the EU’s 13 CSDP missions and is mandated to support Iraq’s Security Sector Reform (SSR) by strengthening the country’s security authorities and contributing to a more effective and Service-oriented security sector.
In my role as Environment and Climate Security Adviser, I work at the nexus of environment, climate, and security, an area that is becoming increasingly important as the impacts of climate change affect both individuals and societies at large.
Hassan Mao, environment and climate security adviser, EUAM Iraq.
My work consists of two parts. Internally, I support the mission’s efforts to reduce its environmental and climate footprint through measures such as improved waste management, more efficient use of energy and water, and reduced emissions from transportation. Externally, I work together with Iraqi authorities to strengthen their capacity to address the security risks resulting from climate change and environmental degradation.
Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing recurring droughts, severe water scarcity, and widespread land degradation. These environmental pressures threaten livelihoods, drive displacement, and increase the risk of social unrest, crime, and conflict. As climate change increasingly affects Iraq's stability and security, integrating climate-related risks into national security planning and decision-making is essential to strengthening the country's resilience and long-term stability.
An important part of my assignment is to support the Iraqi National Security Advisory in integrating climate and environmental risks into its strategic work and strengthening coordination between different authorities. I also work closely with the Iraqi Environmental Police to develop their capacity to prevent, detect, and investigate environmental crimes, an area of growing importance for human health, the environment, and long-term societal stability.
Before joining EUAM Iraq, I worked on environmental and climate issues within several Swedish and international organizations, including ForumCiv and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. My work focused on international development cooperation, sustainable development, and climate adaptation. I have also participated in research projects examining how climate change affects rural populations and other vulnerable communities in Africa.
I hold a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Environmental Science from Linköping University, which has provided me with a solid foundation for working with the complex links between environment, climate, development, and security.
What motivates me most is the opportunity to contribute to long-term sustainable and resilient institutions. By strengthening the capacity of Iraqi authorities to manage climate- and environment-related risks, we contribute not only to greater security and stability in Iraq but also to preventing future crises that may have consequences far beyond the country’s borders.
In an increasingly interconnected world, investments in climate resilience and sustainable security are important, not only for Iraq but also for Europe and Sweden. It is work that feels both meaningful and forward-looking, and I am proud to be a part of it.