DiscoverThe DailyA Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent
A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent

A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent

Update: 2025-05-063
Share

Description

As the Middle East braces for another year of extreme heat, climate change is turning the soil to dust in the landscape that has long been known as the fertile crescent — and water has become a new source of conflict.

Alissa J. Rubin, who covers the Middle East, tells the story of Iraq’s water crisis and what it means for the world.

Guest: Alissa J. Rubin, a senior Middle East correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Photo: Bryan Denton for The New York Times


Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent

A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent

The New York Times