A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent
A Climate Warning From the Fertile Crescent  
Podcast: The Daily
Published On: Tue May 06 2025
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: From 2023: A climate warning from the cradle of civilization.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.