Going Green from Oregon to Iraq

The entire globe needs to take action to combat climate change, and Iraq is now facing the fact. Playing nice with Oregon universities and United States Department of State, 19 professors and deans from Iraq are currently in Oregon, learning the ins and outs of green building. While it may seem as though Iraq has more important concerns, officials realize that taking care of the resources they have is essential, according to the Kurdish Ministry of Higher Education’s director of engineering projects. The group is learning by visiting the location of Portland’s planned solar highway, gathering for lectures, and participating in discussions about solar power and urban heat islands at Portland State University. This Oregon-Iraq collaboration may lead to Iraq’s first big push for green power and sustainability, which is sure to be a happy development.