Cate Law

Sec305
Final Draft
Public Services for a Beautiful Iran
When most people think of highly polluted countries they think of China or even the
United States. What is not considered are the countries that are naturally endowed with one of
the worlds most precious resources: oil. Countries that have lived through economic sanctions
are also not taken into account. From its capital in Tehran to the majority of its major cities, Iran
is a country riddled with deathly pollution. While I am not an expert on Iran or its environment,
the past few months I have been doing research using both scholarly and popular sources to
accumulate as much information as I can about the environmental problem in Iran and possible
solutions. My goal is to provide solutions to help the citizens affected by pollution-related
illnesses. I am both a Persian Studies major and American citizen making me curious enough to
research but unbiased on who is at fault. This paper is for those who are interested in this case or
ones like it. Readers do not have to have high degrees of education to understand the topic at
hand. The most important audience of this essay is the Iranian government or those who have
influence over environmental decisions in Iran including: foreign countries and Iranian citizens.
The best solution for Irans severe air quality is adopting practices that lead to less vehicle use
and more sustainable ways of traveling. As the number of vehicles in Tehran alone in
combination with the sanctions placed on Iran by Western countries caused deathly pollution by
the use of a copious amount of substandard gasoline.
In 1979, after the infamous hostage crisis, the United States put economic sanctions on
Iran fearing cooperation in terrorism (Iran Nuclear Crisis). The sanctions tightened when it
was revealed that Iran was becoming "nuclear" in 2010 under former Iranian President

Ahmadinejad (Kazemzadeh). Eventually, in addition to the US, Iran faced sanctions by the
United Nations, European Union, Japan, and South Korea. While the US prohibited trade with
Iran almost entirely, a more common approach of the above countries according to a BBC report
was "to ban the import, purchase, and transport of Iranian crude oil and natural gas (The Iran
Nuclear Crisis). Because Iran is such a large consumer of fuel, the sanctions caused the country
to depend on itself to provide since it could no longer receive imports. In 2010, 40% of Iran's
gasoline was imported (Ghorayshi). Luckily, the country has bountiful oil reserves, but not much
experience in self-reliance on all natural gases. Not only was the importation of gasoline to Iran
restricted; the country did not receive any help in developing its own refining processes
(Ghorayshi). The citizens of Iran have a very high consumption rate of gasoline and depend on
their country to fulfill their needs. Press TV explains that "Western sanctions on Irans oil
industry forced the country to use its petrochemical plants for production of gasoline which
dramatically worsened air pollution in cities (Press TV). According to Azeen Ghorayshi of
Newsweek Global, Iran's plants unable to find the technology to properly produce gasoline,
"decided to bump up their gasoline's octane number by mixing in benzene, a byproduct from the
petrochemical refining process that is known for being great at burning for fuel -- but is also a
highly toxic carcinogen. A researcher in Iranian environmental policy who asked not to be named
told Newsweek. "I'm not saying the sanctions have no impact, but they function as catalyzers.
Add corruption to that, and add an extremely ineffective and mismanaged Environmental
Protection Organization (EPO) with very little jurisdictional power, and you will get the result
Iran had" (Ghorayshi).
The environmental problem was made worse by neglect from the previous regime, which
included President Ahmadinejad. Since the election of President Rouhani in 2013 the

administration has embarked to make the environment in Iran safer (Tehran Bureau). The
rampant use and production of substandard gasoline is why approximately 270 people die of
blood cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and other pollution-related illnesses every day
(Tehran Bureau). In many cities, people must wear surgical masks when they go outside. This
problem must be taken care of for the health of the people and the stability of this country in a
volatile region.
This paper will go over the most feasible combination of solutions that will benefit Irans
environment. This includes: an enlarged public transportation system, wider usage of electric
cars, and terminating the fuel subsidies. Throughout this paper, I will also point out why some
possible solutions are not ideal such as the responsibilities of foreign countries. Due to the
sanctions enacted on Iran the country started to produce substandard gasoline to meet the large
needs of its citizens. Ending the subsidizing of gasoline, green technology and making public
transportation more available to citizens can improve Irans severe pollution.
As previously noted, a major cause of the horrible pollution in Iran is the excessive
demand for gasoline by its people. Daily, millions of cars flow in and out of Irans major cities
leading to severe air pollution. The Tehran Bureau reported that at its peak, Iranian fuel
consumption was five times the global average (Tehran Bureau). This is in part because the
Iranian government subsidizes gasoline because they consider it a necessity for their people. To
an extent this is true because cars are the main form of transportation in Iran. However, unsubsidizing gasoline will limit the use because of the increased cost. Decreasing the amount of
gasoline that flows through Irans air is key to creating a healthier environment. According to
Arron Merrat of Vice News, citizens of Iran will struggle with unsubsidized gas prices, he says,
"The currency collapse and rampant inflation -- both stemming from US sanctions have made

the average Iranian significantly poorer (Merrat). Despite the sanctions recently being revoked,
Iranians will remain poor until the country can successfully participate in the international
economy again. While in some perspectives un-subsidizing gasoline may not feel like the best
choice for citizens it will ultimately improve their health as they use their gasoline powered cars
more sparingly. Even with the country now adopting strict rules to only import and distribute
Euro 4 standard gasoline, Iranians still have older cars that may not have great fuel efficiency,
catalytic converters, or the best emissions technology (Tehran Bureau). Another option the
country could consider after un-subsidizing is privatizing the industry. This would be beneficial,
as it would completely separate gasoline from the government. The government would not have
to put funds toward the process or for the citizens to be able to afford it. This idea would be
better suited for when Irans economy grows more, but it would lead to a situation very similar to
the United States where gas prices are affordable and competitive. The un-subsidization of
gasoline is the first step to decreasing excessive gasoline usage and removing one of the biggest
contributors to pollution in the country.
Public transportation is a viable option for cities that need to minimize pollution caused
by commuters. In a case study of Tehrans exploring the parts of transportation that affect air
quality the most, researchers find that public transportation is the best solution for the
environmental problem in Iran (Vafa-Arani et al). Currently, Iran is working to expand the
Tehran Metro and construct metros in various other large cities as well. Full construction of the
metros will not be completed until 2028 at the earliest (Which cities in Iran). While in the
future this will benefit Iran greatly this change needs to be implemented more quickly to prevent
hostility in the country. The minimal public transportation forces citizens to use their cars if their
destination is not within walking distance contributing to the terrible air quality. Last year, on the

Tehran Metro there were 815 million trips meaning that with the option people are willing to take
this form of transportation (Which cities in Iran). Research done on the installation of the
Delhi Metro reinforces that this type of system combats air pollution. Deepti Goel and Sonam
Gupta in a World Bank Policy Research paper identify that Delhi has high levels of air pollution
that cause illnesses similar to the ones that develop in Tehran. The following research shows that
the metro had a positive impact on air quality in Delhi: Evidence using multiple extensions [of
the metro] suggest a cumulative impact of a 35 percent reduction in CO levels for the region
around ITO (a major traffic intersection in Delhi) (Goel and Gupta). This shows that an
enlarged metro system could benefit Iran in similar ways. The expansion of this system is costly,
but in the long run , it will be better for the environment, it will save citizens money in terms of
transportation and medical bills and it will create jobs for those currently unemployed. Buses are
also available for use and may be a good intermittent solution while the metros are being
constructed. Currently, buses are in towns and cities, but are confusing and easily become
crowded (Getting around local transport). Until the metro trains are completed an increased
number of buses in cities would be the best way minimize the number of cars. An investment in
this public system would allow for people to use their car less and participate in a greener form
of transportation.
Additionally, Iran is trying to expand their renewable energy initiative through electric
cars (Mehr News Agency). The government is doing this by importing electric cars and
encouraging educated citizens to develop their own hybrid car designs. The Environmental
Protection Organization, headed by Masoumeh Ebtekar, announced incentives (including loans)
for citizens who purchase these environmentally friendly cars (Mehr News Agency). The
government is trying to create easier access to these vehicles because with these cars Iranian

citizens demand for gasoline will decrease. Sarwant Singh in a report for Forbes Magazine
writes, According to the recent data from Irans Customs Administration, import of hybrid cars
increased by 112% in the past year (Singh). The ability to make this drastic change occurred
from western sanctions being lifted. Environmentally-friendly cars will lessen Iranians
dependence on fuel, however it may also encourage them to not take advantage of public
transportation systems because of ideas that they are no longer destroying the air they breathe.
The Environmental Protection Organization also announced that taxicabs in upcoming years will
be electric promoting both the technology and importance of a healthy environment (Mehr News
Agency). Electric cars are a good option for those that choose not to use the public transportation
systems. Their use in combination with other solutions noted above will combat Iranian pollution
by targeting the overuse of gasoline. As Irans economy improves and the price of the vehicles is
lowered this technology will make big strides for Irans air quality and their dependence on
gasoline.
Education is the most important piece to developing a green country. Citizens who
know the effects their daily activities have on the environment are more likely to make more
sustainable choices. As earlier addressed, one of the biggest contributors to Irans pollution is the
overdependence Iranians have on gasoline. This means for the sake of their health and air quality
Iranians need to take green forms of transportation when possible. This includes: bikes, walking,
public transport or carpooling. Blame cannot be placed solely on the Iranian people, as
sometimes cars may be there only option. But, while the government is developing the public
transportation system it is essential the citizens make an effort to choose environmentally
friendly ways to commute. Not to mention, Iranians rarely recycle or conserve electricity (Tehran
Bureau). They are seemingly uninformed that all the fuel they use is a nonrenewable resource

and releases harmful gasses into the atmosphere that cause their health problems. The citizens
need to be more knowledgeable (whether by government education or self research) regarding
ways they can contribute to ease the haze that covers their cities. This mission starts with the
Environmental Protection Organization, who must establish recycling programs for use
throughout the country. Their message would also spread faster through advertising ways to be
greener. Using the air citizens are breathing and friends they are losing would be the most
effective, persuasive measure.
While the majority of citizens may not follow green practices there are still ways they are
contributing to environmental action. In regards to the particle dust storms now occurring in
Iranian provinces there was a twitter movement started including unimaginable pictures and
trending as #KhouzastanCantBreathe (Karami). The problem is mainly a product of climate
change due to the large amount of pollution in Iran. This includes: the decrease in rain in the
province, the drying of the wetlands and the failure in neighboring countries such as Iraq and
Saudi Arabia to cover soil with mulch (Karami). In this way the citizens are helping themselves
by reaching out to the rest of the world and their representatives through social media and
making their health problems global knowledge. It is significant that the Iranian people are
advocating for themselves and demanding change from their government and other world
powers. Ultimately, this will help them be heard and most likely make a difference in the air
pollution by showing their government how bad change is truly needed. While the environment
would benefit much more from the citizens being educated, this social movement is beneficial as
other countries see the severity of pollution that Iran is facing. It allows the countries that are
currently improving their relationship with Iran to address one of the most pressing concerns of
the moment for this nation.

The best solution to Irans air pollution is a combination of practices including:

renewable energy, public transportation and un-subsidizing gasoline. As one of those most
polluted countries in the world Iran needs the best possible solution to make it a healthy place to
live again. It is important to the inhabitants of Iran, their family members, those concerned with
human rights and those who depend on Irans exports. It is time to put an end to the hundreds of
lives lost everyday due to pollution-related illnesses and establish the solutions to this problem.
Gasoline must be unsubsidized so people will use it more sparingly. Metros must quickly be built
in every major city to allow an alternative to a gasoline powered car commute. Electric cars must
become more widely available so citizens do not have to be as dependent on gasoline. And
education must be developed in order for citizens to know the impact they have on the
environment. The practices that must be adopted are already standard in successful countries
such as the United States. While the circumstances may be different, once the sanctions are lifted
and the Iranian people are opened up to the world they will see the technology that those
countries possess and want it for themselves.
As the United States is now developing their relationship with Iran it is important that the
developed nation helps guide Iran toward green practices. While the United States essentially
does not owe anything to Iran, it would benefit both countries and the world if the U.S. could
work with Iran to improve the health of its citizens. The Iranian government must also take their
environment as a matter of great importance. In the Middle East it is essential to hold on to
countries that have established great leadership and a government for the people. Radical groups
such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have stemmed from such environmental
problems as climate change. It is not wrong to think that the poor environment and unyielding
deaths of citizens could bore another group of unhappy people who could topple the existing

government or start war. If Iran cannot ensure the health of its citizens it leaves open a path for
yet another radical group to form and destroy the stability of this great country.

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