Assessment of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Policy on Climate Change

The Islamic Republic of Iran, due to the utilization of hydrocarbon resources and positioned in the desert belt of the Earth, is one of the most important countries influenced and affected by climate change. Based on voluntary commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the country committed to reducing greenhouse emissions from 4 up to 12 % of its Business as Usual (BAU) at 2030 and, as well, take important steps in increasing its adaptation level. Identifying the national level of Structure, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats (SWOT) and also challenges and capabilities of the country to achieve an efficient strategic plan on climate change is the subject of the current article. In the current paper, in addition to identifying our national challenges resulted by the national development programs and strategies, describing the National Strategic Programs on Climate Change based on the expert consultation has been conducted. This program is based on four components of emission reduction, water resources management, food security and agriculture, and natural resources and biodiversity (biological resources) to examine the challenges, strengths, and weaknesses, and through a conceptual structure find its way out at two levels of macro and executive policies.