Sharjah24 – AFP: Concrete houses are nearly everywhere in Iraq, but the northern city of Akre likes to do things differently, opting for stone instead, reaping benefits in the fight against climate change. Using stone lets the city "reduce climate change," says Baland Reda Zubair, the Mayor of Akre. "Cement radiates heat, raises temperatures and affects the environment," he adds.

Commenting on this, Jamil Siddik, engineer says, "It was easy for people to build with stones, since it's cheap and at disposal. The workforce is available, and aesthetically, building with stone can be more artistic than cement."

The engineer added, "Stone walls are wide. Concrete blocks may only be 20 centimetres (7.9 inches) wide, while the stones are 40 or 60 centimetres wide. So, this thickness provides thermal insulation, whether in summer or winter."