Iran

Population: 68,017,860 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Tehran

Environmental Issues: air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation (salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Urban Development in Tehran

Tehran is the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is home to an estimated fourteen million people. The city covers some 650 square kilometres and is spread throughout the base of the Alborz mountain range.

The development of the city over the last five decades has resulted in the emergence of a number of environmental issues. One of the most pertinent environmental issues facing Tehran 's city planners is the issue of air pollution. Tehran is considered one of the world's most polluted cities, with much of the pollution being generated from vehicle emissions.

he following memoirs are from residents living in the northern region of Tehran . Their homes are located on the hillside of the Alborz Mountains where they are provided with clear views of the nation's capital. The memories that they share highlight the environmental issues concerning urbanisation.

	Mr Kalkal
	Mr Kalkal is the manager of a construction supplies workshop. He has memories of Tehran as a village, where people once came to spend their vacations. On bad days he suffers from dizziness because of the pollution and believes that the air pollution in Tehran is getting worse.
	Mr Shirazi
	Before coming to Tehran Mr Shirazi's father told him of a river that flowed through Tehran . Upon his first visit to Tehran , he went in search for the Karage River . Unfortunately, the river had already been destroyed. Today, Mr Shirazi is concerned about the continuing sprawl of the city and its impact on the surrounding flora and fauna.
	Mr Razachy
	From looking out of his window, Mr Razachy can tell whether it is a weekday or a holiday in Tehran , as the level of pollution is so noticeable. He feels that one of the biggest impacts of the growth in Tehran is not only air pollution and the weather, but also the relationships it has had on its' residents.
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