Afghanistan, currently facing severe drought across 25 of its 34 provinces, will make its first appearance at a UN climate conference since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. The crisis-hit nation ranks as the world’s sixth most vulnerable country to climate change impacts, according to Save the Children.
A technical delegation from Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency will attend COP29 in Baku, which opens Monday in Azerbaijan. NEPA made this known via a post on social media platform X. The conference marks one of the most significant multilateral engagements for the Taliban administration, which still lacks international recognition as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
The delegation, led by agency head Matiul Haq Khalis, aims to secure international support for the country’s mounting environmental challenges. Afghanistan faces critical water shortages and agricultural disruption, with more than half its population affected by severe or catastrophic drought conditions.
The situation is particularly dire for children. Afghanistan recorded the highest number of climate disaster-related child displacements globally in 2023, Save the Children reported.
Kabul University experts highlight the urgent need for international assistance. A professor of Environmental Science at Kabul University, Hayatullah Mashwani, emphasised how rising temperatures have depleted water sources, threatening food security and livelihoods. His colleague, Professor Abid Arabzai, sees the conference as an opportunity for Afghanistan to outline its climate commitments and secure crucial funding for environmental initiatives.
“Climate change has resulted in higher temperatures, which reduce water sources and cause droughts, significantly affecting agricultural activities,” said Hayatullah Mashwani. “The reduction in water availability and frequent droughts pose severe threats to agriculture, leading to food insecurity and challenges to livelihoods.”
The delegation plans to discuss adaptation strategies, mitigation efforts, and access to climate finance mechanisms with the international community.
Featured image: OCHA/Charlotte Cans
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