Afghanistan faces serious climate change threats; least prepared to combat them

Afghanistan faces serious threats from climate change, and studies indicate that it is among the least prepared to combat these threats.

As the world commemorates World Environment Day, Afghanistan is grappling with the severe consequences of climate change-induced events. Most recently, deadly floods in several provinces have not only destroyed thousands of hectares of agricultural land and endangered the existing ecosystem but also claimed the lives of over 300 people.

Rosa Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA stated in a video message on World Environment Day that Afghanistan’s beautiful and unique environment is under threat. She emphasized the need to restore ecosystems to prevent climate-related floods and droughts.

Officials of the de facto administration also remarked on this occasion that industrial countries play a significant role in producing greenhouse gases, which negatively impacts countries like Afghanistan.

Concerns over climate change threats to Afghanistan have increased, especially since, due to political developments in the country, Afghanistan’s seat at crucial international meetings on climate change, including the recent COP, has remained vacant.

Additionally, the recent deadly floods have exacerbated the already dire situation. The floods have not only resulted in significant loss of life but also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, displacing thousands of families.

The lack of adequate disaster preparedness and response mechanisms has further highlighted the urgent need for international assistance and support to help Afghanistan cope with the increasing frequency and severity of such natural disasters.

The devastating impact of the floods underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The international community’s support is crucial to building resilience and ensuring sustainable development in Afghanistan amidst these environmental challenges.