Red Cross warns of adverse effects of climate change in Afghanistan

The Khaama Press podcast talks about climate change in Afghanistan and its effects. Najibullah Sadid, an expert in water management, discusses the problems caused by climate change in the country.

In its latest report, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned about the “adverse” impacts of climate change in Afghanistan. According to international experts quoted in the report, the average temperature in Afghanistan is expected to rise by 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

This report, which was released on Tuesday, November 26, reveals that Afghanistan is among the top 10 countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It also highlights that the country has minimal resources to combat these changes.

The ICRC, citing international experts, reports that Afghanistan’s average temperature may rise by 1.8 to 1.9 degrees Celsius by 2050, which would be considered the most critical scenario for the region. This would lead to “adverse consequences” for the country.

The increase in temperature is attributed to the reduction of glaciers and snow coverage in the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains, which are vital water sources. One of the most serious consequences of this is the scarcity of fresh water.

The report also mentions that climate change in Afghanistan has intensified humanitarian challenges. Decades of conflict and violence in the country have weakened its capacity to cope with the effects of climate change.

The combination of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change and its lack of resources to address it creates a dire situation for the country. The increase in temperature and loss of glaciers threaten the availability of freshwater, which is essential for the survival of the population.

Addressing climate change in Afghanistan will require both local and international efforts. Strengthening the country’s resilience to these environmental changes, improving water management systems, and providing humanitarian aid will be crucial steps to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on the Afghan population.