Afghanistan is currently facing severe consequences of climate change, ranking seventh on the vulnerability index. Despite limited contributions to global carbon emissions, the country has been hit hard by floods, droughts, and food insecurity, leading to devastating impacts on its population. Excluded from global climate cooperation since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistan is now facing a lack of crucial climate adaptation funding, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.
At COP29, Afghanistan remains excluded from negotiations, but its National Environment Protection Agency has been invited as a guest. However, the country’s exclusion from climate financing is punishing its most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children who are already facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Urgent interventions are needed to provide sustainable solutions to address climate impacts on agriculture and disaster preparedness.
Experts and NGOs have proposed strategies to ensure climate funding reaches the Afghan people without legitimising the Taliban, through partnerships of international and national NGOs. It is crucial for the international community to listen to these recommendations and commit to long-term strategies to support Afghanistan in adapting to climate change.
With the persistence of extreme weather patterns threatening the next wheat harvest and pushing more people towards hunger, the time for action is now. Climate change affects everyone, and solidarity with the most vulnerable is essential to prevent further escalation of Afghanistan’s climate disaster. Every day of inaction deepens the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for support from the global community.
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