The Taliban is set to make its debut at a UN climate conference, marking a significant step for its engagement with global environmental discussions since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021. This prominent gathering, COP29, begins Monday in Azerbaijan. Although the Taliban lacks international recognition as Afghanistan's governing body, their presence is noteworthy as they aim to address environmental issues.
Matiul Haq Khalis, head of Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency, stated that a technical team has traveled to Baku to engage in the conference. The delegation's agenda includes enhancing international cooperation on climate matters, voicing Afghanistan's climate-related financial requirements, and advancing adaptation and mitigation strategies. Climate change experts underscore the issue's severe repercussions for Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for robust climate policies.
Afghanistan remains critically vulnerable to climate change, with 25 out of 34 provinces suffering severe drought, affecting more than half of the nation's populace. A recent report by Save the Children identified Afghanistan as the sixth most vulnerable country to climate impacts. Professor Hayatullah Mashwani of Kabul University notes that rising temperatures have depleted water resources and agricultural viability, exacerbating food insecurity. Another academic, Abid Arabzai, sees the conference as a chance for Afghanistan to clarify its climate goals and secure much-needed international support. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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