For the first time since the Taliban regained power in 2021, Afghanistan has sent a delegation to the United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. The head of Afghanistan’s environment protection agency, Matuil Haq Khalis, emphasized the country's urgent need for international assistance in addressing the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and flash floods.
A recent assessment by climate experts ranked Afghanistan as the sixth most climate vulnerable country globally. The country experienced devastating consequences of extreme weather, with heavy rains in March causing flash floods that claimed over 300 lives. Climate scientists have observed a 25% increase in the intensity of rainfall over the past four decades in Afghanistan.
Khalis highlighted that Afghanistan has developed national action plans to combat climate change and intends to update its climate goals in the coming months. He emphasized the country's potential for wind and solar power but stressed the need for international support to harness these resources.
Despite the Taliban's lack of official recognition as the government of Afghanistan, the delegation has been granted observer status at the climate talks. The Afghan delegation expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for the invitation.
Responding to concerns about the vulnerability of women to climate impacts, Khalis underscored that climate change affects all individuals and ecosystems, necessitating collective efforts to address the issue.
Khalis also revealed plans to engage in bilateral discussions with various countries, including the United States, to seek support in tackling climate challenges. He expressed optimism about conveying the Afghan people's message to the international community during the talks.
Despite not participating in the previous three conferences, Khalis expressed satisfaction at Afghanistan's presence at the current event, highlighting the opportunity to engage with global partners on climate action.
