Taliban to Attend First UN Climate Conference Amid Afghanistan’s Growing Climate Crisis

Taliban Delegation Arrives at COP29 in Azerbaijan
In a significant development for both Afghanistan and international climate diplomacy, the Taliban will attend the United Nations’ COP29 climate conference, marking their first appearance since the group’s return to power in 2021. The Afghan delegation, led by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the conference, which officially begins on Monday. This marks an important step in Afghanistan’s efforts to engage with the global community on critical issues like climate change, despite the Taliban’s lack of formal international recognition as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. The presence of the Taliban at COP29 could signal a shift in how the international community engages with Afghanistan on environmental and humanitarian matters.

Afghanistan’s Climate Crisis and the Need for Global Support
Matiul Haq Khalis, the head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, stated that the primary goal of the Taliban delegation at COP29 is to strengthen cooperation with the international community on environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. He emphasized that Afghanistan is seeking access to international financial mechanisms that can support the country’s efforts to combat the severe impacts of climate change. Afghanistan, located in a region highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, is already struggling with the devastating effects of climate change, including reduced agricultural output, dwindling water supplies, and frequent droughts. Khalis underscored that Afghanistan’s need for external support in addressing these issues is critical.

Climate Change Puts Afghanistan’s Agriculture and Water Resources at Risk
Experts in Afghanistan, such as Hayatullah Mashwani, a professor of environmental science at Kabul University, have noted that the country’s agricultural sector is under significant stress due to rising temperatures and the reduction of water sources. Climate change has caused more frequent and severe droughts, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Mashwani explained that these droughts not only reduce the availability of water for crops but also affect food security, leading to economic hardship for millions of Afghans who depend on farming for their livelihoods. With climate change accelerating, these problems are expected to worsen, threatening food production and exacerbating poverty across the country.

Afghanistan Among the Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
A recent report from the international aid agency Save the Children highlighted that Afghanistan is the sixth most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. The report revealed that 25 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces are facing severe or catastrophic drought conditions, which are affecting more than half of the population. The impact of these conditions is not only felt in agriculture but also in the displacement of people, with Afghanistan having the highest number of children made homeless by climate-related disasters in 2023. The report paints a dire picture of Afghanistan’s climate crisis, underlining the urgent need for international intervention to address the long-term environmental and humanitarian challenges the country faces.

COP29 as a Platform for International Assistance and Collaboration
Afghanistan’s participation in COP29 represents an opportunity to secure much-needed international assistance and funding for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Professor Abid Arabzai from Kabul University believes that the conference will allow Afghanistan to present its climate challenges to the global community and clarify its climate actions and commitments. Arabzai suggested that by actively engaging in the conference, Afghanistan can not only increase its visibility but also improve its reputation on the international stage. This, in turn, could lead to greater access to resources and technical support to address the urgent climate challenges the country faces. Afghanistan, he said, can demonstrate its commitment to climate action, which could help build trust and enhance its standing in future global environmental negotiations.

The Path Forward for Afghanistan and Global Climate Action
While the Taliban’s presence at COP29 is significant, the real challenge lies in translating international cooperation into tangible action on the ground in Afghanistan. With the country facing multiple crises—both environmental and political—global cooperation is key to addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Afghanistan’s participation in COP29 presents an opportunity for the world to collectively work towards solutions that can mitigate the devastating effects of climate change and support the country in its efforts to adapt. The success of these discussions, however, will depend on the international community’s willingness to engage with Afghanistan and provide the necessary resources to tackle one of the most pressing crises of our time.