In a significant development, Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has announced its participation in the upcoming COP29 climate summit, scheduled to commence on November 11th. This marks the first time the Taliban will attend the UN climate conference since taking control of the country in 2021. The participation holds significant diplomatic weight for the Taliban, who are still striving for international recognition as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan.
The National Environmental Protection Agency of Afghanistan confirmed the news on social media, stating that a technical delegation will represent the country at the summit in Baku. The Taliban aims to leverage this platform to enhance collaboration with the global community on environmental protection and climate change. They are also seeking to secure access to vital financial mechanisms dedicated to climate action, highlighting Afghanistan’s critical need for support in addressing the environmental challenges it faces. The summit will provide a stage for the Taliban to engage in discussions on crucial adaptation and mitigation strategies, showcasing their commitment to tackling climate change.
Experts have underscored the devastating impact of climate change on Afghanistan, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Professor Hayatullah Mashwani of Kabul University, an environmental science specialist, highlights the dire consequences of rising temperatures. He explains that higher temperatures are depleting water sources, leading to severe droughts that cripple agricultural activities. This, in turn, exacerbates food insecurity and threatens livelihoods, compounding the existing humanitarian crisis in the country.
A recent report by Save the Children paints a grim picture, ranking Afghanistan sixth on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Over half of the Afghan population is affected by the severe or catastrophic drought conditions afflicting 25 of the country’s 34 provinces. The report also reveals that Afghanistan has the highest number of children rendered homeless by climate disasters globally as of the end of 2023.
The Taliban’s participation in COP29 presents a critical opportunity for them to engage with the international community on climate action. It remains to be seen how the global community will respond to the Taliban’s presence at the summit and whether their efforts will be met with support or skepticism. However, the urgency of addressing climate change in Afghanistan, alongside the humanitarian crisis unfolding, necessitates a collaborative approach that transcends political complexities.
