An Afghan delegation is set to join the forthcoming UN climate summit in Azerbaijan. This marks Afghanistan’s first participation since the Taliban’s rise to power. The country is notably one of the most vulnerable to climate change. Political isolation has not deterred their efforts to engage in global climate discourse.
After unsuccessful attempts to join previous UN climate summits, Afghanistan has finally received an invitation from the hosts of COP29, Azerbaijan. The Afghan government will send representatives to Baku. The attendance, despite political challenges, emphasizes the pressing need for national and global dialogue on climate issues.
Afghanistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Afghanistan is ranked as the sixth most vulnerable country to climate impacts, according to climate studies. The nation suffers from frequent extreme weather events. Droughts and floods are commonplace, affecting agriculture and livelihoods. These events underline the urgency for Afghanistan to be part of international climate talks.
The climate crisis poses a significant threat to Afghan society, particularly given its heavy dependence on agriculture. Over 80 percent of the population rely on farming, which is highly susceptible to climate-induced weather changes. International cooperation is crucial to address these vulnerabilities and foster resilience.
The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) of Afghanistan has long advocated for the country’s active involvement in climate negotiations. They argue that climate issues should transcend political affiliations. NEPA stresses the humanitarian aspect of climate change, urging the international community to separate these issues from political disputes.
The Road to COP29
Despite previous attempts being thwarted, this year’s invitation from Azerbaijan marks a pivotal moment for Afghanistan. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a foreign ministry spokesman, confirmed that a delegation would participate in COP29. However, their role remains uncertain, possibly limited to observer status.
This participation follows two years of Afghanistan being excluded from UN climate summits, including those in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The non-recognition of the Taliban government by any state has posed significant diplomatic challenges. Yet, the country’s inclusion in COP29 indicates a shift in international diplomacy.
Azerbaijan, the host of COP29, has taken a bold step by inviting Afghanistan. The country’s political stance and wealth of fossil fuels make it a key player in climate talks. They reopened their embassy in Kabul earlier this year, though official recognition of the Taliban remains withheld.
The National Environmental Protection Agency’s Efforts
NEPA has been preparing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) aimed at reducing emissions. Despite the political upheaval, their commitment to updating the NDC demonstrates resolve.
Afghanistan was a signatory to the Paris Agreement in 2015, which commits countries to limit global temperature rise. Despite the Taliban takeover, NEPA remains dedicated to this commitment.
Completion of the NDC is a national goal for NEPA, regardless of international recognition. Ruhollah Amin, NEPA’s climate change director, emphasized that developing this document is imperative for national interests.
The Importance of International Recognition
International recognition of Afghanistan’s climate efforts remains an ongoing challenge. No country has officially recognized the Taliban government, complicating their participation on the global stage.
NEPA continues to seek international support for climate initiatives. Connections with global organisations are essential for addressing Afghanistan’s severe climate issues. Without recognition, securing international aid and support is difficult.
Deputy NEPA Head, Zainulabedin Abid, has urged the decoupling of political and climate discussions. “Climate change is a humanitarian subject,” he stated, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
Afghanistan’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Afghanistan’s greenhouse gas emissions are minimal, accounting for only 0.08 percent of global emissions. However, the impact of climate change on the country is disproportionately severe. The effects permeate various aspects of Afghan life, from agriculture to public health.
The demand for compensation from other countries for climate-induced damages highlights a contentious issue in international climate policy. Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable despite its negligible contribution to global emissions.
Mawlawi Matiul Haq Khalis, NEPA director-general, has criticised the exclusion of Afghanistan from previous COP meetings. He calls for a fairer system where vulnerability, rather than political status, determines participation in climate discussions.
The Broader Impact of Climate Change
Climate change affects Afghan society in profound ways. Events such as flash floods and land degradation have caused significant disruptions. The United Nations has highlighted the need for urgent action to mitigate these impacts.
Agricultural productivity is declining, exacerbating food security problems in a country where farming is a lifeline. Environmental stability is crucial for economic and social development.
UN development agency representatives have stressed the need for building resilience. The focus is on enhancing adaptive capacities to withstand climate stresses. As one of the poorest countries, Afghanistan needs substantial support to boost its resilience against climate change.
Afghanistan’s Climate Initiatives
NEPA is focused on securing participation in upcoming environmental conferences, including those on desertification in Saudi Arabia. Visa issues have previously hindered their involvement.
Coping with climate impacts involves local and global efforts. Afghanistan’s climate strategies require enhancement and support.
The agency’s efforts include advocating for reinstating environment-related projects halted by political transitions. Completing the NDC is also a primary aim, despite uncertainties about recognition.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Afghanistan’s participation in COP29 represents a new chapter in its international engagement. It underscores the importance of addressing climate change as a global humanitarian issue.
Moving forward, the focus remains on gaining international support and recognition for Afghanistan’s climate efforts. The country’s vulnerabilities make it a key player in the dialogue on global climate policy.
A Pivotal Step in International Climate Policy
Afghanistan’s inclusion in climate talks could set a precedent for other politically isolated nations. It could redefine the nexus between politics and environmental issues.
This participation marks a significant step towards integrating Afghanistan into the global dialogue. It acknowledges the urgent need for inclusive discussions on climate change.
Afghanistan’s involvement in the UN climate summit marks a critical progression in its global communication strategy. The focus on climate change highlights the urgent necessity for inclusive and cooperative action.
