Afghanistan sent a delegation to the United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan for the first time since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The head of the country’s environment protection agency highlighted the urgent need for international support to address extreme weather events such as erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods. Afghanistan, ranked the sixth most climate vulnerable country, has experienced devastating impacts from climate change, including heavy rains and flash floods that claimed over 300 lives in March. The country is working on national action plans and aims to update its climate goals with a focus on developing wind and solar power with international assistance.
Despite the Taliban’s lack of official recognition as the government of Afghanistan, the delegation was invited to the talks by the Azerbaijani government and will have observer status. Climate historian Joanna Depledge defended Afghanistan’s participation, noting that various politically controversial states attend such global forums. The delegation aims to address the gender aspect of climate impacts and emphasizes the collective effort needed to combat climate change, which affects everyone regardless of gender or age. The head of the delegation expressed the desire to engage in bilateral talks with countries like the United States to convey the message of the Afghan people and seek support for their climate initiatives.
The delegation’s presence at the UN climate talks marks a significant opportunity for Afghanistan to engage with the international community on climate issues, despite its exclusion from previous conferences. The head of the environment protection agency highlighted the importance of delivering the Afghan people’s message and seeking assistance in tackling the challenges posed by climate change. The delegation’s participation reflects a growing recognition of the need for global cooperation to address climate change and its impact on vulnerable countries like Afghanistan. The country’s efforts to enhance its climate resilience and transition to renewable energy sources underscore the importance of international support in mitigating the effects of environmental degradation.
The Associated Press journalists contributed to the report on Afghanistan’s participation in the UN climate talks, shedding light on the country’s climate vulnerabilities and the urgent need for assistance. The delegation’s gratitude towards the Azerbaijani government for the invitation and their willingness to engage in discussions with key countries like the United States demonstrate Afghanistan’s commitment to addressing climate change. With a focus on renewable energy development and updating climate goals, Afghanistan seeks to harness international support in building a more sustainable and resilient future. The delegation’s presence at the talks serves as a platform to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and advocate for collective action to combat environmental challenges.
