In a historic move, the Taliban government of Afghanistan is set to participate in the UN Climate Conference for the first time since assuming power in 2021. This participation marks a significant step for the nation, despite its delegation likely holding only observer status due to the lack of international recognition for the Taliban regime.
The conference, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlights Afghanistan's pressing need to address climate issues. The country, impoverished and battered by years of conflict, is severely impacted by climate change. Despite its minimal greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan is among the most vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) has been vocal about the detrimental impacts of climate change on the country. NEPA emphasizes the need to depoliticize climate action and urges the continuation of suspended environmental projects in the region. The agency also calls for compensation from wealthier nations for climate-induced damages, a demand supported by its adherence to the Paris Agreement.
Previously, Afghanistan's attempts to engage in the climate conferences in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2022 and Dubai in 2023 were unsuccessful. However, the reopening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Kabul earlier this year, albeit without formal recognition of the Taliban government, has paved the way for this notable participation.
Afghanistan's involvement in the global climate conversation underscores the universal nature of climate challenges, transcending political and geographical boundaries. It is a call to the international community to assist nations that contribute least to climate change but suffer its consequences the most.
