Afghanistan: The alarming effects of climate change

As the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) draws closer, participants are already pushing for a strong outcome that supports climate action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants at last year’s COP27 reached a breakthrough agreement on a new Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. However, despite being one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change and one of the lowest emitters of greenhouse gases, Afghanistan was not represented at COP27 because the Taliban de facto authorities are not recognized internationally.

Some of these disasters are increasing in frequency, intensity and severity, exposing millions of people to critical losses in livelihoods and assets. Afghanistan ranks fourth on the list of countries most at risk of a crisis (INFORM Risk Index 2023), and eighth on the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index of countries most vulnerable and least prepared to adapt to climate change.

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