Afghanistan’s participation in COP29 represents a major return to the international climate debate. The Afghan delegation, led by Matuil Haq Khalis, head of the country’s environmental protection agency, entered Baku with the aim of soliciting global support to address the severe climate challenges Afghanistan faces.
Afghanistan’s absence from the last three COPs (COP26, COP27, and COP28) is a factor to consider. Khalis expressed satisfaction with this current participation and highlighted the importance of the planned bilateral meetings with the United States and other countries. The delegation sees this presence as an opportunity to make the voice of the Afghan people heard by the international community.
Ranked as the sixth most vulnerable country to climate change, Afghanistan is suffering the consequences of unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods. Recent floods caused by torrential rains killed more than 300 people in the north of the country last March. This situation highlights the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
There is no denying that concerted action is needed to address climate challenges. Khalis underscores the urgency of collective action, stating that all countries must join forces to address climate change.
Afghanistan has begun developing national climate action plans and plans to update its climate targets in the coming months. Khalis highlights the country’s considerable potential for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar. However, he cautions that realizing this potential depends on international support.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates the imperative of global cooperation to address climate challenges. As the country recovers from recent political upheavals, its presence at COP29 provides a critical opportunity to strengthen its commitment to environmental protection and seek international support to achieve its climate goals.