The Taliban has asserted the need for Afghanistan to engage in future global climate discussions following COP29 attendance. Matiul Haq Khalis emphasized the importance of raising national concerns about climate issues and noted discussions with various global entities. Afghanistan, among the nations most impacted by climate change, requires international support to confront its environmental challenges despite its limited emissions.
The Taliban government of Afghanistan has emphasized the necessity for the country’s participation in future global climate negotiations following their attendance at COP29 in Baku. This marked the first occasion since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021 that an Afghan delegation engaged in such discussions, albeit as
“guests” rather than official representatives. Matiul Haq Khalis, the Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, termed this involvement as a significant achievement, asserting that Afghanistan’s voice regarding climate change challenges must be heard on an international platform. Khalis noted that the Afghan delegation had productive discussions with various organizations and governments, underscoring Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The Taliban contends that their political isolation should not hinder their engagement in international climate dialogues. As a country facing severe climatic threats, Afghanistan requires support to build resilience against environmental changes. The UN has advocated for Afghanistan’s inclusion in climate discussions and further assistance in overcoming the impacts of climate change.
In terms of international climate finance, developed nations have pledged $100 billion annually until 2025 to enable developing nations like Afghanistan to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and transition from fossil fuel reliance.
Afghanistan is regarded as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally due to its geographical and socio-economic conditions. Following decades of conflict, the country’s governance under the Taliban has imposed stringent regulations that aggravate its socio-economic challenges and restrict avenues for public participation, particularly among women. As climate change exacerbates extreme weather phenomena, such as droughts and flooding, Afghanistan faces a dire situation requiring immediate international support. The absence of political recognition has previously hindered Afghanistan’s participation in global climate talks, a situation that the current Afghan administration is striving to rectify to ensure that the country’s challenges are acknowledged and addressed.
The participation of Afghanistan in future climate talks is paramount, not only for raising awareness of the nation’s environmental vulnerabilities but also for securing necessary support for climate resilience. The Taliban’s engagement at COP29 illustrates a critical step towards normalizing Afghanistan’s role in international dialogues concerning climate change. As the global community recognizes its responsibilities in climate finance, it is crucial that Afghanistan is included in these discussions to address the pressing issues stemming from climate impacts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
