Afghanistan’s environment official urged for the country’s participation in future climate talks after attending COP29 in Baku as guests. The delegation described their attendance as a significant achievement, facilitating discussions on urgent climate issues. Afghanistan, despite minimal emissions, faces severe climate risks and needs international support for resilience building. Developed nations have pledged substantial climate finance to assist countries like Afghanistan with climate action.
On Sunday, an Afghan environmental official emphasized the necessity for Afghanistan to engage in future international climate discussions, following the nation’s recent participation in COP29 in Baku. For the first time since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan representatives attended the conference as invited guests. Their attendance was deemed a significant milestone by Matiul Haq Khalis, the director general of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency. He articulated that Afghanistan’s involvement was crucial for voicing the nation’s pressing issues and needs on a global platform.
Khalis further noted that during the conference, the Afghan delegation engaged with 19 different organizations and governments, including entities from Russia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh. The Taliban has consistently argued that their political isolation should not preclude Afghanistan from participating in essential climate talks. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change, facing severe challenges like prolonged droughts and frequent floods due to its geographical and economic circumstances.
The United Nations has called for international assistance to enhance Afghanistan’s resilience against climate-related impacts. Furthermore, developed nations have pledged $100 billion annually for climate finance until 2025 to support developing countries in mitigating climate shifts and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The topic of Afghanistan’s participation in global climate talks arises from the country’s acute vulnerability to climate change, exacerbated by years of political and social upheaval. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the nation was unable to participate in previous COP events held in Egypt and the UAE. The recent attendance of an Afghan delegation at COP29 marks a pivotal moment for the Taliban government in asserting its place in international discourse, especially regarding climate action, of which Afghanistan stands in dire need.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s recent attendance at COP29 signifies a critical step towards re-engagement in international climate dialogue, as emphasized by officials from the Taliban-led government. This participation is essential for highlighting Afghanistan’s climate vulnerabilities and securing necessary global support. As the international community remains committed to climate finance, Afghanistan’s inclusion in future discussions could facilitate better responses to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.france24.com
