KABUL: Mawlavi Matiul Haq Khalis, head of the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA), has urged the international community to support Afghanistan in addressing the damages caused by climate change.
He made these remarks today [Wednesday, January 15) at a meeting held in Kabul to review the outcomes of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, saying that Afghanistan, despite having no role in global warming or greenhouse gas emissions, bears the brunt of its consequences.
He expressed hope that Afghanistan would receive its share of the $300 billion allocated for vulnerable countries affected by climate change, as decided in the 29th UN conference.
Meanwhile, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Deputy Political Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the serious damage Afghanistan has suffered due to the military invasion of Russia and NATO, as well as the use of various weapons in the country.
Pointing to water scarcity in Afghanistan, he warned: “If water issue not addressed, Kabul may face severe challenges in the next two years”.
The 29th international climate change conference, known as “COP29,” was recently held in Azerbaijan, with a delegation from the Islamic Emirate participating in the event.