KABUL, Afghanistan — For the first time since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, representatives from the regime will be present at a United Nations climate conference. This event, known as COP29, is set to commence on Monday in Azerbaijan and represents a significant opportunity for the Taliban to engage in vital global discussions, even though they lack official recognition as the governing body of Afghanistan.

The Afghan National Environmental Protection Agency announced via a social media platform that a technical team had arrived in Baku to participate in the conference. Matiul Haq Khalis, the head of the agency, stated that the delegation aims to bolster collaboration with the international community focused on environmental conservation and climate change. They plan to highlight Afghanistan’s requirements concerning access to financial resources related to climate issues and engage in conversations about adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Experts have indicated that climate change has had grave repercussions on Afghanistan, exacerbating numerous challenges due to the country’s geographical setting and insufficient climate governance. Hayatullah Mashwani, an environmental science professor at Kabul University, highlighted that rising temperatures have diminished water supply, leading to drought conditions that disrupt agricultural productivity. He emphasized that the lack of essential water resources and frequent droughts present significant risks to agriculture, ultimately resulting in food insecurity and adversely impacting livelihoods.

A recent report from the international aid organization Save the Children revealed that Afghanistan ranks as the sixth most vulnerable nation facing the consequences of climate change. It noted that 25 out of 34 provinces in the country are dealing with severe drought conditions, affecting more than half of the population. Additionally, the report revealed that Afghanistan has seen the highest number of children rendered homeless by climate emergencies globally as of the end of 2023.

Professor Abid Arabzai from Kabul University articulated that participating in this climate conference could be critical for Afghanistan in securing international support and funding to confront its climate-related challenges. He stated, “This is an opportunity for Afghanistan to clarify its climate initiatives and commitments to the global community, which could enhance its international standing.”