![Afghanistan battles climate change amid foreign aid cutoff](https://www.dailyclimate.org/media-library/image.jpg?id=52682387&width=1200&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C247%2C0%2C217)
Credit: Wanman uthmaniyyah/Unsplash
16 July
Afghanistan battles climate change amid foreign aid cutoff
The Taliban are tackling climate change independently while debating its origins as divine will or a foreign plot.
Rick Noack reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The Taliban attended an international climate conference in Jalalabad, but few foreign guests showed up, reflecting Afghanistan's isolation.
- Afghanistan faces severe climate challenges, with flash floods and droughts causing widespread damage.
- The Taliban are integrating climate action into religious teachings, urging mosques to promote environmental protection.
Key quote:
"Just like they invaded our country, they’ve invaded our climate. We must defend our climate, our water, our soil to the same extent we defend ourselves against invasions."
— Lutfullah Khairkhwa, Taliban's deputy higher education minister
Why this matters:
Afghanistan's climate vulnerabilities are worsening without international aid, leading to significant human and environmental costs. The Taliban's approach intertwines religious beliefs with urgent climate actions, reflecting a unique adaptation strategy.