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.
The multibillion-dollar trade has survived previous bans. Now, the Taliban are going after solar-powered water pumps to try to dry up poppy crops in the middle of a national economic crisis.
Faced with life-threatening hunger, thousands labor in the coal mines of Baghlan. But safety measures that the former government once provided are gone.
