COP29: Afghanistan’s Pathway to Adaptation and International Support

By: H.N

The Conference of the Parties (COP) summit, held annually by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a pivotal global event addressing climate change. The upcoming COP29 conference represents a crucial opportunity for nations, particularly those vulnerable to climate impacts like Afghanistan, to seek international support and collaborate on sustainable climate solutions. Afghanistan, which has faced the harsh impacts of climate change despite its limited carbon footprint, stands to gain significantly from a proactive presence at COP29.

Afghanistan’s Climate Crisis: An Urgent Issue
Afghanistan ranks as one of the most vulnerable country to climate change. Its geographical location and reliance on agriculture make it susceptible to extreme weather patterns, prolonged droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Afghans are directly affected by climate-related disasters, which have increased in frequency and intensity over the past decade. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, crop failures, and displacement, it threatens Afghanistan’s food security, health, and economic stability.
The mountainous landscape and reliance on subsistence farming mean that even slight temperature shifts can have outsized impacts on water resources and agricultural productivity. Climate adaptation and resilience strategies are, therefore, essential for Afghanistan’s economic survival and social stability. With limited resources, Afghanistan requires support from the international community to adapt effectively to climate challenges, and COP29 is a platform for securing that support.

Key Objectives for Afghanistan at COP29
COP29 offers Afghanistan a strategic platform to amplify its voice, align with global climate goals, and prioritize areas where international collaboration can make the most impact. Key objectives for Afghanistan include:
1. Securing Climate Finance: Afghanistan urgently needs financial assistance to invest in sustainable infrastructure, water management, and renewable energy. Given its economic challenges, accessing climate finance is essential. This funding can help support adaptation projects that directly benefit Afghan communities and build resilience against climate shocks.
2. Enhancing Climate Adaptation and Resilience Programs: Afghanistan’s adaptation needs are pressing, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, water, and disaster management. By engaging at COP29, Afghanistan can collaborate with international bodies and neighboring countries on early warning systems, resilient crop systems, and sustainable water use practices that safeguard rural livelihoods and improve food security.
3. Gaining Technological and Technical Support: Afghanistan’s capacity to implement climate-resilient practices is limited by technological constraints. COP29 offers the chance to seek technological transfer agreements and capacity-building programs. By partnering with more developed nations, Afghanistan can learn about sustainable agricultural practices, water management solutions, and energy efficiency strategies that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
4. Participating in Regional Collaboration: Climate change impacts do not respect borders, making regional collaboration essential. Afghanistan shares water resources and ecosystems with neighboring countries, so participating in cooperative frameworks for transboundary water management and disaster response is essential. At COP29, Afghanistan can advocate for regional initiatives on water conservation, forest management, and ecosystem preservation, building partnerships that support shared resources and mutual benefits.
5. Addressing Climate-Related Migration and Displacement: As climate change accelerates, migration and displacement due to climate impacts have become critical issues in Afghanistan. Many communities are forced to leave their homes due to drought, floods, or loss of arable land. COP29 provides a forum for Afghanistan to push for international support to manage internal displacement, strengthen infrastructure for displaced communities, and develop policies that protect vulnerable populations.

The Role of the International Community
For Afghanistan to make meaningful progress at COP29, the international community must play a supportive role. Developed countries, which bear a significant portion of historical emissions, have a moral responsibility to assist vulnerable countries like Afghanistan. The international community can support Afghanistan by:

1. Increasing Funding for Climate-Related Projects: Developing countries are often at the forefront of climate impacts but lack the resources to address them adequately. By providing financial support to Afghanistan, developed nations can help prevent the worst consequences of climate change and promote stability in the region.

2. Providing Access to Green Technology and Expertise: Sharing technology and expertise, especially in areas like solar power, efficient irrigation systems, and drought-resistant crops, can help Afghanistan reduce its climate vulnerability. These technologies can also create new jobs and foster economic development in climate-sensitive sectors.

3. Strengthening Climate Governance: Afghanistan requires technical assistance to build a solid framework for climate governance. International support in establishing monitoring, reporting, and accountability systems for climate initiatives would enhance transparency and effectiveness in the country’s adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Potential Long-Term Impacts of COP29 on Afghanistan

The outcomes of COP29 could have significant long-term benefits for Afghanistan. By successfully advocating for funding and technological assistance, Afghanistan can build a foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future. Such outcomes would help reduce poverty, support rural communities, and stabilize food supplies.
Furthermore, improved climate resilience could reduce the likelihood of migration and displacement due to climate factors. This stability has the potential to strengthen Afghanistan’s social fabric, reduce conflict over natural resources, and empower communities to invest in sustainable livelihoods. COP29 could also encourage further alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting environmental sustainability, health, and economic growth.

In short, COP29 represents a vital opportunity for Afghanistan to secure international support and forge a path toward resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. For a nation already battling economic, political, and social challenges, addressing climate change is essential for achieving stability and development. With active engagement at COP29, Afghanistan can strengthen its capacity to respond to climate threats, protect its communities, and ensure a sustainable future for its people.

 

The international community, in turn, has a responsibility to provide the resources, support, and solidarity that Afghanistan—and similarly affected nations—need to thrive in an era of rapid environmental change.