In a recent address at the National Conference on Climate Change, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheer Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, pointed out the critical environmental challenges faced by Afghanistan.
He highlighted that Afghanistan has seen significant environmental damage over the past half-century, particularly due to conflicts involving the Soviet Union, the United States, and NATO. The use of various prohibited chemical weapons, including the infamous “Mother of All Bombs,” has not only caused severe human suffering but also led to the destruction of 80% of Afghanistan’s forests.
Mr. Stanekzai strongly appealed to the international community to extend their support in protecting the environment and addressing climate change in Afghanistan. He stressed that environmental issues should not be politicized, as they pose a humanitarian crisis worldwide which requires urgent global attention and responsibility.
The Deputy Minister also pointed out that water shortage is a major challenge in Afghanistan. He called on the Emirate’s administrative bodies to take decisive measures in water management to address this pressing issue.
