Afghanistan seeks support for climate change action

KABUL (Pajhwok): National Environment Protection Authority (NEPA) chief Maulvi Mati-ul-Haq Khalis has called on the global fraternity to assist Afghanistan in combating climate change.

In this campaign, political considerations be set aside, he suggested during a session "Training Programme on Climate Change and the Environment", organised by NEPA in cooperation with the REHA organisation and  the Afghan Independent Journalists Union.

Maulvi Khalis emphasised on the significant role of the media in raising public awareness, describing it as the "eyes of society."

He noted air pollution in Kabul had reached 84 percent, largely due to public ignorance and the burning of various materials for heating in winter.

He pointed out that despite its minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan had suffered immensely from their impact.

Khalis identified women and children as the most vulnerable segments to the effects of climate change and urged the international community to support Afghanistan's efforts without political considerations.

Hujatullah Mujaddedi, head of the Afghan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU), stressed media’s responsibility to raise awareness about climate change and the obligations of governments to address the challenge.

NEPA officials announced the "Training Programme on Climate Change and the Environment" would last three days, targeting 100 journalists and media representatives in Kabul and surrounding provinces.

Many journalists believe such initiatives are vital for enhancing awareness and improving the quality of environmental reporting.

Samiullah Alokozai, a journalist, remarked these initiatives significantly boosted the quality of their work and reporting.

Ziarmal Hotaki, another journalist, hailed such workshops as highly beneficial for media professionals, who played a crucial role in educating society.

sa/mud