Climate change in Afghanistan a common challenge: EU

KABUL, one of the most affected countries, and ways to collectively mitigate the consequences of continually rising temperatures were discussed at a conference here on Wednesday.

The European Union Delegation to Afghanistan conducted the third Serena Dialogue titled "Climate Change in Afghanistan: Common Challenge, Collective Response". The conference was opened and moderated by EU Delegation Head Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon.

Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environment, private sector and media spoke on economic societal, regional and other aspects of the problem.

At the opening of the event, Ambassador Mayaudon said: "Afghanistan, as a member of the global community, is already experiencing the consequences of climate change.”

Reduction of underground waters, severe drought throughout the country and excessive warm weather were the obvious consequences of climate change and global warming, the diplomat said in a statement from EU.

Mayaudon warned the situation could worsen in coming years if mitigation and adaptation measures were not put in place. Climate change affected rural and urban populations, the agricultural economy, and might lead to increasing numbers of internally displaced people.

“It is time to act and address it as a matter of extreme urgency that should unite the whole Afghan society" the ambassador stressed.

Participants called on relevant organisations, stakeholders and public to take necessary preventive and adaptation measures to limit the consequences of climate change in the coming years. 

Together with member states, the EU supports multiple initiatives in Afghanistan in irrigation, water management, infrastructure, natural resource management and reforestation.

 The European Union promised to continue to regard climate change in Afghanistan as a priority and would support the Afghan people and government in countering its adverse consequences.

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