The War-Torn Country's Climate Crisis: Afghanistan's Battle Beyond Conflict

Afghanistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts in the world, despite being among the lowest emitting countries in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The country has seen a temperature increase of 1.8 °C since 1950, with projections of a further rise of 2.0 °C to 6.2 °C by 2090. This has resulted in severe socio-economic consequences, including natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, avalanches, and heavy snowfalls, affecting over 200,000 people annually. The temperature increase has also led to more frequent and intense droughts, causing food insecurity and distress among the population. Climate change has also impacted health in Afghanistan, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases, respiratory problems, and other health conditions. The combination of climate change and conflict has created a devastating situation in the country, with millions in need of humanitarian aid and facing starvation.

Climate change is causing an increase in infectious diseases, respiratory problems, and other health issues

Afghanistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts in the world. The country has seen a temperature increase of 1.8 °C since 1950, and this has had far-reaching consequences. Climate change in Afghanistan has led to an increase in infectious diseases, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Infectious Diseases

The prevalence of infectious diseases in Afghanistan is already high, and climate change is making the situation worse. The country's healthcare system is fragile, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, and hepatitis are already a severe burden. Climate change-induced droughts and flooding are causing further issues by increasing food insecurity and malnutrition, which in turn weakens people's immune systems and makes them more susceptible to diseases.

Additionally, climate change can directly influence the distribution and survival of foodborne pathogens, leading to an increased risk of foodborne illnesses. The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation, as well as crowded living conditions, further exacerbate the transmission of waterborne and foodborne illnesses.

Respiratory Problems

Climate change-induced air pollution is another major issue contributing to respiratory problems in Afghanistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution causes approximately 27,000 deaths per year, while outdoor air pollution causes over 11,000 deaths annually. The increasing levels of PM2.5 have been linked to an increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Furthermore, the changing climate can also affect the prevalence of respiratory infections. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by climate change, with warmer weather intensifying the spread of the virus.

Other Health Issues

In addition to infectious diseases and respiratory problems, climate change is also contributing to a range of other health issues in Afghanistan. For instance, the increase in temperature and changing precipitation patterns are causing water scarcity, which impacts people's access to water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation. This, in turn, can lead to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases and zoonotic-borne diseases.

Moreover, the impact of climate change on mental health cannot be overlooked. The stress and anxiety associated with living in a climate-vulnerable country, as well as the direct impacts of extreme weather events, can take a toll on the mental well-being of individuals.

Addressing the Issues

To address the health issues caused by climate change in Afghanistan, a range of interventions are necessary. These include:

• Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities
• Strengthening the healthcare system by providing more resources and training to healthcare workers
• Promoting vaccination and disease prevention measures
• Addressing social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities
• Collaborating with the international community to tackle climate change and its impacts

Afghanistan is vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, avalanches, and heavy snowfalls

Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, avalanches, and heavy snowfalls. These disasters have impacted an average of over 200,000 people annually, causing devastating losses of lives, livelihoods, and properties.

In August 2020, heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in 14 provinces, resulting in more than 150 deaths, 181 injuries, and the displacement of about 400 households. The floods also damaged over 2,400 houses, destroyed more than 1,550 homes, and severely impacted agricultural lands, livestock, and public infrastructure.

In July 2023, flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in central and eastern Afghanistan led to 31 fatalities, 41 missing persons, and 74 injuries across several districts. The floods damaged or destroyed around 600 houses in the Maidan Wardak Province and affected approximately 126,000 people in 18 provinces.

The combination of infrequent earthquakes and climate-related disasters, including floods, flash floods, avalanches, and heavy snowfalls, poses significant challenges to the country. These natural disasters, coupled with protracted conflicts, undermine Afghanistan's ability to manage, adapt to, and plan for climate change effectively.

The impact of climate change in Afghanistan is exacerbated by its geographical location in a zone of high seismic activity and its rugged and mountainous terrain. The country's vulnerability to natural disasters is further compounded by the location of its villages, towns, and cities, which makes them susceptible to widespread destruction and loss of life during earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, avalanches, or flooding.

Afghanistan's environmental challenges are closely linked to its economic welfare, with over 44% of its population dependent on herding or farming. The loss of vegetation due to flooding increases the risk of soil erosion, reduces arable land, and decreases agricultural productivity.

The country's mountainous regions, such as the Amu Darya basin, are particularly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods due to the increasing number of glaciers and glacial lakes. Additionally, the decrease in precipitation in the Kunduz River basin, compensated by increasing glacier melt, poses a risk of flooding in the region.

The impact of climate change-induced disasters in Afghanistan is severe, affecting hundreds of thousands of lives and causing substantial losses.

The country is facing water scarcity and a decline in agriculture due to reduced snowfall and irregular rainfall

Afghanistan is facing water scarcity and a decline in agriculture due to reduced snowfall and irregular rainfall.

Reduced Snowfall

Afghanistan's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with about 70% of Afghans living and working in rural areas. Winter snow is crucial for agriculture in Afghanistan. In the highlands, the snow acts as a reservoir, melting into the summer season and providing water for irrigation. In the lowlands, snow moistens the soil, but not enough for rainfed crops to flourish.

However, snowfall in Afghanistan has been decreasing. In the winter of 2021-2022, snowfall was higher than average in December and early January, but February and March were drier than average. This created hope among farmers, who sowed their rain-fed lands. However, the growth of wheat cultivated in rainfed areas was weak, and many did not yield a harvest.

Irregular Rainfall

In addition to reduced snowfall, Afghanistan has also experienced irregular rainfall, with some areas receiving below-average precipitation while others receive above-average rainfall, leading to flooding. This has negatively impacted rainfed agriculture, with crops failing in many parts of the country.

The combination of reduced snowfall and irregular rainfall has resulted in water scarcity, affecting both agricultural productivity and the availability of drinking water. This has contributed to food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks.

Impact on Agriculture

The decline in snowfall and irregular rainfall has severely impacted agriculture in Afghanistan. Farmers have lost crops and livestock due to drought and feed shortages, forcing them to sell their remaining assets.

Additionally, the lack of water has led to a decline in groundwater recharge, further exacerbating the water scarcity issue. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in urban and rural areas, and the declining water table will not be able to support the human population.

Impact on Food Security

The impacts of reduced snowfall and irregular rainfall on agriculture have contributed to food insecurity in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than half of Afghanistan's population is projected to face acute food insecurity.

The decline in agricultural productivity has restricted access to typical sources of food and income, especially for those in rural areas. Wheat, which is the backbone of Afghanistan's livelihoods, has been particularly affected, with a 30% drop in yield during the last harvest.

Coping Strategies

The impact of water scarcity and declining agriculture has forced people to adopt negative coping strategies, such as child marriage, child labour, and internal and external migration.

Way Forward

To address the water scarcity and decline in agriculture, Afghanistan needs to invest in water infrastructure development and improve water management. This includes building irrigation infrastructure, water reservoirs, and drinking water systems. Additionally, the country needs to focus on disaster mitigation and effective watershed management mechanisms.

Climate change is exacerbating inequality, particularly affecting women's livelihoods in low-income states

Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and its effects are already being felt across the country. Climate change is exacerbating inequality, particularly affecting women's livelihoods in low-income states. Here are some key ways in which climate change is impacting Afghanistan and its female population:

Impact on Agriculture and Food Security

Climate change-induced droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns have severely impacted agriculture, which is the primary source of livelihood for Afghans, especially women in low-income states. The country experienced its worst drought in 30 years in 2021, and this has continued into 2022. Farmers, who make up a significant portion of the population, have lost crops and livestock due to water scarcity and are struggling to recover. This has led to food insecurity and malnutrition, with almost half of the population facing acute food insecurity.

Displacement and Migration

The combination of climate change and conflict has resulted in large-scale displacement and migration within Afghanistan and beyond. Many Afghans, particularly women and children, have been forced to flee their homes due to environmental factors, such as water scarcity and the destruction of crops and homes caused by flash floods. This has disrupted their livelihoods and access to education and healthcare, pushing them further into poverty.

Access to Water

Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have affected water availability, with rivers, springs, and wells drying up. This has impacted not only agriculture but also drinking water access, with communities, especially women, struggling to find sufficient water for their daily needs.

Adverse Health Effects

Climate change has contributed to an increase in infectious diseases, respiratory problems, and other health issues in Afghanistan. Women and children, who often have limited access to healthcare, are particularly vulnerable to these climate-related health risks.

Gender Inequality

The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect women in Afghanistan due to existing gender inequalities and traditional gender roles. Women are often responsible for securing water and food for their families, and when these resources become scarce, they bear the brunt of the burden. Additionally, in times of economic hardship, girls may be forced into early marriage, and their education may be deprioritized, further exacerbating gender inequality.

Lack of Government Support

Afghanistan has historically lacked the necessary infrastructure and resources to effectively address climate change. The recent Taliban takeover has further complicated the situation, with international funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects slowing down. The Taliban's interpretation and enforcement of Sharia law, particularly regarding women's rights and access to education, have also created additional challenges for women seeking to rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of climate change-induced disasters.

Afghanistan's glaciers are melting, leading to an increase in flash floods and river flooding

Afghanistan is home to almost 4,000 glaciers, which are a critical source of drinking water and irrigation for the country. However, climate change is causing these glaciers to melt, leading to an increase in flash floods and river flooding.

Between 1990 and 2015, Afghanistan lost 14% of its total glacier area, and this pace of decline is expected to continue. The melting glaciers are triggering catastrophic, rock-laden floods, and the formation and expansion of glacial lakes. These lakes pose a significant risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which are mega-floods that release a massive amount of water and debris, causing destruction and loss of life downstream.

The impact of melting glaciers is exacerbated by the increase in extreme weather events due to climate change. Higher temperatures and more erratic rainfall patterns contribute to the risk of flooding. The combination of melting glaciers and extreme weather has led to devastating flash floods in Afghanistan, causing casualties, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of agricultural land.

The Afghan government and international organizations have taken some steps to address the issue, including installing early warning systems, conducting risk assessments, and implementing community-based disaster risk management programs. However, the limited resources and capacity of the country make it challenging to mitigate the impacts of melting glaciers fully.

The situation in Afghanistan underscores the urgent need for global action to address climate change and support vulnerable countries in adapting to its impacts. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and preparing for climate-related disasters, especially in regions with fragile ecosystems and limited capacity to cope with their effects.

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