Afghanistan faces war and flooding crises amid deforestation

Afghanistan has been facing a dual crisis of war and natural disasters, exacerbated by deforestation and climate change. The country has seen a significant decline in funding for mine action, dropping from $113 million in 2011 to just $32 million in 2020. This lack of resources has hindered efforts to address the aftermath of conflicts, which have contributed to environmental degradation and increased vulnerability to flooding. For instance, the debris flow in Baghlan was linked to war-related deforestation, leading to severe flash floods. Humanitarian efforts are being led by local activists like Sohila Akbari, who, along with her team, has been working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by these crises. Many residents, such as Nafas from Baghlan, highlight the urgent need for clean water, as existing infrastructure has been severely damaged. The Taliban's rise to power in August 2021 has further complicated the situation, as they remain excluded from international support and funding. Despite Afghanistan's vulnerability to climate change, the country was excluded from the Cop28 climate talks, raising concerns about the lack of global attention to its plight. Activists emphasize the need for better climate awareness among the population, as many believe these disasters are a result of divine will rather than human actions. This mindset hinders proactive measures to combat the ongoing crises. The situation calls for a united global effort to address the challenges faced by Afghanistan, including remediation from warring parties and support from high-emitting nations. Without concerted action, the cycle of conflict and environmental degradation is likely to continue, further endangering the lives of the Afghan people.