The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has identified Afghanistan as one of the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. This assessment was highlighted in IOM’s latest report, which sheds light on the growing impact of environmental factors on the country.
According to the IOM, climate change has emerged as the primary driver of internal displacement in Afghanistan since 2022. The organization noted that climate-related issues, such as droughts and severe floods, have now surpassed conflict as the main cause of population displacement. The report states, "Since 2022, climate change has replaced conflict as the primary driver of internal displacement in the country."
Over the past three years, Afghanistan has faced significant environmental challenges, including severe droughts and floods, which have severely affected more than half of the country’s population. These natural disasters have resulted in critical water shortages, land degradation, desertification, food insecurity, economic challenges, and the displacement of millions of people. The report emphasizes, "Severe droughts and floods have worsened over the last three years, now impacting more than half of Afghanistan’s population."
In addition to the findings in the IOM report, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that over 3 mn Afghans have been internally displaced, underscoring the significant humanitarian challenge facing the country. The compounded effects of climate change, alongside economic difficulties, continue to put pressure on the Afghan population.
The IOM and other international organizations have called for enhanced efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and support those affected by these environmental changes in Afghanistan.
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