2025 Afghanistan Climate Vulnerability Assessment: Key Insights and Findings for Quarter 1

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released the results of its second assessment on climate vulnerability in Afghanistan. This study is crucial as it examines how climate change and disasters are affecting communities in the country. With rising global greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan faces serious environmental challenges. Monitoring these changes is vital. Following the first assessment in late 2024, the second round of data collection took place in early 2025.

This assessment gives a detailed overview of community needs and the risks they face. It covers six key areas: exposure history, infrastructure, population, shelter, livelihoods, and adaptive resilience. Data was gathered from all 34 provinces, including 62,658 villages, in March and early April 2025.

Key Findings:

• About five million people, nearly 10% of Afghanistan’s population, experienced impacts from environmental hazards in early 2025.
• A staggering 79% of the nearly 175,000 individuals displaced so far this year were forced to move due to environmental issues.
• About 396,000 people were displaced due to climate-related events, with 171,926 migrating abroad.
• This winter and spring saw widespread problems like drought, heavy rain, and snow, with extreme cold causing the most injuries and fatalities.
• Access to clean drinking water was reported as limited by 44% of communities, while 39% lacked health services. Over 80% of communities faced shortcomings in critical water-related infrastructure, heightening their vulnerability.
• Food insecurity is a major concern, affecting nearly half of all communities (47%), largely due to environmental challenges.

These findings echo concerns raised by experts about the interconnectedness of climate change and migration. For example, a recent report by the UN warns that climate change could displace over 1.2 billion people globally by 2050. The situation in Afghanistan serves as a stark reminder of how real these issues are today. Communities are struggling, and immediate action is needed to address these vulnerabilities.

In light of this, it’s essential for both local leaders and international organizations to focus on sustainable solutions. Climate adaptation measures, improved infrastructure, and access to basic services could help reduce these vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience in communities across Afghanistan.

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