Afghanistan Points to U.S. Invasion and Sanctions as Key Factors in Environmental Crisis and Stalled Climate Action

KABUL: The US invasion of Afghanistan has worsened the country’s climate crisis, according to the National Environmental Protection Agency. They are urging the international community to offer support to tackle this environmental challenge.

From the US-led invasion in 2001 to its withdrawal in 2021, tens of thousands of bombs were dropped on Afghanistan. Many of these munitions have left toxic residues that harm the land and water.

Dr. Zainul Abedin Abed, a senior official at NEPA, noted, “The two-decade presence of American and NATO forces affected many aspects of Afghan life, especially the environment.” He pointed to the destruction of farmland and other ecological impacts as key issues. He highlighted that the use of various weapons and chemicals has caused lasting damage.

For instance, in April 2017, the US dropped the Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, known as “the mother of all bombs,” in Nangarhar province. This bomb, the most powerful non-nuclear weapon used by the US, led to serious health problems in the area, including increased rates of premature births and skin diseases. It also wrecked homes and hurt local economies.

Afghanistan’s struggles with war predate the US invasion, including a decade of Soviet conflict that also involved destructive chemical weapons aimed at crops. Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai reported that about 80% of the country’s forests were lost due to past wars. He called for global support, stating it is a moral responsibility for nations contributing to climate change.

Dr. Abdul Latif Nazari, Afghanistan’s deputy minister of economy, said it is crucial to lift sanctions and allow international organizations to work with Afghan agencies like NEPA.

Afghanistan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, ranked seventh on the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index. Surprisingly, it ranks low in carbon emissions per capita as well. Environmental expert Noorudin Jalali stated, “Afghanistan’s role in global climate change is minimal, yet the impacts of foreign actions have been significant.”

Issues like drought, deforestation, and pollution have severely damaged Afghanistan’s ecosystem. The use of explosives has devastated agriculture and the environment, leading to a long recovery process that will be costly and time-consuming.

Currently, Afghanistan is facing severe consequences from climate change. After experiencing three years of drought, the country experienced major flooding in 2024 that resulted in the loss of lives and extensive damage to farmland in the northern provinces, disrupting the livelihoods of millions.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, Afghanistan has lost its voice in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and major funding for climate adaptation has halted. Jalali emphasized that without international assistance, Afghanistan will struggle to overcome its climate challenges. He urged quicker support for the country and its people.

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