Category: Environment

El Niño 2026–2027; a possible opportunity and risk for Afghanistan’s water and agriculture

Afghanistan loses billions of dollars every year because of natural disasters and the consequences of climate change. Forecasts suggest that rainfall and snowfall may increase in the coming months, which could benefit the country’s water resources and agriculture. However, experts warn that without proper preparation, this increased precipitation could cause floods, avalanches, landslides, and serious loss of life and economic damage.

Residents of Daikundi build the “Band-e Madar” dam to adapt to climate change

Every spring, rainwater and melting snow flow through many parts of Daikundi. However, due to a lack of adequate water storage facilities, some of this water flows out of the region. By summer, residents face water shortages, making it difficult for them to access water for farming, orchards, and livestock.

Drought damages pistachio forests in Badakhshan

Officials at the Badakhshan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock say climate change has damaged the province’s pistachio forests, reducing the area of natural pistachio forests from more than 10,000 hectares to just over 4,000 hectares.

Residents of Aybak complain about poor waste management

As the population of Aybak, the capital of Samangan Province, grows and residential areas expand, waste management and garbage collection have become essential needs for the city. Although the Aybak Municipality says it collects household waste according to a schedule, a number of residents complain about delays in garbage collection, bad smells, and environmental pollution. They are calling for more regular services.

Panjshir farmers’ resilience to climate change and their message to COP31

Flash floods, soil erosion, and changing rainfall patterns in Panjshir put farmland and farmers’ livelihoods at risk. The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock in Panjshir reports that 11 agricultural infrastructure projects were implemented in Anaba and Abshar districts during the first six months of this year.

Residents of Asadabad concerned about the loss of green areas

A number of residents of Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province, say that expanding construction in recent years has destroyed large areas of greenery in the city. They add that the loss of green areas has contributed to rising temperatures, increased dust, and environmental pollution.

Animals on the front line of climate change in Afghanistan; a message to COP31

The World Bank’s Climate Risk Profile warns that Afghanistan will face higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, an increased probability of drought, and expanding dry areas in the coming decades. These changes could affect ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.

63 high-risk areas in Panjshir; a warning sign of climate change

Panjshir, with its high mountains, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, is known for its natural beauty but is also one of the most vulnerable provinces in Afghanistan to natural disasters. In recent years, some residents of the province have repeatedly complained of flash floods, rockfalls, landslides, and avalanches. In some cases, these events have seriously damaged farmland, bridges and culverts, water diversion structures, hydropower facilities, markets, and people’s homes.

Farmers in Khost call for seeds and saplings adaptable to climate change

A number of farmers in Khost Province say that in recent years, they have obtained the seeds and saplings they need from other provinces. However, some of these seeds and saplings have not produced the desired results in their fields because of differences in weather and environmental conditions.

Residents of Faizabad concerned over poor waste management amid population growth

Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, was once known as one of the relatively clean cities in the country. However, the city is now facing new environmental challenges due to accumulated garbage and poor waste management. Rapid population growth, urban expansion, and a lack of public awareness have put the city at serious risk. Meanwhile, concerns about pollution in the Kokcha River are also increasing.

Planting calendar vs. climate change; Kapisa farmers’ message to COP31

For years, farmers in Kapisa, Afghanistan, have used their experience to determine when to plant: from September to December for some crops and from May to July for summer crops. They also consider rainfall, soil moisture, and hot and cold weather to determine the right time to work in the field.

120-day winds and dust in Herat; A warning sign of climate change ahead of COP31

Herat has lived with the 120-day winds for years. These winds are part of the natural climate of the Sistan region and western Afghanistan, blowing from late spring through summer and into early autumn. But the problem is not the wind itself. When the land dries up, groundwater levels fall and vegetation disappears, dry riverbeds, wetlands and abandoned land are exposed to the wind. The same wind that was once simply a natural climate phenomenon can then lift soil and carry dust.