INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
As climate change continues to fuel environmental crises across the globe, experts are warning of another growing consequence: its deepening
toll on human mental health.
Afghanistan, which is ranked among the six most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, remains ill-equipped
to combat the escalating impacts of environmental degradation.
Environmental specialists say that the rising frequency of floods, droughts,
and erratic weather patterns is not only damaging livelihoods and infrastructure but also placing immense emotional and psychological stress
on communities.
The effects are particularly severe in rural and impoverished regions, where people are already struggling with economic
uncertainty and social instability.
“Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis, especially
for countries like Afghanistan that are on the frontlines,” said one environmental health expert.
“The constant exposure to
climate-related disasters, coupled with displacement and poverty, is leading to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and
trauma.”
Afghanistan’s limited healthcare system—already under strain due to years of conflict and underinvestment—lacks the
capacity to address the growing mental health needs brought on by environmental distress
Youth and marginalized populations, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this silent crisis.
Officials from the Islamic Emirate have
acknowledged the escalating challenges and are urging the international community to depoliticize climate assistance.
They argue that
Afghanistan needs renewed global support to resume stalled climate adaptation and development projects that were suspended after the 2021
political transition.
“Afghanistan did not create this crisis, yet we face its harshest consequences,” said a government
spokesperson.
“The world must separate climate action from politics and help us build resilience—both environmentally and
psychologically.”
Despite ongoing efforts to revive global climate initiatives in Afghanistan, political hurdles remain a major
barrier.
Experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken, the mental health fallout of climate change could deepen the country’s
humanitarian crisis, pushing already vulnerable communities further into distress.
The post IEA calls for foreign assistance as Afghanistan
grapples with impact of climate change first appeared on TINS News | Afghanistan News.
