EU warns of climate crisis in Afghanistan on Earth Day

Climate change threatens food security, rural livelihoods as the EU calls for urgent global action

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The European Union has raised concerns over the impact of climate change in Afghanistan, warning that rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are accelerating a crisis in agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods.

In a statement issued on Earth Day, April 22, the EU delegation in Afghanistan stressed that land remains one of the country’s most vital but increasingly threatened resources.

“Earth Day serves as a reminder of how vital the land is for life and livelihood. In Afghanistan, climate change is threatening agriculture, food security, and rural economies,” the EU said.

The bloc reiterated its commitment to support Afghans through climate-resilient programs, especially in rural areas where the majority depend on farming and livestock.

Afghanistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, it ranks sixth globally for climate-related risks.

Repeated droughts, rising average temperatures, reduced snowfall, and  floods have severely impacted agriculture and rural livelihoods. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 75% of Afghanistan’s rural population faces challenges from soil degradation, glacial melt, and frequent natural disasters—all of which deepen food insecurity.

The EU’s statement comes amid mounting calls for international cooperation to address the global climate emergency. 

Observers say that without sustained external support, Afghanistan could face severe long-term consequences, including mass displacement and economic collapse in rural provinces.

The climate crisis unfolding in Afghanistan reflects a much larger global emergency.