The European Union has expressed its concern over Afghanistan’s vulnerability to humanitarian crises and natural disasters, stating that the country is among the most vulnerable countries in the world.
Climate change, the EU said, added to the pressures the people of Afghanistan are already under.
In a tweet on Sunday, the EU in Afghanistan said:
“Afghanistan is the 4th most at-risk country from humanitarian crises and disasters. A changing climate is expected to put additional strain on people’s lives. The EU is at the forefront to mitigate climate effects and support people in finding coping mechanisms.
“Climate change affects us all, but Afghanistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable nations to its impacts, ranked 176th out of 181 countries. More frequent natural hazards such as droughts or floods can worsen the situation of the Afghan people.”
Afghanistan is now among the ten countries worst affected by climate change, according to a report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Adding to the country’s woes, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that Afghanistan is one of the seven countries whose citizens are facing acute poverty and hunger.
Since the fall of the previous government by the Taliban, poverty and unemployment levels have escalated, with over 90% of the Afghanistan population currently living below the poverty line and heavily dependent on humanitarian aid.
