Taliban-Era Afghan Official Calls for Full Participation in COP30 Climate Talks

 Date: July 28, 2025

Subject: Afghanistan’s environmental status

Johaan Joyson

Matiul Haq Khalis, head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (under Taliban rule), is urging inclusion of Afghanistan in the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil. Although Afghanistan joined COP29 as an observer, Khalis argues the nation now deserves full participation.

Despite contributing virtually no emissions, Afghanistan faces worsening environmental threats: droughts, flash floods, water scarcity, and declining agricultural yields. Decades of climate disruptions have hit the country hard—especially since post‑2021 policy and infrastructure setbacks halted critical environmental projects.

Khalis also highlighted Afghanistan’s untapped potential for solar and wind energy, which could help drive future resilience—if international aid and access are granted.

— Report Deck