World Environment Day: Afghanistan’s Air Pollution Worsening Than Ever
Tawazon – World Environment Day arrives at a time when, according to United Nations reports, Afghanistan is among the countries most affected by climate change.
Environmental experts say that air pollution in Afghanistan is increasing day by day, and if timely action is not taken to control it, the country will face even greater challenges.
Abdul Hadi Achakzai an environmental expert says that in addition to air pollution, water pollution has also become a serious challenge in Afghanistan.
Speaking to Tawazon, he said that the most important issue is the fight against climate change.
He added: According to the United Nations, Afghanistan is among the ten countries most affected by climate change. Air pollution increases every year and water pollution is also a major concern. Surface and groundwater resources in Afghanistan have become polluted, posing a serious threat to the environment and the countrys future.
Mr. Achakzai said that the biggest challenge Afghanistan faces is the lack of resources and facilities, and so far no effective measures have been taken to address these problems.
Regarding solution, he said: First, financial and technical resources must be provided to combat the climate crisis. Forests should be protected, green areas expanded, and the causes of air pollution identified, many of which come from unpaved roads and the use of polluting fuels.
He also noted that factories, industrial parks, and unplanned urban construction are among the factors contributing to environmental pollution and degradation.
According to United Nations reports, Afghanistan is one of the countries most severely affected by climate change.
Various UN agencies have reported that Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to flash floods and natural disasters.
Deforestation, wildfires, the reduction of green spaces, and the rapid construction of high-rise buildings are also major causes of air pollution.
June 5 is celebrated worldwide as World Environment Day.
This day is the United Nations largest global platform for environmental awareness and one of the most important public campaigns for environmental protection.
Its purpose is to encourage people, governments, and international organizations to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and address climate change, pollution, and other environmental challenges.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972. In the same year, the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden, which is considered the first major global conference on environmental issues.
During the conference, countries discussed environmental degradation, the loss of natural resources, and the negative impacts of human activities.
After the conference, the United Nations General Assembly decided on December 15, 1972, to designate June 5 as World Environment Day because the Stockholm Conference had begun on that date.
The first official celebration was held in 1973. Since then, the day has been observed annually with a specific theme and slogan, with participation from governments, civil society organizations, and environmental activists around the world.
The main goal of World Environment Day is to raise public awareness about environmental issues and encourage practical action.
The day highlights the importance of preventing air, water and soil pollution, protecting forests, supporting wildlife and vegetation, combating climate change and using natural resources responsibly.