The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) in a joint press conference with the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) said that almost 21 million people in Afghanistan don’t have access to drinking water due to the climate changes. 

The deputy of NEPA, Abdul Salam Haqani, said that climate change has destroyed half of the three percent of forested lands in the country.

“21 million people, which is half of the population of the country, face a lack of water and do not have access to drinking water. The rain has decreased by 37%,” he added. 

According to the head of the climate change department of NEPA, Rohullah Amin based on the estimates in 2020, $20 billion will be needed to address the problems caused by the climate changes. 
 
“In Afghanistan, the fight against the effects of climate change has been estimated at $20 billion. Of which, $12 billion is dedicated to climate change adaptation and remaining $7.5 billion for reducing the spread,” he added. 

The deputy of MoHE, Lutfullah Khairkhwah, who also attended the conference, informed the organization of a global conference under the title of climate change in Nangarhar University in the next few days.

Lutfullah Khairkhwah emphasized that besides the domestic lecturers, lecturers and experts from 8 countries will participate in the conference and they will share for public awareness articles about the prevention of the effects of climate change, he said. 

“All the aspects of our lives which are affected by climate changes, should be scientifically proven,” said Lutfullah Khairkhwah. 

Officials in Nangarhar University said that the conference will last for three days and participants will join online and in-person.