Kabul’s Urban Explosion: A Climate Time Bomb
Kabul, Afghanistan, now houses over 40% of the nation’s urban population, a staggering figure revealed by recent reports. This rapid influx has led to a surge in informal settlements, lacking basic amenities and infrastructure.
These sprawling unplanned areas are home to a vast majority of Kabul’s residents, leaving them highly vulnerable. The lack of proper sanitation, clean water, and resilient housing puts immense strain on resources.
UN-Habitat has issued a stark warning. These informal settlements are increasingly exposed to the escalating climate risks facing Afghanistan. The potential for disaster is immense.
The agency stresses the urgent need for substantial investment in infrastructure and climate-resilient development. Failure to act swiftly risks exacerbating both the humanitarian crisis and environmental degradation.
This situation demands immediate attention from the international community and the Afghan government. The looming threat to millions underscores the critical need for collaborative action to prevent a catastrophic humanitarian and environmental collapse in Kabul. The stability of Afghanistan, and indeed the region, is inextricably linked to addressing this growing crisis.
