As climate change continues to fuel environmental crises across the globe, experts are warning of another growing consequence: its deepening toll on human mental health.

Afghanistan, which is ranked among the six most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, remains ill-equipped to combat the escalating impacts of environmental degradation.

Environmental specialists say that the rising frequency of floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns is not only damaging livelihoods and infrastructure but also placing immense emotional and psychological stress on communities.

The effects are particularly severe in rural and impoverished regions, where people are already struggling with economic uncertainty and social instability.

“Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis, especially for countries like Afghanistan that are on the frontlines,” said one environmental health expert.

“The constant exposure to climate-related disasters, coupled with displacement and poverty, is leading to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and trauma.”

Afghanistan’s limited healthcare system—already under strain due to years of conflict and underinvestment—lacks the capacity to address the growing mental health needs brought on by environmental distress. Youth and marginalized populations, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this silent crisis.

Officials from the Islamic Emirate have acknowledged the escalating challenges and are urging the international community to depoliticize climate assistance.

They argue that Afghanistan needs renewed global support to resume stalled climate adaptation and development projects that were suspended after the 2021 political transition.

“Afghanistan did not create this crisis, yet we face its harshest consequences,” said a government spokesperson.

“The world must separate climate action from politics and help us build resilience—both environmentally and psychologically.”

Despite ongoing efforts to revive global climate initiatives in Afghanistan, political hurdles remain a major barrier.

Experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken, the mental health fallout of climate change could deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis, pushing already vulnerable communities further into distress.

Matiul Haq Khalis, General Director of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has called on Azerbaijan to support Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming international climate change conference scheduled to be held in Brazil this November.

Khalis met with Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, on the sidelines of the 11th Nevsky International Environmental Congress in St. Petersburg. During the meeting, Khalis emphasized the importance of Afghanistan’s involvement in global climate dialogue and requested Azerbaijan’s backing to ensure the country’s representation in the Brazil summit.

Minister Babayev expressed Azerbaijan’s full support, pledging to cooperate with Afghanistan on its participation in international environmental events. He also affirmed readiness for future collaboration through the signing of memorandums of understanding and the development of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s environmental sector.

The Afghan delegation’s presence at the recent climate conference hosted by Azerbaijan was also noted as a positive step in deepening bilateral environmental cooperation.

The Nevsky International Environmental Congress, now in its 11th session, brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, environmental experts, activists, and academic institutions. The forum serves as a platform to discuss pressing environmental issues, share best practices, and explore global strategies to address the escalating challenges of climate change.

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 shook Istanbul on Wednesday, Turkey’s AFAD disaster agency said, one of the strongest quakes to strike the city of 16 million in recent years.

There were no immediate reports of damage, but people evacuated buildings as the quake hit and shook the city, located on the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus strait.

The epicentre of the quake, which struck at 12:49 (0949 GMT) was in the area of Silivri, some 80 km (50 miles) to the west of Istanbul. It was at a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles), AFAD said.

Broadcaster TGRT reported that one person had been injured as a result of jumping off a balcony during the quake, which occurred during a public holiday in Turkey.

AFAD warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said the earthquake had a magnitude 6.02. It was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles) GFZ said.

(Reuters)