Evaluating the Effectiveness and Challenges of Climate Change Policies in Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Climate change poses a significant global issue affecting a wide range of sectors and countries. Despite emitting relatively low levels of greenhouse gases, Afghanistan is one of the countries most susceptible to climate change crises owing to its political, geographical, and socioeconomic factors. To tackle this global challenge, international initiatives such as the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement have been established to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies. In this study, we employed a policy analysis framework to evaluate Afghanistan's climate change policies and strategies. We conducted an extensive review of relevant documents and used Walt and Gilson's policy triangle framework to assess Afghanistan's approach to climate change governance. Our findings indicate that Afghanistan has actively participated in international climate agreements and has established institutional mechanisms, such as the NEPA, to address climate change. Policies and strategies, including the National Environment Strategy, the National Environmental Action Plan, and the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, demonstrate Afghanistan's commitment to integrating climate change considerations into its national development agenda. However, regarding effectiveness, these policies were largely theoretical and remained on paper, failing to have a significant impact on combating climate change. Afghanistan still faces several challenges, such as political instability, limited resources, and restricted access to climate financing, which hinder the successful implementation of these policies. Afghanistan's susceptibility to climate change requires concerted efforts to mitigate its impact and enhance its resilience. While international agreements offer frameworks for action, it is crucial to address these challenges through global cooperation and support, enabling Afghanistan to combat climate change effectively and safeguard its environment and population.