Meghan Hodges
Afghanistan is taking several steps to combat pollution, particularly air pollution, which has become a serious public health issue in the country. The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) monitors environmental issues in Afghanistan, and the country has also received support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 2002. UNEP has helped lay the foundations for sustainable development and has worked with the Afghan government to address land and resource degradation. In recent years, Afghanistan has made efforts to improve air quality, including monitoring airborne particulate matter, introducing subsidies for electric vehicles, and placing restrictions on fossil fuel power stations. Additionally, the use of wood and coal has decreased due to legislation and related initiatives, and municipalities have developed short- and long-term plans to pave dirt roads, which is expected to reduce air pollution. However, Afghanistan continues to face challenges in addressing pollution, particularly in Kabul, where vehicle emissions, diesel generator fumes, and industrial brick-making kilns contribute significantly to poor air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) |
| Affiliated Organizations | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) |
| Goals | Environmental conservation, sustainable development, environmental resilience, and sustainability |
| Strategies | Monitoring air and water quality, conducting assessments, providing technical assistance, strengthening environmental governance, implementing community-based natural resource management |
| Challenges | Political turmoil, geographic factors, social factors, conflict, drought, earthquakes, water pollution, inadequate waste management, air pollution, deforestation, population growth, inadequate urban planning |
| Progress | Improved electricity supply to cities, reduced use of solid fuel, development of environmental law, increased tree-planting initiatives, improved water access |
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What You'll Learn
- Improving air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, diesel fumes, and brick-kiln smoke
- Encouraging the use of LPG, which has lower emissions and is less expensive
- Converting dirt roads to concrete and asphalt, which could reduce air pollution by 15%
- Improving access to clean water and sanitation to reduce waterborne diseases
- The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) is working to conserve forests and reduce deforestation
Improving air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, diesel fumes, and brick-kiln smoke
Afghanistan has been facing serious environmental issues that have impacted both its people and natural environment. The country has been affected by a combination of political, geographic, and social factors, making it one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts. While Afghanistan contributes very little to global warming in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, it is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as droughts.
One of the major challenges is air pollution, particularly in the capital city of Kabul, which has gained a reputation for its poor air quality. The primary sources of air pollution in Kabul include vehicle emissions, diesel generator fumes, and smoke from brick-making kilns on the city's outskirts. The problem is exacerbated by the use of substandard and poor-quality fuels, as well as rapid population growth and inadequate urban planning.
To address this issue, Afghanistan has taken several steps to improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, diesel fumes, and brick-kiln smoke:
- The government, with the technical assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has developed an environmental law with clear articles on air pollution. This legislation has led to a notable decrease in the use of wood and coal, with many bakeries in Kabul switching to natural gas.
- The promotion of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as an alternative fuel source has been successful in reducing pollution levels. According to Mr. Scanlon, the use of LPG has likely halved the increase in pollution in Kabul over the last three years, and it is less expensive with lower emissions.
- Municipalities across Afghanistan are preparing short- and long-term plans to pave dirt roads with concrete and asphalt, which is expected to reduce air pollution by approximately 15%.
- Efforts are being made to improve the electricity supply to cities, reducing the reliance on solid fuel materials and resulting in better air quality.
- The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) has been actively involved in monitoring and addressing environmental issues in Afghanistan, including air pollution.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has also played a role in Afghanistan's efforts to improve air quality. They have conducted water quality testing, provided training on environmental health, and supported initiatives like the global #BreatheLife campaign, which promotes cleaner air in various countries.
- The Health Effects Institute's State of Global Air project has brought attention to Afghanistan's high per-capita rate of deaths from air pollution, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
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Encouraging the use of LPG, which has lower emissions and is less expensive
Afghanistan has been taking steps to encourage the use of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), which has lower emissions and is less expensive. This is particularly important as women and children spend hours collecting firewood for heat and cooking, leading to harmful fumes in cities like Kabul. LPG can reduce the time spent collecting firewood and the resulting fumes, freeing women to work more productively and allowing children to attend school.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has invested in increasing access to LPG, recognising its potential to improve the daily lives of Afghanistan's 28.4 million people. In 2018, ADB bought a 25% stake in Sungas LLC, a liquefied petroleum gas distributor, with an investment of up to $8 million. Sungas aims to build LPG distribution centres in major Afghan cities, starting with Kabul and Herat, and followed by Mazar-e-Sharif, Khandahar, and Pul-e-Qumri. This is a significant step towards improving access to cleaner energy, as LPG distribution by road is the most cost-effective option due to the absence of a nationwide pipeline network.
The demand for LPG in Afghanistan is expected to increase significantly. In 2008, national demand was only 250,000 tons, accounting for 14.4% of household fuel use. However, by 2019, it was forecasted to rise to 1.4 million tons. Sungas will import LPG from neighbouring countries like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and distribute it by truck to cylinder refilling stations for consumer purchase. This shift towards LPG can substantially reduce harmful fumes from firewood, benefiting the environment and public health.
Additionally, Russia's exports of LPG to Afghanistan have increased following European Union sanctions against Moscow. Afghanistan is the main consumer of Russian LPG in the region, and exports rose by 52% to 71,000 tons in 2025. This increase in supply can further contribute to the availability and affordability of LPG in Afghanistan, making it a more accessible alternative to firewood and other polluting fuel sources.
While Afghanistan promotes the use of LPG, it is also important to address other sources of pollution, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Comprehensive monitoring of air quality and the implementation of initiatives like the #BreatheLife campaign are crucial steps towards improving air quality and reducing emissions in Afghanistan.
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Converting dirt roads to concrete and asphalt, which could reduce air pollution by 15%
Afghanistan has been taking steps to combat the rising problem of air pollution in its major cities, which is causing serious harm to public health. One notable initiative is the plan to convert dirt roads to concrete and asphalt, which is expected to reduce air pollution by approximately 15%.
This initiative is particularly relevant given that vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in cities like Kabul, where the number of vehicles has led to a substantial increase in harmful pollutants in the air. By paving over dirt roads, the amount of dust and other particulate matter stirred up by traffic can be reduced, improving air quality.
While converting dirt roads can help mitigate air pollution, it is important to consider the environmental trade-offs. The production and application of asphalt and concrete can release harmful gases and contribute to climate change. For instance, asphalt is petroleum-based, while concrete production requires significant heat and energy, resulting in high emissions. Additionally, the expansion of roads and parking lots to accommodate growing vehicle numbers can lead to deforestation and habitat loss.
However, innovations in pavement technology offer potential solutions to these challenges. For example, porous concrete and asphalt can improve water drainage, reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, photocatalytic pavements made with titanium dioxide can break down pollutants, offering a self-cleaning, air-purifying surface that can mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions.
By balancing the benefits of converting dirt roads with the environmental impacts of pavement construction, Afghanistan can work towards reducing air pollution and creating a more sustainable future for its citizens.
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Improving access to clean water and sanitation to reduce waterborne diseases
Afghanistan has been facing a water crisis, with climate change causing record droughts and plummeting river levels. This has forced families to leave their homes in search of clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. UNICEF has been working to address this crisis by providing water pumps and sanitation facilities to villages, cities, schools, and health centers. They have also been trucking clean water and hygiene supplies to settlement camps for families displaced by droughts and other emergencies.
In addition to UNICEF's efforts, the United Nations has outlined Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This includes improving water quality, increasing water-use efficiency, and providing access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
The Afghan government has also taken steps to improve access to clean water and sanitation. With technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the government has developed environmental laws with clear articles on air pollution. These laws have led to a decrease in the use of wood and coal, with many bakeries in Kabul switching to natural gas.
Despite these efforts, 35% of Afghans still lack access to improved water sources, and only 39% have access to improved sanitation. Poor access to water and sanitation contributes to the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, which cause an estimated 10,000 deaths per year, mainly in children under five. It is crucial that Afghanistan continues to prioritize improving access to clean water and sanitation to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable members of society.
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The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) is working to conserve forests and reduce deforestation
Afghanistan has been facing environmental issues for decades, predating the recent political turmoil. The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) is working to address these issues and conserve forests, which are vital to the country's economy and the welfare of its people.
One of the primary challenges is deforestation, which has been caused by centuries of grazing and farming, and has been exacerbated by modern population growth. Afghanistan already has a low percentage of forested areas, with estimates ranging from 1.5% to 2.1%. To tackle this, NEPA has made felling trees illegal across the country. While this is a significant step, other measures are also required to effectively reduce deforestation and encourage reforestation.
NEPA, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is taking several actions to conserve forests. They are working to strengthen environmental governance and build institutions that can implement and oversee sustainable practices. This includes providing technical assistance to help fulfil administrative obligations related to environmental conventions and treaties. Additionally, they are conducting robust knowledge management and environmental outreach activities to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation among the public.
Furthermore, NEPA is addressing the specific issues contributing to deforestation. For example, in the Badghis and Takhar provinces, over 50% of pistachio woodland has been lost due to the collection of nuts for export and the use of woodlands for grazing. By understanding these province-specific issues, NEPA can develop targeted solutions, such as promoting sustainable harvesting practices and supporting alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on forest resources.
NEPA is also working to reduce pollution, which is another critical environmental concern in Afghanistan. Air pollution, particularly in Kabul, has become a notorious issue due to vehicle emissions, diesel generator fumes, and industrial activities. NEPA, with UNEP's assistance, has helped develop environmental laws and regulations to address these issues. They are also encouraging the use of cleaner fuels, such as LPG, and improving electricity supply to reduce the reliance on solid fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
Afghanistan has long lacked a proper sewage system and waste management infrastructure, which has contributed to both air and water pollution. The country also has a high reliance on fossil fuels, with residents burning wood, coal, oil, and rubber for warmth and energy. The country's industrial brick-making kilns, vehicles, and generators have also been identified as major sources of pollution.
Afghanistan has made felling trees illegal and has taken steps to plant more trees in urban areas. The government has also developed an environmental law with clear articles on air pollution, which has reduced the use of wood and coal. Municipalities across Afghanistan have also prepared plans to pave dirt roads, which is expected to reduce air pollution by 15%. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also been working with the country to build environmental resilience and sustainability.
Environmental experts have cited the need for the Afghan government to improve public transport and encourage investment in cleaner energy sources. Monitoring air and water quality can also help address pollution, and the UN has been working with the country to address these issues.
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