UN Warns Afghanistan’s Cities Are Facing a Severe and Worsening Air Pollution Crisis

KABUL – The United Nations has issued a stark warning about a deteriorating public health emergency in Afghanistan, stating that the nation’s major urban centers are grappling with a severe air pollution crisis that threatens the well-being of millions of residents.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) identified a combination of unchecked vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and the widespread burning of coal and plastic for winter heating as the primary drivers of the dangerously poor air quality.

A Perfect Storm of Pollutants

The crisis peaks during the harsh winter months when temperatures plummet. With limited access to reliable electricity and clean energy sources, a vast number of households and businesses are forced to burn whatever materials are available and affordable. This often includes low-quality coal and, alarmingly, plastic waste, which releases a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.

This problem is compounded by aging vehicle fleets running on low-grade fuel and a lack of emissions regulations for industries. Cities like Kabul, situated in a high-altitude bowl surrounded by mountains, are particularly vulnerable, as the topography traps polluted air close to the ground, creating a thick, persistent smog.

Direct Threat to Public Health

UN-Habitat emphasized that the consequences for public health are dire and already being felt. Medical professionals in urban areas report a sharp seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer. The most vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions—face the greatest risk.

“The pollutants in the air are not just an environmental issue; they are a direct assault on public health,” a UN official stated. “We are seeing a rise in hospital admissions that correlates directly with the onset of winter and the corresponding spike in pollution levels.”

A Call for Coordinated Action

In response to the escalating threat, UN-Habitat outlined a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the crisis. The agency is promoting the adoption of clean energy alternatives, such as solar power and energy-efficient heating solutions. Efforts are also underway to support the expansion and electrification of public transportation and to develop more urban green spaces, which can help filter pollutants from the air.

However, the UN stressed that these measures require robust support and immediate action. The agency is urgently calling on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities and the international community to prioritize environmental protection and invest in sustainable solutions.

“Without stronger environmental policies, effective regulation, and a concerted push towards cleaner energy alternatives, the air quality in Afghanistan’s cities will continue to deteriorate,” the warning concluded. “The cost of inaction will be measured in millions of lives affected and long-term damage to the country’s environmental future.”

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