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Climate change: Afghans on the front line

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: In northern Afghanistan, the residents don't often use the phrase - most don't even know it. But as they describe how increasingly extreme weather patterns are making their lives harder every year, they map out many of the symptoms of climate change.

By Joe Dyke

5 Nov 2014

Naim Korbon is rebuilding his house in northern Afghanistan after the worst floods in 40 years. The region has seen increasingly unpredictable weather in recent years, with experts suggest climate change is a factor. © Joe Dyke/IRIN

As a new UN report warns that "irreversible" climate change is affecting more people than ever, these Afghans are on the front line.

Naim Korbon says he is 90 years old, though he admits he does not really know. Either way he is too old to be carrying cement. Yet in the northern Afghan village of Rozi Bay in Balkh Province, he and his extended family are rebuilding their homes.

Earlier this year his life's work was destroyed as vicious floods cascaded through the area. It was, local experts say, the worst to hit the region in 42 years.

Read the full article on www.irinnews.org.