KARACHI:
The unprecedented rainfall last year coupled with glacier melts in the Himalayas led to catastrophic flooding across Pakistan. One-third of the country was inundated with water resulting in losses worth US$10 billion. This put a severe strain on the already dwindling economy. Pakistan is among the top ten countries most affected by climate change.
Between 1999 to 2018, the country witnessed 152 extreme weather events, accruing losses of almost US$3.5 billion. Pakistan has vehemently contributed to improving climate conservation by participating in movements by the United Nations Development Programme and undertaking its own efforts. Some of those missions include Clean and Green Pakistan, Protected Areas Initiative, Recharge Pakistan, Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Initiative, etc. Yet the country is struggling to cope with emerging climate challenges as it lacks the resources to build climate-resilient infrastructure and empower local populations.
Pakistan is responsible for less than 1% of global carbon emissions, but it continues to bear the consequences of the developed countries’ activities. The climate crisis has exposed the double standards of the developed world, which has sidelined vulnerable countries like Pakistan and failed to facilitate them. The developed countries need to do more than just make tall claims and speed up support to Pakistan to help the country fight climate challenges. Developed countries also need to avoid wars and excessive use of fossil fuels as they can potentially destroy the entire human race. Climate change activists and international organisations need to increase advocacy and must hold developed countries accountable for their actions.
Sajid Ali
Khairpur Nathan Shah
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
