An Amnesty International report on Monday urged the need for global action to be taken in light of a series of extreme heat waves wreaking havoc on human rights in Pakistan.
Its new report titled “A Burning Emergency: Extreme heat and the Right to Health in Pakistan” released on World Environment Day examined the impacts of extreme heat in Pakistan on people’s lives and right to health and livelihoods. It highlighted the struggles of people living in poverty in some of the hottest cities in the world.
“Pakistan is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Climate injustice is starkly visible, with its people facing disproportionately severe consequences, often life-threatening, despite their small contribution to climate change.
“Tackling a climate crisis of this scale requires global attention and action. Wealthier countries must make no mistake about the important role they play,” said Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director in South Asia, Dinushika Dissanayake.
“On World Environment Day, we hope our report serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility towards some of the most marginalised people exposed to extreme temperatures. They are being forced to live in torrid conditions, as these searing temperatures rise every year while we idly let time go by.
Without further delay, wealthier countries must demonstrate a decisive commitment to reduce emissions, rapidly phase out fossil fuels and provide funds to support people to adapt and quickly operationalise the Loss and Damage fund established at COP27,“ he said.
