PRESSURE is mounting on industrialized nations to take firm and decisive actions to tackle climate change which has emerged as the biggest challenge of our time.
Recent climate fuelled catastrophic flooding in Pakistan which wreaked destruction on a large scale has raised alarm bells in the world, compelling the people to think that such kind of tragedy may also fall on them sooner or later.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that there is greater awareness amongst the public about the threat posed by global warming to the environment.
Protests have been staged by the young activists in four hundred and fifty locations worldwide including Germany, Japan and New Zealand demanding the rich countries to pay for the damage global warming is inflicting upon the poor countries.
The protests took place just a few weeks before this year’s U.N. climate summit, known as COP27, where vulnerable countries will push for compensation for climate-related destruction to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Indeed the developing countries are bearing the brunt of the irresponsible development of the industrialized nations.
It is hence incumbent upon them to compensate countries badly affected by climate change.
We are confident that the public of developed nations will be putting more pressure on their governments in the weeks and months ahead not only to open their coffers for the climate vulnerable countries but also drastically cut carbon emissions as it is vital for the protection of planet earth.
The climate moot to be held in Egypt in fact will be a litmus test for countries’ willingness to cooperate on climate action, despite the fractious geopolitical backdrop, as many governments scramble to tame soaring inflation and grapple with the upheaval in energy markets caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Whilst Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has forcefully presented Pakistan’s case at the UN General Assembly session by demanding climate justice, it is now up to the international community as to how it responds to the call of Pakistan.
Whilst several other leaders including the US President Joe Biden and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have also called for helping Pakistani flood victims, the assistance must not stay confined to rescue and relief efforts but also rebuilding the lives of those affected by the calamity.
It is the moral obligation of the major capitals and the international financial institutions to compensate Pakistan for the floods losses it suffered which at present are estimated to be around thirty billion dollars.
It is not only unprecedented rains which have wrought havoc but the stagnant water in several areas is unleashing a second disaster in the form of water borne diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already raised an alarm in this regard.
The meteorological department has additionally warned of a dengue breakout in several cities.
In Sindh province alone, some 71,398 people were logged by authorities the other day to have arrived for treatment at the various medical camps with complaints largely linked to waters.
Hence, the world will have to come in a big manner to help Pakistan overcome this multifaceted challenge.
The assistance must be substantial and should come forthwith to save the lives of those millions displaced by the flooding.
Apart from providing funds, giving relief in loans will also help our government to divert its resources to the rehabilitation of affected areas.
