Introduction
The intensifying impact of climate change has become a global concern, evident from the recent surge in extreme temperatures, such as forest fires in Canada and heatwaves in Siberia. Unfortunately, the situation is only expected to worsen, particularly for countries like Pakistan. Amnesty International’s South Asia office recently published a groundbreaking report that sheds light on the rising heat and its dire consequences for Pakistan. The report emphasizes the violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution, encompassing economic, social, and general accessibility rights, especially for vulnerable groups. In this article, we delve deeper into the report’s findings, examining the urgent need for action, international support, and comprehensive heat action plans for every district in the country.
Rising Heat: A Threat to Fundamental Rights
According to Amnesty International’s regional director, the scorching summer months of 2021 and 2022 witnessed a severe impact on human rights due to the extreme heat in Jacobabad, Pakistan. Insufficient resources and a lack of capacity to cope with the rising heat wave resulted in infringements upon the right to health, housing, and social security.
The report underscores the failure of both Pakistani authorities and the international community to recognize the immediate need for decisive action to combat these challenges. It highlights how ordinary people’s lives, their right to health, and even their right to life are being adversely affected. Pakistan, despite having minimal contribution to climate change, finds itself among the 35 most vulnerable states globally while ranking a mere 149th in readiness for adaptation, as per the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative.
Funding and Climate Adaptation Measures
The report directs attention towards the responsibility of Pakistan’s international development partners in supporting the country’s adaptation and mitigation measures. It stresses the urgent requirement for climate financing and technical capacity to effectively respond to heatwaves and catastrophic floods.
The National Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Pakistan, formulated in 2016, estimated an annual expenditure of 7 to 14 billion US dollars to address climate change impacts. Despite Pakistan’s pressing needs, the fulfillment of this obligation by industrialized nations remains lacking. The report highlights the significance of climate adaptation financing to ensure that Pakistan can adequately meet its requirements and tackle the mounting challenges it faces.
Building Heat Action Plans
To effectively address the rising heat crisis, the report emphasizes the crucial role of the Pakistani government in implementing comprehensive heat action plans for every district in the country. By doing so, responsibility can be localized, enabling relevant steps to be taken promptly during heatwave incidents.
These plans should encompass measures such as creating cooling centers, ensuring access to clean water, providing adequate healthcare facilities, and implementing sustainable urban development practices. Additionally, the report calls for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about heat-related risks and appropriate preventive measures.
Conclusion
The Amnesty International report presents a compelling case for urgent action and international support to combat the escalating heat crisis in Pakistan. The violation of fundamental rights, the lack of climate adaptation financing, and the urgent need for comprehensive heat action plans require immediate attention. It is crucial for Pakistan’s international development partners to fulfill their responsibilities and provide the necessary resources and technical expertise.
Simultaneously, the Pakistani government must take proactive measures by establishing heat action plans at the district level to protect the population from the adverse impacts of heatwaves. Only through collective efforts can Pakistan navigate the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard the well-being and rights of its people.
