Pakistan is facing a severe crisis as heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant destruction and loss of life. The country’s climate change minister, Musadiq Malik, has expressed deep concern over what he calls a "crisis of injustice" regarding the allocation of funding for climate-related issues. He highlighted that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing only a tiny fraction to global carbon emissions.
Since the start of the monsoon season, at least 32 people have died in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces due to the extreme weather. This follows a tragic pattern, as last month also saw 32 fatalities from severe storms. In 2022, Pakistan experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged a third of the country, affecting around 33 million people and resulting in over 1,700 deaths.
Malik pointed out that while countries like China and the United States are responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, the majority of green funding goes to just a few nations. He stressed that 85% of green financing is allocated to the top 10 emitting countries, leaving the rest of the world, including Pakistan, with only 10 to 15% of the available funds. This funding shortfall has serious consequences, as Pakistan needs an estimated $40 to $50 billion annually until 2050 to address its climate challenges.
In response to the dire situation, Pakistan has received some international support. Earlier this year, pledges of about $10 billion were made, but the country has only received $2.8 billion so far. The International Monetary Fund has also committed $1.3 billion for a climate resilience program, but Malik insists that these amounts are insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
The impact of climate change in Pakistan is profound. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, leading to increased flooding and threatening communities. The destruction has swept away not just land but also vital infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. This loss has devastating effects on education and healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Amnesty International recently reported that Pakistan’s healthcare and disaster response systems are struggling to meet the needs of those most at risk from extreme weather events. The organization highlighted that children and older individuals are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks of illness and death due to climate-related crises.
As the situation continues to unfold, the need for equitable climate funding and effective disaster response in Pakistan has never been more urgent. Without adequate support, the country will face ongoing challenges in combating the effects of climate change and protecting its most vulnerable citizens.