Global rights bodies urged to echo demand for climate justice
A boat stranded on the shore of Thatta after a flood. As a consequence of climate change, frequency of floods has increased, forcing entire communities living in the coastal areas to uproot themselves. After every devastation, fishermen, along with their meagre belongings are left with little choice to move elsewhere in search of livelihood. PHOTO: JAHANZEB TAHIR (@jt76007)
Developed nations responsible for highest carbon footprints should share responsibility for causing climatic catastrophes in Pakistan and other such countries affected by the climate change phenomenon.
Surendar Valasai Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister for Human Rights urged the international human rights organisations to echo the demand of Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for climate justice and ensure that the impact and redressal of climatic disasters are justifiably shared by the global community.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the PPP MPA from Tharparker said that the global climate emergency is having devastating effects on human rights as well.
Addressing climate change requires a crucial role of international human rights organisations and the world needs for urgent action to ensure a safe climate for humanity on the planet.
The PPP leader pointed out that Pakistan is among the world's top 10 nations most affected by climate change. Global warming is caused by uncontrolled and unabated greenhouse gases emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - mostly generated by industrialised nations - are taking a toll in poor countries."Countries that are responsible for greenhouse gases are the least vulnerable to climate change. However, those countries which are emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are the most vulnerable to the disastrous effects of climate change. Pakistan is one of them; others include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi and Niger. According to estimates the US alone is responsible for a quarter of all carbon emissions while the rest is shared by other industrialised nations," he added.
He stated Bilawal apprised the international community about its responsibility for working towards climate justice. Global warming is a global crisis, but its effects are borne by countries which are the least responsible for its causes.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2022.