Climate accountability

That the UN has revised its humanitarian appeal for Pakistan almost five-fold — from $160 million to $816 million — is rather telling of the extent of devastation caused by this year’s monsoon season and recent floods. These revisions have come about in the light of “a second wave of death and destruction” that is now slowly being witnessed in the aftermath of the floods. The UN fears that even this might not be enough to cope with the wicked problems that are emerging in flood-affected regions.

This “second wave” will mostly be in the form of a healthcare crisis as affected regions will witness an increase in child morbidity, malnutrition, hunger and disease. With healthcare centres and standing crops also destroyed by the floods, it is more necessary than ever to provide aid and relief to vulnerable communities. It is not just a matter of funds and resources but also continued and concerted efforts on the part of local bodies as well as international organisations.

This disaster is indeed a direct consequence of climate change that have caused unprecedented rain and melting of glaciers. Therefore, there is a direct connection between the climate disasters occurring in Pakistan and harmful activities that are rampantly occurring in First World countries over the course of decades. Accountability must include the idea of reparations. Those who have been highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions must pay a price, which should be used for mitigating climate disasters occurring in the developing world.

Indeed, the international community is moving towards climate accountability at the global level but changes are taking place at a snail’s pace. There isn’t much time, as asserted by many reports, before we cross the irreversible phase. Countries must collectively combat the crisis now and hold major emitters accountable.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2022.

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