Pakistan urges action on climate change

In response to a request of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion on obligations of states in respect of climate change, Pakistan has said if the world wants to protect lives and livelihoods and avoid an utter catastrophe, it must immediately act to protect the environment.

"As has often been said, we are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and undoubtedly the last generation that can do something about it.

"Pakistan urges you to deliver an opinion which meets the challenge climate change poses to our planet. For the human race, turning a Nelson's eye to the climate emergency is no longer an option. I thank you for your attention," said the opinion submitted by Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan.

The submission noted that people living along rivers in Pakistan are in constant danger of facing an even worse fate than hunger or thirst.

"In 2010, for example, those living in the catchment area of the great Indus River were hit by deadly floods of terrifying proportions."