August, 31 2022, 11:22am EDT
Devastating Floods in Pakistan Highlight Urgency of Tackling Climate Crisis
Unprecedented flooding continues to devastate Pakistan, killing over 1000 people and affecting over 30 million people since June. This "monster monsoon" was supercharged by the climate crisis, and spurred on by the continued burning of fossil fuels. As communities in Pakistan race to prevent further damage, floodwaters threaten to cover a third of the country by the end of the season.
Rains that were meant to irrigate crops and replenish water supplies are currently 600 per cent higher than average in some South Asian regions, turning a welcome relief into a wave of destruction.
WASHINGTON
Unprecedented flooding continues to devastate Pakistan, killing over 1000 people and affecting over 30 million people since June. This "monster monsoon" was supercharged by the climate crisis, and spurred on by the continued burning of fossil fuels. As communities in Pakistan race to prevent further damage, floodwaters threaten to cover a third of the country by the end of the season.
Rains that were meant to irrigate crops and replenish water supplies are currently 600 per cent higher than average in some South Asian regions, turning a welcome relief into a wave of destruction.
Anam Rathor, Climate Action Pakistan says:
"Pakistan is drowning. The recent cataclysmic floods triggered by unprecedented monsoons and glacial melting are caused by climate change and have devastated my country. My people, who already have so little, struggle every day to survive in this colonial, capitalistic, patriarchal world, yet they lose more by no fault of their own. We are losing lives, livelihoods and dignity just so fossil fuel billionaires can profit more."
This year's IPCC climate impacts report stated that monsoon precipitation in South Asia will increase if global temperatures continue to rise beyond 1.5 degrees celsius. Now is the time for those most responsible for this crisis to step up and act. It is crucial that rich countries honor their commitments to phase out fossil fuels and assist nations like Pakistan with recovery from loss and damage caused by the climate crisis.
Shibayan Raha, 350.org South Asia Senior Organizer says:
"The scale of devastation in Pakistan is caused by climate breakdown, poverty and inequality. Climate action must go hand in hand with development if frontline communities are to have a fighting chance at a liveable future. While leaders debate emissions limits in conference rooms, the floodwaters will continue to rise. These catastrophes will not stop while the world waits to act, so any financial pledges to reduce carbon emissions must also include adaptation measures for countries like Pakistan."
350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
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