Posted on 07 June 2023
On World Environment Day, Amnesty International released a report expressing grave concern for the levels of heat in Pakistan, and the severe consequences it poses for the population's health and livelihoods.
In the report describing the situation as a “burning emergency”, Amnesty International interviewed people living in Jacobabad and Lahore, some of the hottest places on the planet, to gain insight into these realities.
“Pakistan is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Climate injustice is starkly visible, with its people facing disproportionately severe consequences, often life threatening, despite their small contribution to climate change”, said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director in South Asia.
The report calls on the Pakistan Government to protect vulnerable populations, and urges action from the global community. “On World Environment Day, we hope our report serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility towards some of the most marginalised people exposed to extreme temperatures. Tackling a climate crisis of this scale requires global attention and action. Wealthier countries must make no mistake about the important role they play.”