The crux of the problem is that what we call natural disasters are actually man-made disasters, caused by global warming and harming the inheritors of this planet
- The question is: how can a displaced, mentally and physically vulnerable, and out-of-school child become the future leader of our planet?
By: Shabana Meer
Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, reformers, and visionaries, tasked with making the world a peaceful, secure, and habitable place for all living beings. This vision can only become a reality if we hand them a healthy planet for their future. Unfortunately, the decision-makers around the world have not yet fully grasped the urgency of climate change. This is not merely a problem but a matter of human survival on Earth.
Since the 1800s, we have observed changes in weather patterns, driven by industrialization and the increased energy demands of manufacturing. The continued reliance on fossil fuels—such as gas, coal, and oil—has led to the emission of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane), which are causing global temperatures to rise. If this trend continues unchecked, it could threaten the survival of all living things on the planet.
Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, world leaders convened at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on December 12, 2015. At this conference, 196 countries signed an international treaty aimed at limiting the rise in global average temperature to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of limiting the increase to 1.5°C.
Despite these efforts, the rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and droughts. These events contribute to melting glaciers, diminishing forests, and polluted oceans, all of which harm biodiversity and ecosystems.
According to a report by Save the Children, “globally, an estimated 1.2 billion children live in areas at high risk of flooding, severe drought, or other climate threats. Many of these children’s families depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, which affects their ability to survive, learn, and feel protected.”
Read: Impacts of Climate Change: Thar can reduce its vulnerability
UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index identifies Pakistan as a climate hotspot, ranking it 14th out of 163 countries and regions for climate risk to children. In Pakistan, poor governance and ineffective government institutions have hindered progress in addressing climate change. As a result, the country has seen limited success in controlling rising temperatures. For instance, on May 24, 2024, CNN reported that temperatures at Mohen-jo-Daro, Sindh, reached 52.2°C (126°F)—a record high for the region.
Additionally, data from UNICEF indicate that in 2022, heavy monsoon rains affected 33 million people in Pakistan, including approximately 16 million children. Moreover, according to National Disaster Management Authority the outbreak of malaria cases, the incidence of diarrhea was at least five times higher especially in Sindh and Baluchistan during the flood while more than 1 in 9 children under five admitted to health facilities had suffered from severe acute malnutrition. Whereas, more than 3.5 million children’s education was interrupted due to the impact of floods.
The crux of the problem is that what we call natural disasters are actually man-made disasters, caused by global warming and harming the inheritors of this planet. Regrettably, according to the most recent data from Global Carbon Atlas the five countries that produce the world’s highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are China, the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan. Nevertheless, these countries are often hypocritical in addressing the problem due to their immediate gains. The question is: how can a displaced, mentally and physically vulnerable, and out-of-school child become the future leader of our planet?
The most recent COP 28 conference held in Dubai on 30 November to 12 December operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund for developing countries that, although not directly responsible for climate change, suffer the most from its impacts. While this initiative is a step in the right direction, it is not a long-term solution. To address the root cause, all countries need to take serious steps to end the use of fossil fuels. However, many developing countries, plagued by poor and corrupt governance, are not yet working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve the 2030 target. It is high time for all nations to prioritize the planet over self-interest and commit to honest, long-term solutions for climate change.
Read: Understanding the devastating impact of climate change
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The writer is a government officer based in Hyderabad
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