UN official slams inadequate global support for Pakistan’s climate efforts

– United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Yahya criticized the lack of global support for Pakistan in combating climate change, urging ‘stronger solidarity’ with the nation to aid in the reconstruction of homes following the floods over two years ago.In 2022, floods inundated one-third of Pakistan especially affecting the southeastern Sindh and southwestern Balochistan provinces, impacting 33 million people, causing 1,739 deaths and resulting in $14.9 billion (Rs4.1 trillion) in damage and $15.2 billion (Rs4.2 trillion) in economic losses, according to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority.”One other thing we are concerned about is the lack of stronger solidarity for Pakistan around the reconstruction after the 2022 floods,” Yahya told Arab News on the sidelines of the Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference in Islamabad.He noted this was despite the fact that “Pakistan contributes even less than one percent of global emission and is in the top five countries impacted by climate change.”Yahya described it as “unjust” for Pakistan to be asked to take loans for rebuilding homes destroyed in floods and mitigating a crisis caused by other countries, noting that 20 countries were responsible for 80 percent of global emissions.”We obviously welcome the loans Pakistan has received but Pakistan should not be using or taking loans to rebuild things that it had very little to do with and that we think is not fair,” he added.The UN official maintained the world body consistently urged polluting countries, which have contributed to the climate change disaster, to do more and show solidarity and support to the countries bearing the brunt of the climate change impact.