Pakistan Faces Deadly Floods, Climate Injustice, $15B Losses

Pakistan is facing a severe climate crisis marked by deadly flooding and extreme weather, with at least 32 deaths reported in recent flash floods across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The country is one of the most climate-vulnerable globally, suffering from recurring disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Pakistan’s climate change minister, Musadiq Malik, has called the situation a "crisis of injustice," criticizing the insufficient and uneven allocation of green financing, as wealthy nations responsible for most emissions provide only a fraction of the funding needed. The 2022 floods alone submerged a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people and causing billions in economic losses. Chronic mismanagement and poor urban planning exacerbate the impact of natural disasters, with inadequate rescue services and rapidly expanding slums increasing vulnerability. International financial commitments, including pledges and loans, fall short of Pakistan’s estimated annual need of $40 to $50 billion to address climate change challenges effectively.