Pakistan and the Climate Crisis: UNGA Talks and Global Responsibility
Introduction: A Country on the Frontline of a Global Emergency
In the world of climate diplomacy, Pakistan doesn’t just participate — it pleads.
Not because it’s a major polluter, but because it’s among the most vulnerable. From glacial melts in the north to floods in the south, Pakistan’s geography has become a frontline in the global climate crisis — and the country has been using its voice at the United Nations to demand one thing: climate justice.
At past UN General Assembly (UNGA) sessions, Pakistan has highlighted that it contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, yet suffers some of the most devastating consequences.
🌧️ The Wake-Up Call: Pakistan’s 2022 Floods
Much of Pakistan’s climate messaging at the UN intensified after the 2022 floods, which displaced over 33 million people. The visuals were heartbreaking. Cities drowned. Villages washed away. Crops destroyed.
This humanitarian catastrophe became a central talking point at the UNGA 77th Session (2022), where Pakistan told the world:
“This is not charity we seek — it’s climate compensation.”
🎤 What Pakistan Said at UNGA 2022–2024
1. “Loss and Damage” Must Be Funded
Pakistan repeatedly pushed the idea that developed nations — the biggest polluters — must pay into a global fund to compensate developing countries for climate-related losses.
This idea, long ignored, was finally adopted at COP27, thanks in part to the groundwork laid by countries like Pakistan during UNGA discussions.
2. Global Climate Injustice Must Be Addressed
At UNGA 2023 and 2024, Pakistan again emphasized:
- Disparity between emission responsibility and climate impact
- The need for fair access to green finance and technology
- Support for climate-resilient infrastructure in Global South nations
“We are not asking for favors. We are asking for fairness.”
— Pakistan’s Delegate at UNGA 2023
3. Glaciers, Water & Security
Pakistan highlighted how:
- Its glaciers are melting faster than predicted, threatening long-term water supplies
- Climate change fuels conflict, displacement, and poverty
- South Asia’s future depends on climate cooperation, not competition
These warnings aren’t just about the environment — they’re about security, health, and survival.
🌐 Key Allies & Partnerships at the UN
Pakistan has found strong support from:
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) who face rising sea levels
- African and Asian nations with similar climate vulnerability
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who visited Pakistan in 2022 and called the floods a “wake-up call for the world”
Through coalitions like G77 + China, Pakistan continues to advocate for collective bargaining on climate finance, justice, and reforming global systems.
🔍 What Still Needs to Happen
Despite strong speeches and growing support:
- Climate financing for Pakistan remains slow and inconsistent
- Green energy partnerships are underdeveloped
- Structural barriers in UN agencies and global financial institutions remain a major challenge
✊ Pakistan’s Climate Voice Matters — Now More Than Ever
Pakistan’s role in climate diplomacy is bigger than its economy and louder than its carbon footprint. It has become a moral voice, reminding the world that the fight for climate justice is not just about emissions — it’s about equality, dignity, and survival.
As the world heads toward more extreme weather, Pakistan will likely continue using the UN as a platform not just for warnings, but for real demands, shared solutions, and international responsibility.
