The death and destruction from the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan over the summer has reignited the global debate on climate justice. There was a clear
climate change signal in the extreme weather event: An unprecedented monsoon preceded by a drought, with the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in history, and overall five times the 30-year average. The resulting devastation in a country of 220 million—1,717 deaths, 33 million affected, widespread damage to infrastructure, crops, and livestock—was compounded by existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
The government estimates total losses from the disaster at PKR 6.2 trillion ($30.1 billion), and that recovery will cost PKR 3.5 trillion ($16.3 billion) in addition to $816 million for rescue and relief. The situation is exacerbated by continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and external shocks like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and macroeconomic crisis. Disaster relief and humanitarian aid is pouring into Pakistan, but not nearly at the levels required.
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