IN a chilling manifestation of climate change, Pakistan already reeling from the

2022 floods has again been beset by extreme weather events since the end of
February.

The recent unexpected deluge and snowfall have claimed the lives of at least 45
people, including 27 children, exposing Pakistans acute climate vulnerability and
lack of preparedness. Not only have these unexpected events resulted in a tragic
loss of life, they have also decimated homes, livestock, crops and infrastructure,
particularly in KP and Balochistan.

Amid this calamitous backdrop, Amnesty International has highlighted the need to
make the Loss and Damage Fund operational for Pakistan. Established at COP27 in
2022, this fund represents hope for climate-vulnerable countries like ours,
offering a means to pick up the pieces and rebuild following large-scale
devastation.

At COP28 last year, several countries pledged $420m. To date, commitments have
amounted to $661m, according to UNDP. It falls short of the billions of dollars of
finance needed to adequately capitalise the fund. According to UNEP, the UNs
leading environmental authority, developing countries require an estimated annual
financial commitment of between $215bn to $387bn throughout this decade. Even so,
it is a start.

Yet, as Amnesty International notes, there are delays in appointing the 26-member
board to manage the fund. Its inaugural board meeting, initially scheduled for
January, has been postponed, which, in turn, also calls into question a crucial
June deadline for the World Bank to confirm its willingness to host the fund under
conditions decided at COP28.

These delays threaten to derail the operationalisation of the fund within the 2024
timeline. The situation is unacceptable, given the scale of the crisis at hand and
the immediate need for financing to not only rebuild post-catastrophe but also to
invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Pakistans struggle against the forces of nature highlights a global imperative: the
need for rapid, decisive action to support those at the forefront of climate
changes impacts. High-income states, particularly those responsible for historical
greenhouse gas emissions, must honour their commitments to adequately bankroll the
fund.

This is not just a matter of financial assistance but a moral obligation to support
nations in dire need, ensuring they have the means to protect their most vulnerable
populations and safeguard their futures against the increasing wrath of climate
change.
IN a chilling manifestation of climate change, Pakistan already reeling from the
2022 floods has again been beset by extreme weather events since the end of
February.

The recent unexpected deluge and snowfall have claimed the lives of at least 45
people, including 27 children, exposing Pakistans acute climate vulnerability and
lack of preparedness. Not only have these unexpected events resulted in a tragic
loss of life, they have also decimated homes, livestock, crops and infrastructure,
particularly in KP and Balochistan.

Amid this calamitous backdrop, Amnesty International has highlighted the need to
make the Loss and Damage Fund operational for Pakistan. Established at COP27 in
2022, this fund represents hope for climate-vulnerable countries like ours,
offering a means to pick up the pieces and rebuild following large-scale
devastation.
At COP28 last year, several countries pledged $420m. To date, commitments have
amounted to $661m, according to UNDP. It falls short of the billions of dollars of
finance needed to adequately capitalise the fund. According to UNEP, the UNs
leading environmental authority, developing countries require an estimated annual
financial commitment of between $215bn to $387bn throughout this decade. Even so,
it is a start.

Yet, as Amnesty International notes, there are delays in appointing the 26-member
board to manage the fund. Its inaugural board meeting, initially scheduled for
January, has been postponed, which, in turn, also calls into question a crucial
June deadline for the World Bank to confirm its willingness to host the fund under
conditions decided at COP28.

These delays threaten to derail the operationalisation of the fund within the 2024
timeline. The situation is unacceptable, given the scale of the crisis at hand and
the immediate need for financing to not only rebuild post-catastrophe but also to
invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Pakistans struggle against the forces of nature highlights a global imperative: the
need for rapid, decisive action to support those at the forefront of climate
changes impacts. High-income states, particularly those responsible for historical
greenhouse gas emissions, must honour their commitments to adequately bankroll the
fund.

This is not just a matter of financial assistance but a moral obligation to support
nations in dire need, ensuring they have the means to protect their most vulnerable
populations and safeguard their futures against the increasing wrath of climate
change.