Pakistan is considered the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change. Research indicates that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are on the rise in Asian countries due to climate change. Despite Pakistan contributing minimally to climate change, it is among the most affected nations, attributed to factors such as unplanned urbanization, city expansion, deforestation, and glacier melting due to high temperatures, and other factors. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) declared April 2024 as the wettest month in the last six decades. In May, 26 district swelters in the heat and first heat wave lasted till 30th May and two more heat waves have been predicted in June 2024.
People living in poverty and working in informal settlements often have limited or no access to measures to confront heat waves. Among the most vulnerable are those working outdoors, such as agricultural laborers, construction workers, factory workers, delivery riders, and street vendors. The issue remains unchanged in 2024. In 2023, Amnesty International published a report titled “A Burning Emergency: Extreme Heat and The Right to Health in Pakistan,” highlighting the challenges faced by daily wage workers during the heat wave of 2021 through conducted interviews. The report emphasized that informal sector (blue collar) workers faced more challenges compared to white-collar workers due to their lower earnings and limited opportunities to rest, given the precarious nature of their work, which is less regulated in Pakistan.
A truck driver shared that he was unable to take long breaks because he worked on a daily wage basis. As temperatures rose, drivers resorted to taking frequent showers, short breaks under shade, and drinking water instead of stopping work, as they feared losing their pay if they ceased working. Individuals belonging to low-income groups cannot afford expensive cooling methods for their homes, such as air conditioning units, solar panels, or other renewable energy resources. However, even basic methods of keeping their homes cool can consume up to 30% of their incomes.
The report highlighted the situation of delivery riders and security guards as they have to continue doing their work if they are feeling hot. They mentioned that to cope up, these workers have no choice except to use inadequate measures such as using wet towels on their heads to stay cool. The report further highlighted that workers (mainly brick kiln) are under paid hence they unable to afford, ice, water and other cool drinks. Food items likewise unaffordable for them that can be eaten to reduce the affect of summers such as yogurt, milk, sherbet etc.
In Pakistan, public health officials advise people to avoid heat exposure during heat waves without considering whether individuals have the ability to stay indoors, negotiate different working hours (like night work), or afford to miss work. They may not have the means to secure adequate water, healthcare facilities, or food if they are unable to work, as they consume what they earn on a daily basis. For many, working is the only means to meet daily expenses. Additionally, with 71.1% of the labor force employed in the informal sector, there is limited social protection coverage and no unemployment benefits. The impact of climate change can be mitigated through well-designed and well-resourced social protection programs. However, in countries like Pakistan, where the overall social protection framework is weak, integrating climate change measures becomes a complex task. Isn’t climate change mitigation mechanism adaptation being as important as Artificial intelligence? Why is there less focus on this pressing issue, given its significant long-term impact on the economy?
However, in the of escalating climate challenges both the federal and provincial governments, including authorities in Punjab and Sindh, are urged to develop robust heat action plans meticulously aligned with human rights and labour rights and standards advocated by the ILO and WHO. Priority is placed on safeguarding vulnerable demographics from the detrimental health consequences of heatwaves through precise identification and implementation of protective measures, ensuring accessibility for all. Furthermore, a pivotal shift in social protection strategies is underscored, urging to adopt universal social protection, cognizant of climate-related risks. Beyond national borders, the international community, especially affluent nations, is implored to substantially augment climate funding, striking a harmonious balance between mitigation and adaptation endeavors. Specific focus is directed towards furnishing financial and technical assistance for climate adaptation measures in Pakistan, particularly targeting high-risk populations vulnerable to heat extremes. In conclusion, Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate change-induced heatwaves underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate its impact.
