Stories, Poetry and Local Perspectives from Pakistan
According to the latest IPCC report, around 40% of the world population is now “highly vulnerable” to climate change impacts. Extreme weather events such as heat waves, drought, flash floods or storms are caused by a disruption of the ecological balance and can be observed worldwide. These are not only one-time events that come and go. They leave behind damage and loss of flora, fauna, human beings, communities and livelihoods. They destroy parts of human settlements and make entire areas uninhabitable for humans and other living beings. They also leave long lasting socio-economical impacts and affect the way people live and are able to make a living. According to the Global Climate Risk Index by Germanwatch, Pakistan ranks as one of the most affected countries by climate change since more than 20 years and experiences more and more extreme weather conditions every year.
In the country/ In Pakistan, these disastrous impacts of climate change have been recognized at highest decision-making levels. The current government wants to pursue poverty eradication and socio-economic development through strategies focusing on eco-system restoration and mitigation of climate change. But: Progress can only be achieved if there is support from the general public. And this support can only be assured if there are reliable and accessible resources and information providing awareness about topics related to climate change for everyone. With this dossier we would like to contribute to this endeavor by publishing insights, analysis and perspectives from civil society on the nexus of transport patterns, energy policies and climate change in Pakistan. The dossier will serve as a knowledge platform that strengthens advocacy efforts of civil society and informs a broader audience.
We also attempt to raise awareness about issues and contexts that are very complex in nature and hence often remain within academic circles. In order to highlight such issues and initiate discussions around these topics, we have compiled contributions that narrate stories about people that have to cope with the consequences of climate change. Together with our partner Institute of Urbanism we have supported a cohort of eco-journalists from various backgrounds and various levels of experiences to contributed to this dossier. Each of their stories features their own regional and provincial backgrounds and related thematic focus. They highlight how climatic changes in our environment, resulting in extreme weather events, affect the people and other species in their locations and how they have found ways to adapt to these changes and challenges. All authors demand a greater attention towards a more sustainable development agenda that reflects the interests of people and of the environment.