From 14th June this year, ongoing floods in Pakistan have caused catastrophic damage to life and livelihood. With over 1,500 dead, 2 million homes destroyed, 900 health facilities across the country damaged, and 3.6 million acres of crops affected, few have escaped the impact of the flooding.

While the extent of devastation caused may appear perfunctory to those living in well economically developed countries, the extreme weather conditions in Pakistan this year are not normal. There has been an unmistakable rise in extreme weather across the globe this year, from record-breaking heatwaves in the UK, to tropical storms hitting large swathes of Africa and Madagascar, leaving 124,000 with their homes destroyed, to intense wildfires burning their way through Europe. The flooding crisis in Pakistan is only one of many freak weather incidents that point to the underlying issue of climate change.

Extreme weather conditions – including cyclones, typhoons, and flooding – are all symptoms of climate change. The rise of sea levels due to glacial melting increases the impacts of coastal storms and floods, while rising heat levels create further stress during droughts. The continued burning of fossil fuels – primarily by certain countries, including China, India, and the USA (with a third of all carbon emissions being emitted by the same 20 companies) – creates the perfect conditions for freak weather conditions to flourish and for people to perish. The impact of these conditions is even higher in areas where healthcare systems and emergency measures are not well-established, creating the perfect environment for many millions to suffer.

According to the World Bank, Pakistan has accounted for 0.4% of carbon emissions from 1959 – a miniscule fraction compared to those of wealthier countries – but is listed as one of the most climate-vulnerable places in the world. It is in a precarious position and is looking to be nudged into an ever-worsening state due to the unfettered carbon emissions of other countries. The lives lost due to unprecedented levels of flooding can – and should – be classed as climate-based casualties, and the continued onslaught of issues caused by climate change highlight the desperate need for action from world leaders.

Charity Spotlight

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), formed in 1963, is a group of charities contributing to mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters and humanitarian crises. By raising funds to deliver emergency aid to the most impacted areas across the globe, DEC have notably coordinated appeals for donations for victims of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, raising a total of £107 million; more recently, they have targeted aid towards victims of flooding in Pakistan this year. Their work is more important than ever, particularly with the anticipated rise in climate-based casualties.

You can find out more information on the activities of the committee and how to donate at: https://www.dec.org.uk

Internal Opportunities

Lawyers without Borders x UoM will be hosting a Christmas raffle and bake sale on Friday 9th December, open to all students.

More information on location and timings can be found on our Instagram: @uom_lwob

Student Action is a group of students working in the community to address prominent issues in Manchester, under the UoM Students Union. To join one of their projects across the city and give back, you can apply to volunteer through their volunteer hub here. You can learn more at: https://manchesterstudentsunion.com

External Opportunities

Climate Action is an organisation supplying online resources for consumers who want to make themselves aware of climate-based issues. With news from around the world of the latest in climate-based policy, directories on companies’ carbon footprints, and videos for those who want to learn more about the climate-based issues, Climate Action’s website is a valuable resource.

More information can be found at: https://www.climateaction.org

Discuss the Climate Crisis, get involved via the Manchester Friends of the Earth and 10,000 Actions Challenge and donate to the Natural Resources Defence Council

Discuss the story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, get involved via Amnesty International and help get assistance to those who need it during the UK’s cost-of-living crisis.

Discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict, get involved via the Students’ Union Appeal and UK-Med and donate to the hunger crisis in Greater Manchester