Indeed the term “global warming” became a buzzword, especially after the dawn of industrialization accompanied by unnatural human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture have resulted in a dramatic increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in the human communities have to face extreme weather shocks and irrecoverable human and non-human loss.  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report reveals unnatural sea levels rise by up to 1.1 meters by the end of this century which shall inevitably put hundreds of millions of people at risk. Several issues such as food security, economic instability, displacement & migration, unusual brain drain, health issues, burgeoning rise in social issues, infrastructural damage, natural disasters, rise in incurable epidemics and endemic diseases, etc. However, the overall socio-economic setback of climate change would be uncontrollable by humankind despite the availability of technology, the use of AI, and innovative policy and plans. In addition to the socioeconomic crisis, global warming will intensify in heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires causing unbearable economic damage and loss of life on Earth.  There is no iota of doubt that the global communities have vowed to limit the warming to well below 2 degrees, but the target without the seriousness of potential players of global warming is a dream misinterpreted. Although, Paris Agreement 2015, pledged to play a significant role to mitigate the climate crisis in the real world, pragmatic and attainable efforts are still awaited.

Various developing countries Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh in Asia, Angola, Ethiopia, and Ghana in Africa, and Algeria, Egypt, and Iran in the Middle East and North Africa are most vulnerable to climate impact even though these countries contribute a small fraction of global greenhouse emissions but face climate-related hazards including extreme heat, droughts, floods, and various socio-economic maladies adding fuel to the fire. In addition to the food crisis, various societies are prone to face various immediate issues such as water scarcity, including population growth, urbanization, and mismanagement of water resources due to the increase in temperature by 0.6 degrees Celsius. This increase will exacerbate the existing water crisis in most of the thickly populated cities of Asia in particular and other communities in general.  Recent floods in Pakistan badly damaged economic losses of over $ 30 billion.

The recent floods in Pakistan as a case study should be delved deeper into to feel repercussions of the climate change in the region. These floods in Pakistan are not only restricted to economic loss but also caused the significant displacement of thousands of families which is a perpetual challenge to recover, rehabilitate, and rebuilt their lives. It also badly damaged wildlife and disturbed the ecosystem due to the untimely and hectic displacement of disturbed families. In addition, increased waterborne diseases, lack of access to clean water, and a healthy normal lifestyle are bigger challenges to cope with. To regain a normal life, a significant proportion of financial investment accompanied by new projects to meet infrastructural, healthcare and disaster preparedness are the most demanded agendas of the political leadership of the country. Further, we cannot ignore the nexus between the climate crisis and peace and tranquility in the society. The worsening law and order situations are the immediate cause of climate kicks in contemporary society.

The case of recent floods in Pakistan is just a pie of a major chunk that may be taken as an eye-opener for the global communities during the ongoing debates in the forthcoming session at COP28. There is no doubt that in the global village, Pakistan has the same position similar to any other country facing such issues due to climate change.  By realizing the climate crisis, developed countries are required to help developed one create a sustainable and resilient future for their people on the planet. There is no doubt that global communities have their own socioeconomic, politico-religious, normative, and regulatory requirements, but when the question of collective development arises, the entire global community in a global village should chalk out a universal agenda realizing the same degree and sincerity to help each other will possible efforts and determination. Putting one’s feet into others’ shoes can mitigate global wounds with first aid response; otherwise, isolated efforts will not help to harness sweet fruits for the entire globe.

A new agenda of the “Green New Deal” is the exigency of the time to realize to all in sundry.  Naomi Klein- a social activist and renowned author- in his book namely “On Fire” revealed a radical transformation of our economic and political system that depends solely on addressing the climate crisis. Various issues such as economic inequality, the rise of authoritarianism, poverty, hunger, famine, crime, health care, and other associate issues are immediate offshoots of global climate change. Indeed addressing the UN’s SDGs in totality directly depend upon the health of the planet Earth. A smooth eco-ecosystem can help global communities to live and let live. The anticipated COP28 can play a significant role to mitigate the climate crisis and can help developed as well as developing countries to feel the gravity and sensitivity of the climate issues in true spirit. A global un-breachable pact is required to be inked by the partner members to put in writings to help each other to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, institute eco-friendly industrial setups, and mobilize funding and technology transfer to support the bigger cause. Per se, it is high time to play a significant role from top to bottom level by involving all the global organizations preaching the climate message, governmental and non-governmental organizations to add climate concern in their core business values by vision and mission statements to be achieved, businesses men with a concern to believe in green deal, the academia to make the climate a compulsory part in their syllabi, curricula, lesson plans, and other stakeholders to engage in the dialogue and contribute to shaping global climate policy with new dimensions.

The ultimate purpose of COP28 will help global communities to accelerate pre-determined global action plans to help planet Earth with a sustainable and resilient future.  The prime message of COP28 is required to the extent of realization, and implementation of the global promises made during the series of conferences to manage the climate issue. The conference is also required to emphasize limiting global warming to 1.5°C with a firm determination and concrete evidence. A new model of reward system is expected to realize the sense of mandatory obligations and surely follow it for the sake of the survival of humankind on planet Earth. A collaborative, eco-friendly, promoting renewable energy project, reducing deforestation, and investing in a green economy will mobilize the global agenda to the extent of better benefit. Indeed COP28 should realize the collective efforts to strive hard to protect the planet Earth for generations to come.

The Author is Islamabad-based and Ph.D. Scholar.