Pakistan flooding tragedy inflicted by climate change - Britain and US offer a pittance in aid

 

Pakistan flooding tragedy inflicted by climate change

Britain and US offer a pittance in aid

Trade unionists respond to appeals for help

With several different regions of Pakistan experiencing disasters simultaneously then since June, over 33 million Pakistanis – around 14% of the total population - have been affected by incessant heavier than usual monsoon rains and glacier meltwater - brought on by a severe heat wave - and flooding. 1,600 people are reportedly killed whilst homes and livelihoods of millions have been destroyed in the deadliest floods since 2010. Over 10 million have been made homeless and crops and livestock have been destroyed. Food security is now a major problem.

The floods are a reminder of the horrifying climate future facing billions worldwide as weather systems shift violently, imposing droughts on some regions and overwhelming others in water.

World Bank officials have put the economic damage at some $40 billion, including everything from collapsed bridges and roads to destroyed crops. The response of Britain, which produces 1.3% of global carbon emissions, and the US, which produces 14% of global carbon emissions, in offering £25m and $53 respectively – has been puny especially for what Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman said was a record-breaking climate event that has never been witnessed in the history of the world. Pakistan itself produces just 0.5% of global carbon emissions.

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), the global union federation of trade unions in the building, wood, forestry and allied industries

The BWI groups together around 350 trade unions, including UNITE, representing around 12 million members in 135 countries. Unite’s Gail Cartmail is one of the BWI vice presidents.

BWI trade union affiliates have provided emergency relief and humanitarian assistance to communities left devastated by the floods and have distributed food supplies, drinking water, basic medicines, clothing and mosquito nets. Unionists have also assisted with the preparation of temporary shelters. 

Trade unionists internationally have financially supported these efforts. Unite community member Tony from Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire has donated £100. Tony’s home has been flooded on a number of occasions in recent years. “I feel a strong sympathy with Pakistanis who have been left with virtually nothing as a result of recent events. Also, when I was flooded the local Pakistani community were brilliant in providing hot food for residents”. Calderdale TUC is also sending £100.

Ch. Abdul Rehman Aasi, Secretary General, Bhatta Workers Federation (BWF), an affiliate of the BWI in Pakistan expressed gratitude on the global solidarity, "Pakistan experienced one of the worst floods in recent times, a disaster attributed to the phenomena of climate change and affected millions of citizens in the country. Loss of lives and livelihood, damage to crops, housing and key infrastructure caused widespread misery. Our union and local cadre have been on the ground rendering assistance in all possible manner and distributed relief supplies to workers' families. We are grateful for the emergency relief and humanitarian assistance as part of global solidarity extended to us in our hour of crisis."

Meanwhile, Gail Cartmail has reported that “the recent BWI Congress dedicated a major debate to the impact of climate change, especially as felt by the global south and a plan of action will be embedded in the BWI future work plan”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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