The contemporary world grapples with the repercussions of climate change, a grave issue that, if not addressed earnestly, will escalate into severe environmental crises. This problem transcends specific regions, casting its shadow across the entire globe. It directly manifests in global warming, wildfires, floods, storms, severe droughts, and hurricanes, escalating both in frequency and intensity over time.  

Climate change does not afflict all nations in proportion to their contributions. Developed nations, despite playing a minimal role in instigating climate change, face more severe consequences. The responsibility for the majority of extreme climate changes rests with developed countries, while low-income communities in developing nations bear the brunt of these repercussions. The concept of “climate justice” has emerged to rectify this imbalanced relationship between countries causing climate change and those primarily affected, aiming to identify the root causes of climate crises and alleviate their impact on developing nations. 

Climate change poses a threat to various human rights, with the World Health Organization predicting 250,000 annual deaths between 2030 and 2050 from malnourishment, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone. This crisis infringes on the right to life, water, sanitation, housing, and health. Displacement resulting from floods deprives people of their right to self-determination and cultural identity, impacting economic activities due to extreme weather conditions. 

A significant dimension of human rights violations due to climate change is the global health risk. High temperatures contribute to heat strokes and skin cancer, while extreme weather conditions, such as floods, propagate water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Women face unique challenges, including difficulties accessing healthcare during floods, leading to higher mortality rates for both mothers and children. Additionally, inadequate sanitary facilities during menstrual cycles contribute to infections, prompting feminist discourse to shed light on the disproportionate impact of the crisis on women. 

Pakistan, grappling with climate change challenges, witnesses deaths, displacement, and loss of basic needs for approximately 33 million people due to extreme heat and destructive flooding. Heavy monsoon rains annually cause floods in remote areas, displacing millions and infringing on fundamental rights to life. Urban centers like Lahore face smog issues, impacting health with allergies and cardiac pathologies. Addressing these impacts requires global collaboration, as evidenced by the Paris Agreement’s call for all nations to reduce carbon emissions and prevent a 2°C rise in world average temperatures. 

Efforts to control the impacts of climate change are underway globally, with legal frameworks and international cooperation aimed at mitigating crises. Individuals also play a crucial role in initiating change at the micro-level to create more sustainable living environments. Recognising climate change as a global challenge, people worldwide are joining forces to cut its effects on human beings, striving to make society sustainable and livable for everyone.