Sukkur
At the historic and recreational site of Seteen Jo Astaan in Rohri, environmental activists gathered for a public meeting organized by the Nari Foundation in collaboration with the Indus Consortium. The gathering, which took place as part of the global campaign “Global Day of Action”, aimed to raise awareness about the urgent climate crisis and press governments attending the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil to take concrete and immediate action.
During the event, participants emphasized the critical need for climate justice, financial support, and accelerated transition to renewable energy. Speakers urged governments involved in COP30 to make practical decisions that address both mitigation of climate change and adaptation measures for vulnerable populations.
Anwar Ali Mehr, Executive Director of the Nari Foundation, highlighted the escalating challenges faced by the people of Sindh province, including rising temperatures, acute water shortages, and frequent flooding. He stressed that despite Pakistan contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is experiencing some of the most severe climate impacts.
Other speakers, including Program Manager Shazia Abbasi, guest speakers Fayyaz Ajan, Azra Jamal, Shabana Khaki, and Saira Lashari, echoed these concerns, calling for international support and solidarity for nations disproportionately affected by climate change. They specifically demanded that COP30 address the “Loss and Damage Fund”, a financial mechanism designed to compensate countries and communities for climate-induced losses and damages.
The event in Sukkur is part of a larger global campaign spanning over 100 cities across 16 countries, aimed at amplifying the voices of communities most affected by climate change. Organizers said that this synchronized global action seeks to remind world leaders that immediate and ambitious steps are essential to protect vulnerable populations and the environment.
During the gathering, activists also highlighted the disproportionate burden on developing countries, emphasizing that while industrialized nations are historically responsible for the majority of emissions, countries like Pakistan face heightened exposure to extreme weather events, crop failures, and water crises. The speakers stressed that these challenges not only threaten livelihoods but also undermine long-term socio-economic development in already marginalized regions.
The Nari Foundation representatives underscored the importance of policy advocacy, community mobilization, and grassroots activism in driving meaningful change. They encouraged local communities to participate actively in climate initiatives, emphasizing that public pressure and global solidarity are crucial for ensuring that COP30 commitments translate into concrete measures.
One of the main appeals from the Sukkur gathering was the urgent call for financial mechanisms to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. The activists urged that COP30 governments pledge substantial contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, which is intended to help communities recover from climate-induced disasters, improve resilience, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
