Alarming Rise: Climate Disasters in Pakistan Increasing Death, Disease Risks for Children and Elderly

Climate disasters in Pakistan are no longer distant threats — they are deadly realities. In a damning new report titled “Uncounted: Invisible deaths of older people and children during climate disasters in Pakistan”, Amnesty International highlights the devastating impact of climate change on Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations.

Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks 5th globally in climate vulnerability. The country’s weak healthcare infrastructure and insufficient disaster preparedness have made young children and older adults especially prone to death and disease during floods and heatwaves.

Shocking Findings by Amnesty International

In collaboration with Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Amnesty’s report paints a grim picture of the country’s worsening climate resilience. The report states:

• Frequent heatwaves and floods are pushing hospitals beyond capacity.
• Deaths of children and elderly often go uncounted and are entirely preventable.
• Gaps in health data, especially for those over 60, obstruct effective response.

“Under international human rights law, Pakistan is obliged to protect the right to life and health. Yet, these rights are consistently undermined during climate disasters,” says the report.

Alt text: Climate Disasters in Pakistan impact children severely

Why Children and the Elderly Are Most Vulnerable

Children under five and adults over 60 are especially susceptible to water-borne diseases, dehydration, and respiratory illnesses during climate events. In Pakistan:

• Children account for almost 50% of the population.
• Older adults, currently 6.7%, will increase to 13% by 2050.

Despite their population size, both groups are largely excluded from climate disaster planning.

“There is virtually no health data for older adults, making them invisible in the eyes of policymakers,” the report emphasizes.

Pakistan’s Healthcare Crisis Amid Disasters

Pakistan’s underfunded healthcare system is struggling even in non-emergency times. According to WHO:

• 2,000+ health facilities — or 13% — were damaged in the 2022 floods.
• In 2021, Pakistan spent only 1.11% of its GDP on healthcare.

This is far below the 5–6% of GDP recommended for universal health coverage. As a result:

• Healthcare staff are insufficient.
• Rural populations must travel long distances for treatment.
• Families incur huge out-of-pocket expenses — often taking loans.

2022 and 2024: Heatwaves That Killed Silently

While floods draw visible media attention, heatwaves remain silent killers. In 2022 and 2024:

• Temperatures crossed 50°C in several regions.
• Karachi experienced over 40°C with 70% humidity — a lethal combination.

Unlike floods, heat-related deaths often go unreported, despite being equally deadly.

“Heatwaves in Pakistan create conditions at the limits of human tolerance,” notes the report.

Recommendations by Amnesty International

Amnesty offers several critical recommendations to the Government of Pakistan:

1. Boost Health Sector Funding

• Spend at least 5% of GDP on healthcare.
• Train frontline workers to manage climate-related illnesses.

2. Improve Data Collection

• Abolish fees for death registration.
• Include older adults in health and disaster data systems.

3. Strengthen Local Disaster Response

• Fully operationalize District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
• Fund cooling centers and early warning systems.

4. Ease Bureaucratic Barriers

• Eliminate Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for humanitarian aid.
• Streamline inter-agency coordination.

5. Expand Social Protection

• Introduce universal pensions for elderly.
• Ensure climate-resilient social safety nets.

The Global Responsibility

While Pakistan must act, high-income nations — responsible for most historic carbon emissions — bear a greater moral and financial burden.

“These countries must phase out fossil fuels and contribute climate adaptation funds to countries like Pakistan,” the report urges.

International organizations must also advocate for inclusion of older adults, as UNICEF does for children.

Call to Action

Climate disasters in Pakistan are not just environmental crises — they are human rights emergencies. Without immediate domestic reforms and global support, children and older adults will continue to suffer and die in silence.

If you are a policymaker, advocate, or citizen:

• Demand more health funding from your representatives.
• Support climate justice organizations.
• Raise awareness on the invisible victims of climate change.

External References

• Amnesty International Report – Uncounted (2024)
• WHO – Pakistan Flood Impact Report
• UNICEF – Pakistan Climate Risk Data

Internal Links

• How Pakistan Can Build Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
• Top 10 Ways to Strengthen Healthcare in Pakistan
• The Cost of Climate Injustice in South Asia