Islamabad: UN Secretary General António Guterres has called on G20 countries to urgently reduce emissions, saying Pakistan’s exposure to climate disasters reflects a profound global injustice.
In a social media statement during his visit to Pakistan, Guterres said the country was on the frontlines of climate chaos despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions.
He recalled his visit during the devastating floods of 2022, saying the experience would remain with him forever. “That tragedy showed the world a profound injustice,” he said.
The scale of Pakistan’s vulnerability was demonstrated by the 2022 floods, which affected 33 million people and killed more than 1730. A government led assessment supported by international partners estimated damage exceeding USD 14.9 billion and economic losses of about USD 15.2 billion.
Homes, farmland, roads and essential services were devastated, disrupting livelihoods and access to education and healthcare. The disaster showed how extreme weather can deepen poverty and place enormous reconstruction demands on a country already facing financial pressures.
Guterres said G20 countries were responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and must respect their commitments while urgently reducing emissions.
His statement placed responsibility on major emitters, highlighting the gap between countries’ contributions to climate change and the consequences they face.
The appeal centred on fulfilling existing commitments and accelerating emissions reductions.
