The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Pakistan ranks in initial ranking on the Global Climate Risk Index, making it one of the most vulnerable countries to the devastating impacts of climate change. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) acknowledges the link between anthropogenic climate change and human rights, noting that it exacerbates vulnerabilities to fundamental rights. Extreme climatic events pose significant challenges in Pakistan, compounding existing sociopolitical and economic issues.
Methodology: A quantitative methods approach was utilized to investigate the impacts of climate change on human rights in Punjab. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires employing a five-point Likert scale, designed to gauge respondents’ perceptions and experiences.
Results: The analysis reveals significant vulnerabilities related to flooding's impact on rights in Punjab, highlighting marked differences between urban and rural areas. Urban children face educational disruptions due to school damage, while elderly individuals in rural areas are at a higher risk of heat-related fatalities. Urban settings report greater property damage, whereas rural communities contend with deteriorating infrastructure and agricultural challenges. Although disparities in women's rights and healthcare access are less pronounced, the findings indicate a need for targeted interventions to address the specific vulnerabilities of different demographic groups.
Conclusion: This study highlights the critical impact of climate change on human rights in Punjab, revealing distinct vulnerabilities between urban and rural populations.