Ecodynamics of the human species

Ecodynamics of the human species

 As a species, we have excluded ourselves from the ecological cycle by claiming ownership of the planet and its natural resources. This is totally out of place.

We need to realize that we are one of the most important parts of the ecosystem, so anything that affects the ecosystem will also affect us. Because we are a global community, we are unable to deny this fact. We have, regrettably, restricted our thoughts, approaches to development, and securities. We must recognize that our destructive methods toward the ecological system will ultimately result in our demise.

People who advocate for preserving the planet and maintaining the global temperature frequently pique my curiosity. The planet has gone through a lot of changes in its climate, but the most pressing issue is still our own survival as humans. It has survived and evolved under all conditions. Therefore, we need to think about and advocate for our own survival from the trap we have set for ourselves in the pursuit of financial gain rather than advocating for the preservation of the planet. Realizing the sensitive nature of the issue and working toward greener and longer-lasting development strategies are necessary in developed nations.

Global temperatures have risen as a result of human intervention and unsustainable development strategies, increasing the frequency of disasters. When these catastrophes interact with conditions of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity, they disrupt societies severely, resulting in human, economic, material, and environmental losses.

Climate change and its effects are most likely to affect the least developed nations. Climate-sensitive industries are crucial to their economic expansion, livelihood, and survival. While rich nations continue to maintain their economic well-being, it is unfair to force them to adapt to and deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change without assistance, putting the lives of vulnerable groups on Earth in danger.

According to the UNEP's Emissions Gap Report 2022, the United States contributes 14 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) to global CO2 emissions, followed by Russia, which contributes 13 tCO2e. China contributes 9.7 tCO2e, Brazil and Indonesia each contribute 7.5 tCO2e, and the EU contributes 7.2 tCO2e. The least developed nations produce 2.3 tCO2e per person per year. Because developed nations have resilient infrastructure and lifestyles that can withstand the effects of climate change, these figures may not be significant. However, the weak economies, infrastructure, and coping mechanisms of developing nations make them vulnerable to the devastating effects of global warming.

One in seven Pakistanis was affected by the 2022 floods, which devastated the country to the hilt and displaced 33 million people. The floods have caused about eight million people to flee their homes. 1,700 people have died directly, with children accounting for one third of those deaths. Damage and economic losses of $30 billion have been caused by the floods. Over nine million people may be forced into poverty as a result, according to economists. According to estimates provided by the World Bank, Pakistan is anticipated to suffer a loss of 2.2% of GDP in FY22.

Because some of the losses are irreparable, irreversible, and unrecoverable, coping with a loss of this magnitude is a huge challenge for developing nations like Pakistan. The psychological effects of hazardous events on survivors continue to be ignored, the flood-affected pregnant women continue to live in tents, and livelihood sources and life savings are inundated. Disaster deaths cannot be undone.

Pakistan has every reason to demand loss-and-damage compensation from the international community and climate justice. Despite continuing to rank among the top ten nations most at risk from climate change, it only makes up 0.8% of global emissions.

Thanks to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's role as co-chair at the recently concluded COP 27, Pakistan had the chance to speak up for loss-and-damage financing and climate justice at the global level. The Loss and Damage Fund's approval—the proposal was included for the first time on the formal agenda—is the main accomplishment of COP27. However, Pakistan must reconsider its approaches to disasters and climate change.

In order to build and win the cases of climate justice and loss-and-damage funding facilities, the government, the NDMA, and other stakeholders need to collaborate to fill the data gap of pre-disaster scenarios. This will allow for the development of an evidence-based post-disaster scenario.

During COP27, Pakistan's pavilion displayed the slogan "What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan," which sent a clear message to the world about climate change and its effects.

Sustainability, which can only be guaranteed when societies are just, inclusive, transparent, and vision-oriented enough to prioritize developmental approaches through cost-benefit analyses, must be the focus of our economic and development agenda. Being human, we disregard the intricate intersectoral bonds that can result in indirect harm and measure our benefits in terms of money.

Every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment, which is reflected in international initiatives like the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In order to combat environmental degradation and climate change while ensuring that "no one is left behind," both Agenda 2030 and the Sendai Framework place a strong emphasis on inclusive economic, social, health, structural, legal, cultural, educational, technological, political, and institutional measures. If developed nations refrain from complying with the requirements of the frameworks for the sake of their economic gains, these international efforts will neither remain inclusive nor achieve their objectives.

Therefore, in order to safeguard humanity from the dreadful consequences of the advancing climate issues, developed nations must collaborate with developing nations, despite their significant role. If we want to improve the ecosystem, we need to think of ourselves as an essential component. Isolation will only exacerbate the situation.