UNCOUNTED: INVISIBLE DEATHS OF OLDER PEOPLE AND CHILDREN DURING CLIMATE DISASTERS IN PAKISTAN

The climate crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, notably in Pakistan, which contributes just over 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet ranks as the fifth-most vulnerable country to climate disasters. In recent years, extreme weather events, such as record heatwaves and unprecedented rainfall, have caused catastrophic flooding, affecting millions and leading to significant loss of life. Official death tolls, like the reported 1,739 deaths from the 2022 floods, likely underrepresent the true toll due to inadequate data collection practices that overlook those who succumbed to related health conditions.  In response to the challenges posed by climate change on health and mortality, Amnesty International collaborated with the Indus Health & Hospital Network to investigate these impacts through both quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews. Their research highlighted the failures of Pakistan's healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, who are at greater risk during climate disasters. The findings underline the need for improved data collection and accountability, as existing gaps hinder the efforts to protect the rights to life and health as mandated by international human rights law.

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