Now Hitting Home
Now Hitting Home: Europe’s summer has confirmed warnings from climate scientists. Wildfires have spread across France, Greece, Spain, Croatia and Germany. Heatwaves have reduced water supplies. They have also strained power systems, damaged crops and forced people to leave their homes.
Western Heatwaves
Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period ever. Britain also faced its fifth heatwave this summer. Canada and the United States faced wildfires, smoke, floods and extreme heat. People once saw such events as unusual. Now, the World Meteorological Organisation warns that extreme heat is becoming more common, stronger and longer as the Earth warms.
Climate Justice
Pakistan knows this situation very well. It has faced climate change for years. Yet, it produces less than 1% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The 2022 floods caused more than $30 billion in damage and economic losses. Heatwaves, melting glaciers, changing monsoons and droughts continue to harm millions of people. These people have contributed very little to climate change.
We should not be happy when richer countries suffer from climate disasters. However, their experience may help them understand Pakistan’s situation. Governments must turn this understanding into funding and action.
Climate Finance.
Developed countries promised $100 billion a year in climate finance by 2020. They reached this target only in 2022. COP29 set a new goal of at least $300 billion each year for developing countries by 2035. It also called for efforts to raise $1.3 trillion each year. COP30 called for three times more adaptation finance by 2035.
These promises must not remain announcements. Countries must provide reliable climate finance. They should mainly provide grants. They should also make funds easier for developing countries to access. Governments must provide more money for climate adaptation. They must also support communities facing climate losses.
Shared Responsibility
Wealthy countries now see the high cost of climate change. Wildfires, droughts and extreme heat are putting huge pressure on governments and insurance companies. This experience should encourage stronger international cooperation.
Climate Action
When COP31 meets in Antalya in November, leaders should not debate whether climate change is real or costly. Burning forests, extreme heat and floods already provide clear evidence. The real question is whether these disasters will push governments to act. They must also support countries that suffer the most but contribute the least to the climate crisis.
Published in Dawn, 19th August 2026
