“Facing the Climate Crisis: An Interview with Environmental Lawyer Rafay Alam on Pakistan’s Heatwave and Flooding”

The interview conducted by executive producer and host Steve Curwood with Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer and a member of Pakistan’s Climate Change Council, sheds light on the extreme climate conditions currently being experienced in Pakistan. The country is facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some cities. This comes after historic floods in 2022 that devastated the nation, causing over $35 billion in infrastructure damage and displacing millions of people.

Alam emphasizes that Pakistan is actively experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis, with this summer breaking all records for heat. The combination of extreme heatwaves and heavy rainfall events is creating a dire situation for the country. The interview highlights the challenges faced by the people of Pakistan, including disruptions in agriculture, infrastructure damage, and economic hardships.

The discussion also delves into the lack of government action and preparedness to address the climate emergency. Despite being a member of Pakistan’s Climate Change Council, Alam criticizes the lack of meaningful action taken by the council to mitigate the effects of climate change. He stresses the need for urgent measures to adapt to the changing climate, including developing heat-resistant crops, reevaluating water usage in agriculture, and redesigning cities to withstand extreme temperatures.

Alam warns of the broader implications of climate change on regional and global stability. The interview touches on the potential for climate-induced migrations and the inadequacy of the current international legal framework to address such challenges. The vulnerability of Pakistan’s population to climate shocks is highlighted, with Alam emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to building resilience and adapting to the changing climate.

Overall, the interview provides a sobering look at the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on Pakistan and underscores the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis.