Addressing the Urgent Climate Crisis in South Asia: Amnesty International Calls for Immediate Action

The recent report naming Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India as having the worst air quality globally is a cause for concern, especially in the context of the World Meteorological Organization issuing a ‘red alert’ for global warming indicators. The impact of poor air quality on the health and well-being of over a billion people in the South Asian region cannot be understated.

According to Amnesty International’s Climate Adviser, Ann Harrison, the lack of concerted action by both the affected countries and high-income fossil fuel producers exacerbates the problem, which is largely driven by the burning of fossil fuels. The urgent need for cross-border pollution action plans and financial support from the international community, especially from historical emitters and high-income fossil fuel-producing states, is emphasized to address the escalating climate crisis.

The link between climate change and air quality is undeniable, as the same pollutants that contribute to climate change also harm air quality, jeopardizing people’s rights to life, health, and a clean environment. The report by IQAir, which tracks air quality worldwide, highlights the alarming levels of air pollution in South Asian countries, with many cities exceeding WHO safety guidelines by significant margins.

The urgency for a full, fast, fair, and funded fossil fuel phase-out, accompanied by a just and equitable transition to renewable energy, is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve air quality in the region. The need for increased air quality monitoring stations in countries across the globe is also emphasized to address the lack of data in regions like Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

As the world grapples with the consequences of a hotter climate and worsening air quality, it is imperative for governments, industries, and communities to come together to take decisive action to protect public health, human rights, and the environment. The time to act is now to safeguard the well-being of current and future generations in the face of the climate crisis.