What is Climate Justice?
In climate change, one term climate justice is used. “Climate justice” is a concept, and more than that, a campaign, that recognizes that changing climate can have varying societal, financial, population health, and other negative effects on disadvantaged communities. Climate justice organizations are working to confront these injustices head-on with lengthy abatement and resilience initiatives. For more detail, please read our article on What is Climate Justice and Why Is It Important?
You might also be interested in reading: Environment Discrimination and the Importance of Environmental Justice.
About Climate March Karachi:
In Karachi, a large number of people took to the streets to demand more aggressive action from the provincial and federal governments in the battle against climate change, as well as an end to forced demolitions.
The march, which began at Nehr-e-Khayyam and ended at Bilawal Chowk, was attended by women, youth, children, and men. The march was attended by those who had been displaced by demolition works in the Gujjar and Orangi nullahs.
When the protesters started moving towards Bilawal Chowk they were stopped by Karachi police. The march resumed after the talks between the concerned parties were completed. Protesters, on the other hand, were only allowed to go to the Karachi Grammar School.
Also check out: 10 Simple Ways You Can Raise Awareness About Climate Change
Demands of marchers:
Among the various demands made by the marchers were the following:
- Put an end to the forcible relocation of marginalized groups.
- Right to clean air in Karachi,
- a people-centered solution to the water crisis
- Reforms to the SEPA
Check out: Climate Change Threatens Health and Livelihoods of Pakistanis
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans against the government, demanding that their rights be respected.
Views Of Marchers:
“What we need, own roof, what we need, Own land” is one of the most popular shouts at the march, as protesters sought a roof over their heads and a piece of land they could own.
People living near stormwater drains have not yet been compensated by the Sindh government, according protesters people have been compelled to live under the open sky.
On the other hand, several affected argued that compensation was not enough. They demanded that the government find alternative housing for them. Marchers and environmentalists said that the 2019 march was intended to raise awareness. This year’s rally is about housing and land rights. Elites or those in positions of power should not be able to evict people as they have done with the affectees. Even though the locality has been established to have no legal rights to reclaim land, they have enabled people to live in DHA.
The Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was also dubbed a “scam”.
The “Karachi Bachao Tehreek” among other civil society organizations, organized the Climate March Karachi. The People’s Climate March took place this year to seek justice for this city, its environment, and its people. According to the organizers, Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis, is confronting a climatic crisis that has become a reality for its vulnerable residents.
Droughts, floods, excessive heat, and increasing sea levels are all threats that the city faces as a result of climate change. State institutions, on the other hand, encourage powerful real estate developers, land, construction, and water mafias, which openly rob Karachi inhabitants of their rights to a healthy living.
You might also like to read: Climate Change Is Increasing Water Scarcity Around The World
Conclusion:
By viewing this whole Karachi march it is concluded that climate justice is the need of this time. Our government should take some solid steps regarding climate justice because now it is necessary. It is the responsibility of the government.
Also check out: Covid-19 and Climate Change – Exposing Environmental Injustice
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