After experiencing its hottest months in decades in the spring of 2022, Pakistan has been beset by torrential rains and deadly floods, leaving one-third of the country under water. In this November 2022 conversation between a USIP expert and a high school class in Massachusetts, USIP’s Jumaina Siddiqui explains what makes Pakistan so vulnerable to climate change, how it can better prepare for extreme weather events and what the international community – including students – can do to help.
Listen:
Discussion questions:
- Before listening: Share that in 2022, flooding in Pakistan left one-third of the country under water. Ask students to draw on their knowledge of other floods to imagine what the impact of that flooding might be.
- What were some of the examples provided of how the flooding affected Pakistani families throughout the region? (Answers may include spread of diseases like malaria and dengue, displacement of people, interruption of education, malnutrition especially among pregnant women, and infrastructure damage including bridges and roads washed out.)
- What are some of the ways the international community can help? (Answers may include providing technical assistance to Pakistan, educational exchanges, raising awareness, and increasing funding or debt relief.)
- What is “climate justice”? What are some of the arguments in advocating for climate justice for Pakistan among the global community? (Answers may include that because Pakistan has a low emission rate but is highly vulnerable to climate change, high emitters should provide funding and support.)
- Extension question: What are some of the similarities and differences between flooding in the U.S. and in Pakistan?