IIOJK people witnessing alarming effects of climate change: Shamim Shawl
Geneva: Kashmiri representative, Shamim Shawl has said that the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing the alarming effects of climate change.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Shamim Shawl during Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur climate change 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, today, said as highlighted by Amnesty International, humanity is under threat from climate change.
She said the Special Rapporteur on climate change has emphasized that a safe climate is a vital element of the right to a healthy environment and is essential for human life and well-being. Climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is an existential threat that undermines the full enjoyment and realization of all human rights, she added.
She urged the UNHRC to take decisive steps to address these challenges. Specifically, for an end to the heavy military deployment in the occupied territory. The movement of the army and the deployment of heavy weapons not only contribute to the melting of glaciers but also exacerbate the already precarious situation faced by the local population.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of climate change’s impact, there was currently no dedicated mechanism at the Human Rights Council that addresses this crisis holistically, she regretted, adding this gap must be filled with urgent and comprehensive action.
Shamim Shawl said reports indicate that daily temperatures are rising, with fluctuations ranging from 0.3 to 1.9 degrees Celsius. She said, “This increase has dire consequences for our communities, particularly for those who rely on agriculture and horticulture for their livelihoods. The maximum snowmelt has led to shrinking snow-covered areas, disrupting our agricultural practices and threatening our water resources.”
She said projections indicate that by the 2030s to 2050, temperatures in our region will continue to rise, leading to severe ramifications for water availability and the glacial environment of Kashmir. This situation calls for immediate action.
Shamim Shawl urged the world leaders and the United Nations Secretary-General to prioritize climate action as a fundamental human rights issue.
