A study by the UN children’s agency has found that developing resilient energy systems to keep the power on in health facilities in Pakistan could prevent more than 175,000 deaths in the country by 2030.
The study comes as Pakistan is experiencing a blistering heatwave that has overstretched an already poor healthcare system. Last week, temperatures in various parts of the country reached highs of 49C (120F), causing a huge demand for power.
Unicef’s Powering Progress report said steps that could be taken to make energy provision better equipped to handle climate crisis conditions would contribute $296m (£232m) to Pakistan’s economy by 2044, through reducing infant and adult mortality and a lower disease burden.
Abdullah Fadil, Unicef’s representative in Pakistan, said: “Children depend on schools, health centres and safe drinking water for their survival, yet these facilities often don’t have the electricity supply to function optimally. As the current heatwave grips the country, electricity needs have skyrocketed leading to shortfalls that can endanger children’s health.
“This research underscores the importance of implementing resilient energy solutions. Clearly, this a win-win for everyone in Pakistan: children, families, teachers, private sector and the economy. And the urgency to turn to renewable energy is greater than ever before, especially for our children, who suffer the impacts of climate change daily.”
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This could be a really great and crucial initiative!
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This calls for urgent action for the government so as to protect it's citizens from the crisis at hand.
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@jane_wangui Agree, the government should act immediately!
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The government of Pakistan should work on this for the sake of it's people
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Dear Annett Michuki.. Your climate idea has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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What has actually caught my eye is that Pakistan has a Ministry of Climate Change.
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Increasing the supply of renewable energy would allow to replace carbon-intensive energy sources and significantly reduce global warming
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@rashid_kamau Exactly! Expanding renewable energy supply is key to replacing carbon-intensive sources and tackling global warming effectively.
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This is a wake up call for Pakistan to invest in #RenewableEnergy like solar power to keep health facilities running.
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@george_kariuki sure, this can really change their lives
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@george_kariuki #InvestinRenewable energy!