Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, during a conference titled "Conference on Climate Change: Navigating Climate Governance: Executive Action and Judicial Oversight," stressed the urgent need for adopting environmentally friendly measures and a healthy lifestyle to tackle the pressing climate-related challenges facing the world today. The conference, hosted by the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan in the Supreme Court building, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including members of the judiciary, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, lawyers, media, and civil society.
In his address, CJP Isa drew a poignant analogy between the earth's rising temperature and a human body's fever, indicating the planet's ailment. He pointed out that the earth is absorbing a significant amount of smoke, contributing to its deteriorating health. The chief justice also shed light on the global production of plastic products and the lack of effective disposal mechanisms, emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution to this growing problem.
Advocating for a return to a healthy, nature-centric lifestyle, CJP Isa highlighted the advice of physicians who encourage the consumption of vegetables over meat. He emphasized that the earth is a living organism that deserves to be treated with respect and care. The chief justice identified the spiritual crisis as a contributing factor to the climate crisis, reminding the audience that wastage is considered a sin in Islam.
CJP Isa warned against the depletion of natural resources and the diminishing of human potential. He called for a change in behavior to conserve the environment, urging individuals to reduce their reliance on fuel-intensive travel and activities. The chief justice suggested that science can guide mankind beyond horizons, but it is up to individuals to make conscious choices to protect the planet.
To lead by example, CJP Isa proposed providing bicycles to all judges who are willing to use them, promoting a more sustainable mode of transportation. He emphasized that the natural environment can be saved from further destruction by avoiding the wastage of resources and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, has been facing severe impacts of climate change, including devastating floods, flash droughts, water scarcity, and excessive heat.
Senior Puisne Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah highlighted the deeply affecting consequences of climate change on societies and marginalized communities, citing the 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected millions and caused a financial loss of $15 billion.
Justice Shah further elaborated on Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, ranking as the fifth most vulnerable country and the 15th most water-stressed nation. He mentioned that 26 districts in Punjab have experienced extreme heat waves and a 15% increase in water scarcity. Climate change has also increased health risks, induced migration and displacement, and developed food and energy security concerns in the region.
