KARACHI: Holding up placards with messages such as “Don’t gas Asia,” “End fossil fuels,” “Gas is not a transition fuel,” and “Shift directly to renewable energy,” hundreds of men and women from Karachi’s fisherfolk community set out to sea on Thursday to demand an end to fossil fuel expansion ahead of COP29.

They departed from Jamot Jetty in Ibrahim Hydri as part of the “Global Day of Action Against Gas Expansion” ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

This boat protest rally was held simultaneously in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, culminating in similar actions in eight coastal areas of the Philippines organised by climate advocates of the Asian Movement for Debt and Development (APMDD).

They aimed to send a strong message to world leaders attending COP29 about the dangers posed to people and the planet by massive investments in fossil fuels.

Saeed Baloch, General Secretary of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), stated that continuous fossil fuel investments endanger both people and the planet, contradicting the pledge of governments at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.

“World leaders cannot ignore the undeniable impacts of fossil fuel on the health and lives of future generations. We urge them to honour their decarbonisation commitments, deliver climate finance, and invest in renewable energy solutions that serve humanity and will not lead us to extinction,” he said.

“It is alarming that wealthy nations and large transnational banks continue to finance fossil gas expansion in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We unequivocally reject fossil fuel dependence and demand real, accountable commitments from these economic powerhouses to support a direct transition to renewable energy systems,” he added.

The protest is part of ‘Global Day of Action Against Gas Expansion’ ahead of next week’s COP29 in Azerbaijan

“Every dollar spent on fossil gas could advance renewables such as solar and wind power, which, if developed, would meet our energy needs without the dire consequences of fossil fuels. Gas is not a bridge or transition fuel—it is a big blow to the world’s future,” he said.

Qazi Khizar, Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), also highlighted that fossil gas expansion is an extreme health risk for communities and an environmental threat. “Relying on fossil gas isn’t just harmful; it is fatal,” he said.

“It is a fact that health issues, especially respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, are sharply increasing as a result of living near fossil gas sites. Children and the elderly are hit the hardest. Choosing gas is choosing a future where no one breathes clean air, and no community is safe. Gas accelerates the warming of the planet and the intensification of the climate crisis,” he added.

Fatima Majeed, PFF’s Senior Vice Chairperson, said that the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in Asia undermines global climate goals and compromises any hope of achieving the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.

“Continuing investments in gas infrastructure will lock Pakistan and all of Asia into a future of increased emissions, stranded assets, and escalating climate risks,” she said.

“The people of Pakistan are already suffering from the deadly impacts of climate catastrophes on their health and livelihoods, including the large-scale displacement of communities. This is something that future generations will pay for dearly,” she added.

Other speakers included Kausar Sadiq, Majeed Motani, Talib Kuchi, Ayoub Shan, and Mushtaq Baboo.

Some of the demands raised at the boat rally included: no new public or private finance, approvals, licences, permits, or extensions for fossil fuel extraction; a rapid, just, and equitable phase-out of existing infrastructure in line with the 1.5°C temperature limit; and a global fossil fuel treaty among countries.

They also called for holding polluters accountable for the damage they’ve caused and ensuring that coal, oil, and gas corporations pay reparations for climate loss and damage.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024