The term climate change applies to changes in temperatures and weather patterns over a long period. These changes can be due to a change in sun activity or large volcanic eruptions, and they may be natural. However, human activities have been the main cause of climate change since the 1800s, mainly due to their use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, cutting down forests, etc. The climate and temperature of the earth are becoming increasingly affected by burning fossil fuels, forest degradation, and livestock farming. This increases the greenhouse effect and global warming by adding huge amounts of greenhouse gases to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere.
Throughout the history of our planet, climate change has been a constant presence. However, the phenomenon of global warming observed over approximately the past 150 years stands out as exceptional due to its origins in human activity. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, distinct from the naturally occurring greenhouse effect. The industrial revolution marked a pivotal moment when human activities introduced substantial volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This influx led to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 levels, a significant departure from the comparatively stable levels of the preceding 700 thousand years.
Many countries are at risk due to climate change and the risks for developing countries are substantially higher. South Asia has been increasingly prone to disasters due to this serious problem, which is having an important impact on the region. The effects of climate change are rapidly increasing and have a significant impact on Pakistan.
Pakistan is one of those countries that are facing harmful consequences of climate change. The effects of climate change that Pakistan has had to face over the past few years include changing seasonal weather patterns, rising temperatures, fluctuations in monsoons, and melting ice caps in the north combined with recurrent extreme weather events. The heat wave and devastating floods of 2022 remind us that disasters caused by climate change can have a significant impact on Pakistan’s development ambitions and ability to reduce poverty. These disasters have caused more than 1,700 deaths and displaced more than 8 million people. The damage has been enormous, with more than $30 billion in damages and economic losses caused by the destruction of infrastructure, resources, crops, or livestock. Pakistan’s contribution to the global carbon footprint is below 1% yet it continues to suffer from some of the most severe effects of climate change. Pakistan is currently the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to climate risks, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.
Climate disasters in 2022 have caused more than 1,700 deaths and displaced more than 8 million people in Pakistan
The diverse geography of Pakistan encompasses various landscapes, ranging from the coastal regions of Karachi and Gwadar to the arid Thal and Thar deserts in Punjab and Sindh, as well as the hilly terrains of KPK and Baluchistan. As a result of this geographical diversity, distinct regions within Pakistan encounter varying challenges about the impacts of climate change.
One of the most significant challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan is increasing water scarcity. Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment to a large portion of the population. Climate change-induced water scarcity poses a direct threat to the agriculture sector, impacting crop yields, food security, and livelihoods. The reduction in water availability leads to decreased irrigation, affecting the cultivation of essential crops like rice, wheat, and cotton. Pakistan is ranked 14th out of 17 very high-risk countries hit by water scarcity due to mismanagement, as more than one-third of the available water is lost because of poor management according to a recent report issued by the Pakistani Institute for Development Economics(PIDE). Pakistan’s rich biodiversity is under threat due to climate change. Conservation efforts must incorporate climate considerations to safeguard these diverse ecosystems.
To reduce the vulnerability and risks of climate change, Pakistan should take an urgent stance on Climate Diplomacy to initiate engagement at bilateral or multilateral levels with developed countries. In addition, robust inter interagency coordination is needed to revive the disaster response mechanism. Through capacity building and professional training, the existing structure of National and Province Disaster Management Authorities should be strengthened. To provide an immediate response to save the maximum number of lives, appropriate equipment for rescue and relief operations should also be provided at vulnerable locations. These preparations should be carried out and rehearsed annually during the pre-monsoon season for synergetic and appropriate responses to minimize response time and save as many lives as possible.
As individuals, we must engage in tree planting and discontinue the utilization of plastic bags. The persistence of plastic bags is attributed to their composition of non-organic polyethylene material, preventing decomposition. We must commit to adopting paper or fabric bags instead of plastic bags for the betterment of our environment. With both governmental initiatives and collective efforts from the public, we can effectively address the challenges posed by climate change and work towards a sustainable future.
Pakistan needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable transportation policies. Investments in afforestation and reforestation can help sequester carbon dioxide and protect natural habitats. The paramount concern of our era is climate change. We stand at a pivotal crossroads demanding swift government action to prevent irreversible calamity. The utmost importance lies in the worldwide community’s collective commitment to achieve individual national goals and combine resources promptly. This is essential to aid communities already enduring the devastating aftermath of climate change.
About The Author
Sadaf Ayub is a student at School of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of Rationale-47.
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