Jasia Khan is graduate in English Literature from University of Sindh / a CSS aspirant
Climate change is one of the most prominent phenomena of the 21st century. It refers to all kinds of climatic fluctuations or any vital alterations in the values of meteorological parameters, such as temperature and humidity. In just a quarter of this century, the world has witnessed unlimited changes in the environment, which are affecting it in almost every possible way.
“Climate change is the Everest of all problems, the thorniest challenge facing mankind.”
The core reason, behind the changing climate, is the rapid expansion of industrialization. This paved way for the formation of smoke-emitting industries for the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation, in enormous number, to construct more buildings.
Moreover, the compulsive use of lethal gas-producing vehicles has further contaminated the environment. Multiple states, no matter how less their contribution is in warming the globe, are facing devastating repercussions, most particularly Pakistan.
“Pakistan has been ranked 5th in the most vulnerable countries, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, 2024.”
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To begin with, the country has seen the rise in temperature, which has resulted in deadly heat-waves, putting peoples’ lives at stake. According to a climate expert, the year 2022, was the hottest ever since 1901 that caused the death of almost 90 Pakistanis. Also, due to the soaring temperature, frequent droughts are occurring across the country.
These droughts are affecting the crops and leading to agricultural damage. The Secretary of Agriculture Ministry, Manzoor Wassan states, “Olive groves, mangoes, pepper orchards and sugarcane fields are being threatened owing to the rising temperature.”
Furthermore, the climate change has led to the rise in sea level, affecting the stable precipitation patterns; Pakistan recently witnessed the record-breaking rainfall. This became the core reason of flash floods across the state, affecting almost one-third of the population and the substantial economic loss of $30 billion.
Moreover, the floods leave the standing water in villages and cities, owing to the poor infrastructural management. This breeds harmful insects and virus-carrying diseases, which is a crucial challenge to the health of the people.
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According to the Red Cross, more than 6 million people reported Diarrhea, skin infections, Malaria and Dengue and fever after the event of deadly floods. Lastly, the climate change is threatening the wildlife and biodiversity of Pakistan, owing to the massive deforestation. Experts have pointed out that the extinction of species is becoming a rapid reality.
Therefore, not only the citizens of Pakistan but also the biodiversity is suffering due to the negative impacts of climate change.The government of Pakistan has taken certain steps and made multiple international pledges of devising climate resilient policies, such as Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Programme, making 30% vehicles electric and 50% reduction in carbon emissions till 2050.
However, there is much to be done to mitigate this climate crisis, for instance, Carbon Pricing which refers to the penalty imposed on the industries that emit high amount of carbon; the establishment of Green Buildings, that do not require machines, like AC, to cool them. Moreover, the country’s tilt towards the renewable sources of energy can also ease both environmental as well as economic suffering.
Though, the environmental conditions are swiftly moving towards deterioration if remained unaddressed. Yet, if pragmatic and immediate actions are taken at individual and national level with dedication, a sustainable future can be expected.
Pakistan in the World – April / May 2024
