Addressing South Asia’s Environmental Crisis

By: Liaqat Asher

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, aims to raise awareness about the myriad environmental challenges facing our planet. This year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management. South Asia, home to some of the world’s most populous and poorest nations, faces significant environmental threats exacerbated by climate change, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and political inaction.

The region’s diverse geographical and geological landscape makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-related incidents. Climate change has led to more frequent and severe downpours, droughts, and soaring temperatures across South Asia, rendering it one of the most susceptible areas to global warming. Over a billion and a half people live in this densely populated region, which is crisscrossed by major river systems originating from the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges. According to the World Bank, approximately 750 million people in South Asia have been affected by at least one natural disaster. The resulting challenges include land scarcity for agriculture, water shortages, and population displacement, all of which threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of millions.

Given their interconnected geography and similar environmental issues, SAARC countries face common challenges that require coordinated, tangible actions to mitigate climate change and its impacts. Among the most pressing issues are:

Destruction of Siachen Glaciers:

The presence of military forces on the Siachen Glacier is accelerating its melting, posing severe long-term threats, including water shortages and the destruction of natural resources and infrastructure. A 2021 study by the University of Leeds found that ice from Himalayan glaciers is melting at a rate ten times higher than the historical average, primarily due to human-induced climate change. This rapid melting threatens water security and agricultural yields, exacerbating the region’s hunger crisis.

Rapid Deforestation:

Illegal logging and rapid urbanization are depleting forests across SAARC countries, endangering biodiversity and altering local climates. The loss of trees affects livelihoods and accelerates climate change, often resulting in natural disasters.

Water Issues:

Water scarcity is a critical issue, particularly in the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan, where overpopulation and intensive agriculture have drastically lowered groundwater levels. The construction of dams and poor water management practices have left millions of acres of land barren. Additionally, water disputes between India and Bangladesh, and Pakistan and Afghanistan, are intensifying, with potential for increased conflict over this vital resource.

Solid Waste:

Rivers across South Asia are heavily polluted with solid waste due to inadequate waste management practices. Open dumping, burning of waste, and the disposal of garbage in waterways contaminate water sources and increase disease prevalence. Proper waste management could save millions of rupees and prevent environmental degradation.

Slow Government Action:

Both public awareness and governmental response to environmental issues are lacking. Formulating and enforcing environmental protection laws remains a significant challenge. Many species are endangered, yet hunting and habitat destruction continue unabated. Effective government action, including early warning systems, relief and rehabilitation efforts, and shared goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is urgently needed.

On this World Environment Day, it is crucial to recognize the importance of coordinated efforts to protect the environment. SAARC countries must collaborate on common environmental goals, share experiences, and implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Only through collective action can we hope to secure a sustainable future for South Asia and beyond.

Happy Environment Day.