By: Saima Sammar
The escalating temperatures during May and the abrupt closures of educational institutes have sparked widespread concern in Pakistan. Parents are calling for early summer vacations as students frequently fall ill due to the heat. The ongoing heatwave is exacerbating the spread of various diseases across the country. This situation prompts a reflection on historical temperature patterns and their current implications.
Pakistan, known for its climatic diversity, is facing severe climate-related challenges nationwide, including floods, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall impacts in major cities like Karachi and Lahore. These cities, along with Islamabad, have experienced significant flooding in recent years. Karachi and Lahore are almost annually submerged by rainwater, and Islamabad saw heavy flooding two years ago.
Pollution is another pressing issue, with smog increasingly dominating discussions. Despite not being a major global emitter of carbon and CFCs, Pakistan suffers considerably from these environmental problems. The question remains: are adequate measures being taken to mitigate pollution and climate disasters?
Future climate projections for Pakistan present several alarming trends:
1. Pakistan’s temperature rise is expected to outpace the global average.
2. The northern regions will likely see a greater temperature increase than the southern areas.
3. There will be a significant rise in the frequency of hot days and nights.
4. Nationwide rainfall is projected to increase.
5. The Upper Indus Basin will experience more rainfall, with an even greater increase in the Lower Indus Basin.
The likelihood of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and intense monsoons, is expected to grow due to rising sea and atmospheric temperatures. Government projections indicate a notable increase in both the frequency and intensity of these events, alongside erratic monsoon rains leading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. Between 1998 and 2018, Pakistan recorded over 150 extreme weather incidents.
In 2022, catastrophic floods caused by increased precipitation and melting glaciers impacted one-third of the country, affecting 33 million people. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change effects, Pakistan continues to face significant yearly challenges. Floods devastate crops and the economy, and issues such as smoke-emitting vehicles and factories, inadequate tree planting, and low public awareness remain substantial hurdles.
Laborers working outdoors express concerns over the availability of safe water and increasingly unbearable temperatures, which make their working conditions extreme. These workers are highly vulnerable to heat strokes, while air conditioning, a relief for the wealthy, is neither a viable solution for everyone nor environmentally sustainable.
Recognizing the importance of behavioral change towards climate change is crucial for significant improvements in the region. Comprehensive actions are necessary to effectively address these environmental challenges and reduce the impacts of rising temperatures in Pakistan.