Pakistan's Climate Crisis: A Call to Action for Sustainability and Resilience

 Pakistan's Climate Crisis: A Call to Action for Sustainability and Resilience

By Tahir Ali Shah

Pakistan has been facing increasing climate-related challenges that have significantly impacted its population, economy, and environment. The year 2024 was particularly devastating, marked by a severe heatwave and widespread floods that highlighted the country's vulnerability to climate change.

In June 2024, a deadly heatwave swept across the southern region of Sindh, with temperatures soaring to 49°C (120.2°F) on June 25. This extreme heat led to over 568 fatalities and more than 7,900 hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses. The majority of the deaths occurred in Karachi, where at least 427 people succumbed to the heat. Compounding the situation were frequent power outages that hindered access to cooling mechanisms like fans and air conditioning.

At the same time, Pakistan was grappling with severe flooding in various regions, including Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These floods resulted in at least 40 deaths and 62 injuries, causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life. In response to the crisis, the government declared a state of emergency in several areas and mobilized the Pakistan Navy, Army, and Frontier Corps for relief operations.

A recent study analyzing data from 112 cities worldwide indicated that 95% are experiencing trends toward either wetter or drier climates due to climate change. Cities in South and Southeast Asia, including Karachi, are witnessing increased rainfall, making them vulnerable to abrupt weather changes known as "climate whiplash." This phenomenon complicates disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, especially in urban areas with inadequate water infrastructure.

Rising temperatures have also adversely affected labor conditions, particularly in garment factories. A report by Cornell University's Global Labor Institute emphasized that workers in major manufacturing hubs like Pakistan are at increased risk due to the rising heat. The study noted a significant increase in days with dangerous wet-bulb temperatures (above 30.5°C) from 2020 to 2024 compared to 2005 to 2009.

Climate-induced disasters have heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities, leading to an increase in forced marriages, particularly among adolescent girls. Families affected by floods and other climate-related events, facing economic hardship, have resorted to marrying off their daughters as a survival strategy. Despite existing legislation against child marriages, enforcement remains limited, underscoring the need for community awareness and education to combat this issue.

 

Amid these challenges, Pakistan has seen a remarkable surge in solar panel installations, which have boosted the country's power supply by 50% and established it as the world's sixth-largest solar market. This shift is driven by high local electricity costs and expensive contracts with independent power producers, prompting businesses and wealthier citizens to adopt solar energy.

Pakistan's climate challenges reflect a broader global crisis that disproportionately affects developing nations. Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. This situation highlights the need for climate justice, where major polluting nations acknowledge their responsibilities and provide support to vulnerable countries through fair climate financing and investments in sustainable infrastructure.

Addressing the climate crisis in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. The government must enforce and strengthen environmental regulations to mitigate deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation. Investing in resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events—such as improved water management systems and disaster-resistant housing—is also crucial.

Community engagement is vital. Promoting community-based adaptation strategies, such as reforestation projects and sustainable agricultural practices, can enhance local resilience. Additionally, seeking global partnerships for technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support is essential to bolster climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Education and awareness are critical. Implementing educational programs to raise awareness about climate change can empower communities to participate in sustainable practices. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters in Pakistan underscore the need for immediate and sustained action.

As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, subtle yet alarming signs are emerging, warning us of the catastrophic consequences that lie ahead. These early warnings tell the story of a planet in peril, urging us to take action before it’s too late.

One of the most pressing signs is the intensification of heatwaves, which lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly among the most vulnerable members of our society—namely, the elderly, children, and outdoor laborers. As temperatures soar, the risk of heat strokes, dehydration, and other heat-induced health issues increases, threatening the lives of those least equipped to cope.

 

Another warning sign is the disruption of precipitation patterns, which can result in unusual rainfall or drought events. These changes can have devastating consequences, including floods that devastate communities, landslides that block critical roads, and water scarcity that threatens the survival of our cities.

The rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events serve as another indicator of our worsening climate. Cyclones, floods, and droughts are becoming more intense and more common, leaving behind a path of destruction, displacement, and despair.

Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are sending distress signals about the imminent loss of coastal land, infrastructure, and livelihoods. As the oceans encroach upon our shores, they bring the threat of flooding, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and the destruction of entire ecosystems.

Finally, shifts in seasonal patterns are warning us of a planet that is out of balance. Changes in the timing and duration of seasonal events, such as earlier springs or later autumns, disrupt the delicate rhythms of nature, jeopardizing the foundations of our food systems, ecosystems, and societies.

These early warnings are a clarion call to action, urging us to recognize the signs of a planet in distress and to take immediate steps to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters. By acknowledging these warnings, we can begin to build a more resilient future, one that is better equipped to withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

By embracing sustainable development, enhancing disaster preparedness, and fostering international cooperation, Pakistan can navigate the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard its future. The time for action is now, and the world must unite to support Pakistan and other vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change.