KARACHI:
Climate change has set alarm bells ringing across the world including Pakistan. This year, most parts of the world experienced extreme weather events including heatwaves across Europe and torrential rains in Africa and the Americas. Climate change should be one of our main priorities because Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The heavy monsoon spell between July and August resulted in flash floods across the country.
Nearly one-third of the country was affected by the flooding and many regions are still inundated with water. The floods washed away entire villages, crops, roads, and bridges. 33 million have been affected with more than 1,500 dead. In some areas, rescue services were able to relocate families, but many others remain stranded and are forced to live under open skies. The absence of healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, and food has raised the risk of malnutrition. Many people have been affected by dengue, malaria, diarrhoea, and typhoid.
Before the floods, parts of the country experienced extreme heatwaves as well. These events exemplify Pakistan’s vulnerability and its unpreparedness to deal with climate change. Sea levels are expected to continue rising with little to no changes in global carbon emissions. The Pakistani government must take climate change seriously and work with local and international organisations to equip locals with effective apparatus to deal with weather events. Existing infrastructure needs to be replaced with climate-resilient infrastructure. The government should also seek assistance and reparations from international organisations and developed countries.
Ramsha Ahsanullah
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
