Global security threat

Letter November 21, 2022
Global security threat

LAHORE:

The challenges emerging from the climate change phenomenon are escalating by the day, evident from the life-threatening events like rains, floods, glacial melting, etc. The poorest and the most vulnerable countries are bearing most of the brunt of climate change events despite the fact that they are contributing the least to the crisis. Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, as ranked by the German Watch Institute. The recent floods in the country that caused the deaths of more than 1,500 people and displaced more than 3.3 million are a proof of the growing threat that the climate events are posing to the country. Hundreds of thousands of homes and infrastructure still stand destroyed, and shelter-less flood victims are waiting for the government to rehabilitate them.

It goes without saying that climate change is the root cause of these calamitous floods; and that climate change will lead to energy deficiency; food and drinking water shortage; and proliferation of numerous diseases which, in turn, will cause mass migrations, increased number of failed states, empowerment of violent non-state actors, and overall instability in the world. Rising temperatures are changing ecosystems which are favourable for the survival of many insects and pathogens. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high temperatures produces cumulative physiological stress on the human body which aggravates the top causes of distress and death globally, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The situation is alarming, warranting the need for steps to bring awareness to people and inculcate in them a sense of responsibility on how to save the Planet Earth from the hazards of climate change. Every individual can help even in his own limited capacity, for instance, by raising their voice through social media, volunteering for organisations working for the cause of the environment, and donating towards environmental initiatives. Furthermore, there is need to reduce water waste, invest in energy-efficient appliances and plant more trees. Climate change poses a growing threat to sustainable development. Tackling climate change should be our top most priority.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2022.

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