KARACHI:
The climate challenge is intensifying daily with many countries experiencing unprecedented weather events. Climate change is driving up global temperatures, which is causing severe destruction. Pakistan is ranked as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change. The country will face many climate-related challenges including water stress, glacier melts, epidemic outbreaks, etc. Many of these challenges are already materialising as parts of the country face drought-like conditions and glacier melts.
According to the United Nations, the average global temperature has increased by 1.1 Celsius since 1750-1900 when humans first began burning large amounts of fossil fuels. Although governments have pledged to cut emissions to keep temperatures below 1.5 Celsius, they have failed to take concerted action. Pakistan initiated the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project, which received global praise. However, this is not enough to reduce or limit the impact of climate change on the country. The government must build dams and improve glacier water storage. Mass awareness campaigns to inform people about emerging climate challenges and equip them with the necessary apparatus to deal with climate-related emergencies is extremely important.
In the coming years, climate emergencies are expected to intensify and severely affect human lives. Therefore, our government must form a long-term strategy to cope with climate change. It must seek assistance from international organisations and countries to build climate-resilient infrastructure and take other necessary measures.
Faiza Hussain
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2022.
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