KARACHI:
Temperatures have started soaring above 40°C in many parts of Pakistan, making it difficult for people to venture outdoors during the day. The high demand for electricity to power air conditioners and fans frequently leads to power outages, compounding the challenges of summer. This season also exacerbates Pakistan’s water crisis, with many areas facing severe shortages.
Such intense heat and rising temperatures can result in heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with extreme summer weather events, hints at an important need for sustainable practices and climate resilience. Since the late 1800s, the average global temperature has risen by about 1°C, and the 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1981. This increase in temperature leads to more frequent and severe heatwaves, causing heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Additionally, glaciers and polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate, leading to rising sea levels and disrupted ecosystems. Warmer temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases and heat stress. This increasing trend means that the government must act fast to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy and adapt to the changing climate.
Name Munaeza Nasir
Turbat
