Studies show impact of climate change in Pakistan goes far beyond the abnormal rain pattern
KARACHI: Studies and research conducted in Pakistan shows that the impact of climate change on the country goes far beyond the abnormal rain pattern we have seen in the monsoon season.
The erratic nature of the rains, as well as temperature patterns during the onset and end of winter also appear to be impacting the sowing season. The impact is visible in the presence or absence of rains, but the more subtle result shows up in the disruption of sowing patterns, as is evident from reports by farmers.
The agriculture sector has been in a continuous slump for many years now, usually attributed to the collapse of commodity prices. It is, however, time to study the effects of changing climate too. There is no way to be certain of this as yet, but the increasing anecdotal evidence merits a detailed study of sowing patterns, yields and their relationship to abnormal temperature changes.
The study would require close coordination among various government departments — the ministries of agriculture and climate change and provincial revenue authorities. It would also require expertise that may not be available locally, in order to determine the extent of the impact and if it can be mitigated.
The effects are felt widely, from lowered yields to increased vulnerability to pest attacks. A detailed survey of agricultural yields, temperature anomalies, seasonal changes, water flows and its availability during critical times, covering a period of at least 10 years, is now necessary.
If an adverse impact is confirmed, then a second study is needed to develop mitigation strategies. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. If it is being swept away by a powerful adverse force such as climate change, then the government must determine what can be done to counter it. It’s high time the government made efforts to mitigate its impact.
Zehra Shujjat
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2019.
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