Pakistan is experiencing serious effects from climate change on its ecology, economy, and security. severe rainfall and meteorological conditions, as the disastrous floods of 2022.more lengthy floods and higher heat. Impact on the productivity of agriculture, particularly on important crops like maize, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane increased occurrence of landslides, floods, earthquakes, and cyclones among other natural calamities. Impact on the livelihood and health of people. A rise in pollution of the air and water
Future climate change scenarios are predicted to cause higher precipitation variability and glacier melting, which would increase river flow variability in Pakistan. Higher evaporation rates might lead to a rise in the demand for irrigation water. Wheat and basmati rice yields are predicted to drop, and depending on the availability of water, production may shift north. The amount of water available for hydro power production can decrease. Due to the increased need for air conditioning, warmer temperatures are anticipated to result in higher energy consumption.
Increased air and water temperatures have the potential to reduce nuclear and thermal power plant generating efficiency. Extreme heat waves may cause an increase in fatalities. Flash floods and heavy rains can put additional strain on urban drainage systems. Infrastructure and lives along the coast may be negatively impacted by storm surges and sea level rise.
Environmental Issues
We talk about a few environmental problems brought on by climate change here.
Severe Weather Circumstances
Pakistan has seen some of the biggest natural disasters in recent memory, such the catastrophic floods of 2022 that destroyed huge portions of the nation and claimed over 33 million lives. Climate change is causing heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall events to occur more frequently and with greater intensity, which is significantly affecting the country’s infrastructure, agriculture, and human settlements.
Effects on Agriculture
The majority of Pakistan’s income is derived on agriculture, and climate change is having a big influence on this sector. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are affecting crop yields, and a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events is damaging crops and agricultural infrastructure. This leads to food insecurity, financial losses, and rural population relocation.
Lack of Water
Climate change is exacerbating the severe water scarcity that Pakistan already faces. Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation due to rising temperatures are reducing the amount of water available. This affects agriculture, the production of electricity, and the availability of drinking water.
Effects on Health
Climate change is also having a big effect on people’s health in Pakistan. Warmer temperatures are facilitating the spread of infections, even as extreme weather events result in fatalities and injuries. In addition, heat-related illnesses are becoming more common across the country, particularly in urban areas.
Effects on Economic
Climate change is having an adverse effect on Pakistan’s economy, leading to damages in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and industry. The country is already facing significant economic challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change.
Effects on Security
Climate change is also having a big influence on Pakistan’s security, from increased competition for resources to mass migration and social unrest. The country already has significant security challenges, which are getting worse by climate change.
Climate Change Policy in Pakistan
Even though Pakistan is severely affected by climate change, there are things that may be done to lessen the effects and prepare for the changes. Among the crucial actions are:
- Making the switch to renewable energy
- Improving the effectiveness of energy use
- Using climate-resilient agricultural techniques – Making investments in water management and conservation
- improving catastrophe readiness and response – Encouraging the development of climate-resilient infrastructure – Funding research and development related to climate change
Approved in 2012, Pakistan’s response to climate change is notable for the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP). The National Climate Change Policy provides a strong core framework for assuring Climate Change Action Plans, Programs, and Projects, and it thoroughly tackles all potential difficulties related to adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Climate change is a major threat to social, environmental, and economic growth in developing nations like Pakistan. It also causes migration both inside and outside Pakistan’s borders.
In Pakistan, the consequences of climate change are already being felt in the form of increased frequency of droughts, flooding, more unpredictable weather patterns, altered agricultural practices, decreased freshwater availability, and biodiversity loss. Adapting and mitigating are regarded as the two main strategies for addressing climate change. Preparing the nation for climate change adaptation is the most urgent and vital duty.
Climate Policy and Green Initiative
The 2023–24 budget includes a sizable commitment for Green Pakistan, a major federal government project to counteract climate change, desertification, and reverse deforestation, with the goal of bolstering forestry and wildlife resources.
Under the auspices of the Public Sector Development Programmed (PSDP) in the budget 2023–24, the Ministry of Climate Change Division is implementing a number of significant projects aimed at promoting forestry, wildlife, environment, and biodiversity resources throughout all provinces of Pakistan for the benefit of human well-being. These initiatives are part of the government’s Green Pakistan program.
According to the Policy, community and privately held natural forests in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the main places where the forest resources were severely strained. In addition to causing soil degradation, flooding, and variety loss, environmental condition in watershed areas was negatively affecting agricultural productivity and the quality of water at outflows.
Conclusion
Extreme weather events, agriculture, water shortages, health, the economy, and security are all being negatively compact by climate change in Pakistan. However, Pakistan can lower the risks related to climate change and create a more lively and sustainable future by acting to mitigate and accommodate to these changes.
