Zainab Iftikhar
Climate variation and its effects is a major subject of debate in the whole world these days. It is raising an alarming number of concerns regarding the temperature rise globally and also regionally. The concerning fact is that it is one of the most important issues of our time and we might be the last ones to have a chance to prevent its effects from prevailing. The long-term weather pattern in Pakistan especially has been disturbed majorly since 1998. Studies show that from 1998-2018 about 150 major weather events have occurred. The factors thought to exhibit climate change also exhibit variability. This led to increased temperature, precipitation and increase in sea-level. Recently, a catastrophic flood hit Pakistan in 2022.
The reason Pakistan was hit so hard with the monsoon currents is because of the irregular path it took this year. The currents usually enter the Indus Valley from Kashmir giving them some time to have already discharged a significant portion of the spells, but this year the currents had entered straight to Sukkur, Khairpur and other neighboring districts. This could be due to climate change causing erratic weather patterns. This was further exacerbated due to the lack of effective low-level governance in those areas leaving the flood afflicted villages to mostly fend for themselves as they wait for the higher government to react. This meant that a lot of unnecessary losses were had due to this reason.
Climate changes have very adverse effects on the environment. Climate changes lead to melting of glaciers. That results in rise in sea level and floods. Floods are very destructive and have negative effect on ecosystem. Floods wash away a lot of people and cattle. Arable lands turn barren and clogged with salts. Due to migration of people that are prone to flood, population increases in urban areas. Floods also cause health risks due to waterborne diseases. Floods are the biggest cause of famine. Pakistan is also at risk of famine due the recent flood. Moreover, they cause road closures, erosion, and landslide risks.
Recovery from all the devastations the floods have caused to Pakistan is not an easy task. Pakistan is trying its best to facilitate all the people affected by this unfortunate incident, funds are being collected from all over the world. Contribution on Pakistan’s appeal came from Norway, Germany, US, United Nation Central Emergency Response Fund and WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies. People are also helping by providing flood victims with clothes, shoes, medicines, food, clean water etc. Medical camps are being established there so that people can be treated from all the diseases that are born from still or stagnant water.
In short, the climate changes can lead to very devastating situations. Floods, rising of sea water and global warming are some problems being faced by people. We should take steps to overcome the problem of climate changes. Reducing the use of plastic, using energy source that is environment friendly, preventing waste from entering in the sea are some ways could help us overcome the alarming situation. Other than that government should focus on the management issues which allowed this flood to cause that much destruction.
Writer is a student of Mechanical Engineering in National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST),
Islamabad.
