By Nadir Ali
A global phenomenon, climate change is having a significant impact on every region of the globe. The effects of climate change will worsen over the next 10 years, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. This article will look at how climate change will affect Pakistan in 2030, as well as the recent difficulties the nation has encountered as a result of its changing environment.
In the upcoming years, Pakistan is anticipated to experience profound and widespread effects of climate change. It is crucial that the nation take action to combat climate change’s effects and get ready for its likely repercussions. The following are a few ways that Pakistan could be impacted by climate change:
- Water scarcity: Extreme water scarcity already exists in Pakistan, and climate change is predicted to exacerbate the problem. Freshwater availability is likely to decrease due to warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, which could result in conflicts over water resources.
- Agriculture: In Pakistan, one of the most important industries is agriculture, which is anticipated to be severely impacted by climate change. Crop yields and productivity could be affected by variations in temperature and precipitation patterns, as well as by an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events.
- Health: On human health in Pakistan, climate change is predicted to have a significant effect. For instance, rising temperatures might make it easier for malaria and dengue fever to spread, while more frequent extreme weather events might be fatal or seriously harm people.
- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and buildings in Pakistan are likely to sustain damage as a result of rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and altered precipitation patterns.
- Biodiversity: The biodiversity in Pakistan is anticipated to be significantly impacted by climate change. A shift in a species’ range due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns is possible, and some species that are unable to adapt may go extinct.
Several significant areas of Pakistan will begin to experience the effects of climate change in 2030. In the beginning, the nation is probably going to experience more frequent and severe heat waves, which will have terrible effects on public health. In particular among the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses will rise as a result of the rising temperatures.
Furthermore, the likelihood of more severe and frequent droughts in the country is high. This will have a significant impact on agriculture and food security in the country. Droughts will cause crop failures and decreased yields, which will result in food shortages and price increases in Pakistan as agriculture is a crucial component of the country’s economy. The availability of food for humans and livestock will also be impacted, as well as the overall food system.
Thirdly, the country is in danger from increasingly destructive floods that would destroy homes and infrastructure. Floods will harm homes, businesses, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access services like clean water, healthcare, and education. Additionally, floods will cause a significant number of people to be displaced, escalating the nation’s already serious homelessness problem.
Fourthly, as a result of climate change, the nation will also experience a worsening energy crisis. Rising temperatures will increase the need for energy to cool homes and buildings, straining the nation’s energy infrastructure. The energy crisis will also worsen as a result of more frequent natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, which will cause power outages and damage to energy infrastructure.
Finally, Pakistan’s difficulties in adapting to the effects of climate change have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, there have been significant job losses worldwide and slower economic growth. Due to this, it has become even more challenging for the nation to invest in the strategies required to combat the effects of climate change, such as building infrastructure that is more resilient and utilizing renewable energy.
Pakistan will experience severe and wide-ranging effects from climate change in 2030, which will have an impact on the economy, infrastructure, food security, and public health. The country has recently been confronted with challenges brought on by climate change, including COVID-19, floods, earthquakes, heat waves, droughts, food crises, and energy crises. Urgent action must be taken by the government, the international community, and regional organizations to address the effects of climate change and make Pakistan capable of adapting and thriving in the face of this global challenge.
Nadir Ali is associated with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). He has written for Pakistan Today, Pakistan Observer, Global Affairs, and numerous other publishers. He tweets at @hafiznadirali7 and can be reached at hafiznadirali7@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News Agency.
