Climate Crisis: Life or Death

Shazia Mehboob 

Islamabad: In recent weeks, as visibility in Lahore plummeted and roads closed, the reality of climate change has once again revealed itself, not just in scientific data but in everyday disruptions affecting millions.

The fog-drenched streets, lined with stalled cars and cautious drivers, reflect a larger, more troubling pattern of climate-induced weather extremes.

This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a symptom of a broader environmental and public health crisis marked by rising temperatures, intensifying air pollution, and the accelerating spread of climate-related diseases.

Climate data confirms the gravity of the situation.

According to the EU’s climate monitor, 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures edging dangerously close to the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels. 

The effects on human health are far-reaching and increasingly severe. A recent Lancet Countdown report also reveals that 10 out of 15 climate-related health indicators have reached alarming levels, and Pakistan is no exception.

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Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths among those over 65 have soared by 167 percent, underscoring the lethal impact of extreme temperatures on vulnerable populations.

Air pollution, another byproduct of greenhouse gas emissions, is a pervasive and often invisible killer. Shockingly, 99 percent of the global population now breathes air exceeding WHO safety standards—a risk comparable to smoking.

In Lahore, pollution levels can rise to over 40 times the WHO’s recommended limits, causing respiratory illnesses and contributing to nearly 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.

For the residents of Lahore, wintertime air quality is more than a seasonal irritation; it’s a public health emergency, intensified by a blend of fog and smog that worsens during the colder months.

The health impacts of climate change extend beyond air quality and heat.

Rising temperatures are expanding the reach of disease vectors like mosquitoes, raising the risk of infections such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

Over the last 60 years, dengue transmission has increased by 43 percent, with over 5 million cases reported globally last year.

Climate-induced flooding and other extreme weather events often leave behind pools of stagnant water—ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. These conditions also drive up cases of waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and typhoid, further straining healthcare systems already stretched thin by climate-related challenges.

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As these impacts intensify, public health experts are raising the alarm on the urgent need for action. The upcoming COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan represents a critical opportunity to address the intersection of climate and health.

Reducing emissions, increasing adaptation measures, and securing funding for health resilience will be essential topics for leaders and policymakers to confront.

The WHO has labeled climate change as “a matter of life and death,” emphasizing the need for global cooperation to counteract these health risks.

Cities like Lahore must take decisive steps toward cleaner air and climate resilience. Aggressive air quality management, stricter emissions regulations, and expanded green spaces are necessary steps to improve urban living conditions. 

Public awareness campaigns focused on safe driving in fog, increased air quality monitoring, and integrating climate considerations into city planning are equally vital.

Citizens also have a role: limiting vehicle use, heeding health advisories, and supporting environmental advocacy are small but significant actions in a larger effort to protect public health.

The fog blanketing Lahore is a vivid reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, a warning that such incidents are no longer isolated. Extreme weather, surging pollution, and the spread of diseases are not random events; they’re urgent indicators of a planet in crisis.

The future health and safety of our communities hinge on the decisions we make today, whether in policy rooms, city halls, or our own homes.

Addressing climate change isn’t only about preserving ecosystems. It’s about safeguarding lives, ensuring healthier environments, and building a resilient future for generations to come. Each of us, from policymakers to everyday citizens, has a role in this urgent fight. The health of our world depends on how we respond now—and we must act together.

Shazia Mehboob is a PhD scholar and a visiting faculty member. She is also a freelance journalist and the founder of The PenPK.com. You can follow her on Twitter @thepenpk.