Pakistan Treads A Challenging Path Towards Climate Resilience

News Desk

Islamabad: As Pakistan grapples with the projected flood risks, swift and decisive action is imperative. By formulating a comprehensive plan encompassing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, strengthening community resilience, and addressing governance shortcomings, the nation can reduce its vulnerability to devastating floods and pave the way for a more sustainable and secure future, said experts.

A conference titled ‘Climate Resilient Pakistan’ was jointly organised by the United Nations and the government of Pakistan in Geneva on January 9. The conference aimed to highlight the serious threat posed by climate change, especially in the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2022.

Several countries and development agencies made pledges during the conference, collectively covering over half of the required $16 billion for reconstruction as requested by the Pakistani government.

The World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan Director of Governance and Policy Dr Imran Khalid emphasised the need for Pakistan to shift its energy reliance from coal to renewable sources.

While Pakistan’s contribution to global CO2 emissions is less than one percent, he stressed the importance of proactively reducing dependence on coal and transitioning to alternative energy sources, considering that many other countries are already making the shift.

Meteorological Department Chief Meteorologist DrSardarSarfraz explained that westerly winds typically bring thunderstorms and snowfall during the winter season. However, in recent years, the pressure of these winds has extended beyond the usual timeframe.

In May, several parts of the country experienced above-average rainfall, resulting from the prolonged presence of westerly winds. DrSarfraz stated that average temperatures are expected for the first few days of June, with no significant deviations.

Dr. Imran Khalid emphasised the critical need for a dual approach of climate adaptation and mitigation in Pakistan to address the effects of climate change and avert further disastrous consequences.

A crucial aspect that demands attention is enhancing the capacity of farmers, empowering them with the necessary knowledge and resources to adapt to changing climatic conditions, Dr Khalid further stated.

Additionally, concerted efforts must be made to develop flood-resistant housing designs that can mitigate flood damage and equip communities with the skills and resources required to cope with heatwaves, Director Imran added.

Implications of Climate Change

Climate change knows no borders, and Pakistan bears witness to its indiscriminate wrath.

In mid-June 2022, Pakistan experienced unprecedented monsoon rains, resulting in the worst flooding the country had seen in a decade.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated that over 33 million people were affected, and more than 1 million houses were destroyed or damaged. The floods claimed the lives of at least 1,100 individuals and submerged vast areas spanning provinces including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh.

The country finds itself in a precarious climate where warming temperatures alter rainfall patterns and put people in a never-ending cycle of water scarcity and water-related disasters.

The NDMA research also underlined the serious economic disaster brought on by the flooding in 2022’s loss of farms and animals. Due to the crisis’s acute food shortages, the flood victims are at risk of starvation.

In addition, the healthcare system suffered greatly due to outbreaks of watery illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhea. Pregnant women faced additional difficulties due to the limited availability of prenatal services and necessary menstrual hygiene supplies in flood-affected communities.

Despite the enormous difficulties caused by the floods, the Pakistani government, with the help of the UN, gave $245 million in monetary assistance to 2.2 million households. But there is still the enormous burden of restoration and rehabilitation.

Pakistan has prepared a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) in collaboration with the UN, the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union. According to the evaluation, flood-related losses and damages total more than $15.2 billion in economic terms, and $16.3 billion is needed for reconstruction.

The revival of livelihoods will involve the reconstruction of private housing and public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.

The specter of devastating floods looms large over Pakistan as the NDMA issues a stark warning: there is a 72 percent likelihood of such catastrophic events occurring this year. In the face of this alarming prediction, urgent measures must be taken and a robust plan formulated to avert the potential risks and minimise the far-reaching damages.

The time to act is now, for the safety and well-being of present and future generations. Additional input from APP