Swat Basin Faces Over 5°C Warming by Century’s End: Report

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: A glacier risk assessment has revealed that the Swat basin is projected to experience a temperature increase of more than 5°C by the end of the century, particularly between October and June.

This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for climate action in the region.

The assessment, conducted by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), indicates that while winter rainfall is expected to remain stable, summer rainfall could potentially more than double under certain climate scenarios.

These changes are anticipated to elevate the risk of severe floods and erosion, leading to a temporary increase in water availability due to glacier melt, followed by a long-term decline as glaciers continue to recede.

The Swat basin, home to over 10,000 glaciers, faces heightened risks of infrastructure failure and subsequent flooding.

The assessment warns of significant agricultural losses, increased erosion in valley areas, and a troubling shift from a short-term water surplus to a long-term deficit, posing serious challenges for local communities.

In light of these findings, stakeholders are urged to prioritize climate resilience strategies and infrastructure improvements. The GCF has previously conducted similar assessments in other regions, including Kura in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and Naryn in Kyrgyz Republic, underscoring the global nature of this climate crisis.