According to Former US President Barack Obama “The contours of the 21st century will be defined more importantly by one factor than any other, which is climate change. Climate change has become an essential threat to humanity.” Climate change refers to the long-term shift in average temperature and weather worldwide. It has been observed since the beginning of the industrial era due to human activities like the excessive burning of fossil fuels, etc. This is one of the most pressing issues of our time that is reshaping the future of the world due to its drastic impacts. It has impacted many countries, and Pakistan is one of them, which is on the brink of destruction due to climate injustice.
According to Global Climate Risk Index’s annual assessment of 2020, Pakistan is ranked 5th among the most vulnerable nations to climate change.The country has experienced a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and heat waves, which have led to various environmental, social, and economic challenges because of their devastating effects. As an example, Case Study of Catastrophic Floods 2022- According to the Study by the World Weather Attribution Network, Scientists reported that historic flooding was supercharged by climate change.
A scientific analysis of the disaster found that rainfall was made 50 to 75 percent more intense.World Bank Group News reported thatFlooding caused USD 14.9 billion in total damages and 15.2 billion in total economic losses. It affected 33 million people, and more than 1730 people lost their lives. More than 8 million people faced health issues. On the other hand, keeping an eye on assessing the current status quo, Rising temperatures and deaths from heat waves. These rising temperatures are directly leading to glacier melting and floods. Then floods will lead to the destruction of agriculture and cause food insecurity. Which in turn leads to the destruction of the economy and industries. This will create unemployment and poverty in Pakistan, so there is a dire need for Pakistan to adopt the model of developed nations in order to improve its climate resilience and build a sustainable future.
Many developed nations have enhanced their climate resilience because of their models to fight back. Like the Delta Plan of the Netherlands, which is designed to protect against flooding and provide fresh water, Pakistan can also develop a comprehensive flood management system like that of the Netherlands. Moreover, in order to mitigate the influence of heat waves, it can incorporate the green infrastructure of Singapore. Pakistan is doing many plantation drives, but there is a need to plant more and more trees. This not only mitigates heat waves but also purifies environmental pollution. Singapore also invests in water management systems such as rainwater harvesting and desalination plants.
Pakistan can enhance its climate resilience in the same way as Singapore. Furthermore, it can introduce the air pollution control model of Norway to mitigate smog and dust. Last but not least, Pakistan should develop an early warning system like Japan’s to combat and manage disaster risk. This innovative early warning system provides Japan with a model to attempt to adapt to climate change. Pakistan should do the same. To Sum up, Pakistan must follow the models of developed nations in order to tackle this issue of climate change and protect its economy and society from the devastating impacts and create a resilient future.
The author holds a Masters degree in History from the University of Karachi and is looking forward to pursuing higher studies in public administration and advancing Sustainable Development in her home country through historical analysis of socioeconomic challenges. She is committed to making innovative policy solutions as a policymaker, policy analyst, or policy researcher. Areas of interest also include leadership, diplomacy, and foreign policy. She is currently serving as an Intern researcher at Asian Politico.
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