Climate change: An existential threat for developing world

The global climate catastrophe has reached a tipping point, threatening the developing world’s existence. As global temperatures continue to climb at an alarming rate, the effects of climate change become more apparent. The consequences range from disastrous heat waves and extreme weather events to rising sea levels and depleting freshwater resources. Pakistan, a developing country already burdened with severe socio-economic issues, is one country dealing with the negative consequences of climate change.
The present climate forecast offers a bleak picture of the entire planet. Human activities, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), have resulted in a considerable increase in greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a rise in global temperatures. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are at their highest in over 800,000 years. This global warming trend has caused a chain reaction of disastrous repercussions, particularly for underdeveloped countries.
Pakistan, which is located in a climate-vulnerable zone, is seeing the effects personally. According to research, the country’s average temperatures have risen by about 0.5 degrees Celsius during the last few decades. This rise has resulted in extended heatwaves, water scarcity, and decreased agricultural production, worsening poverty and food insecurity. The current scenario in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Quetta are all witnessing extreme weather conditions with temperatures staying above 30°C. Coastal areas of Sindh and Baluchistan are also experiencing humid and damp conditions.
Accelerated glacier melt in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayan region is one of the most concerning effects of climate change in Pakistan. These mountain ranges are known as the “water towers of Asia,” as they supply essential freshwater supplies to millions of people throughout the region. Water supplies for drinking, farming, and hydropower generation are jeopardized when glaciers melt due to rising temperatures which consequently endangers the livelihoods and food security of those that rely on these resources.
In addition, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts have seen a significant rise. The recent floods of 2022 were one of the catastrophic effects climate change that disturbed the lives of a large number of the population across Pakistan and caused significant economic damage. The floods not only destroyed infrastructure and residences, but also obstructed access to education, healthcare, and clean water that harmed disadvantaged groups disproportionately.
Climate change’s negative impacts in Pakistan go beyond the environmental and humanitarian areas. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, which accounts for a considerable amount of its GDP and employs a big number of people. Changing rainfall patterns and unpredictable weather conditions create considerable problems for farmers, resulting in crop failures, lower yields, and greater vulnerability to poverty.
Given the critical nature of the challenges unfolding due to climate change the entire developing world in general and Pakistan, in particular, needs a concrete set of actions. In this respect, Pakistan has to push efforts for afforestation, transition to renewable sources of energy, and sustainable development. The government of Pakistan has started some projects such as the Clean Green Pakistan Movement, the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, and switching to solar energy but this requires a continued and farsighted action plan. Furthermore, global collaborative undertakings and assistance are also crucial to successfully alleviate the negative consequences of climate change as Pakistan’s limited resources will hamper the outcome of counterstrategy.
Developed countries hold a huge amount of responsibility in tackling climate change and assisting countries like Pakistan. Financial aid, technological transfer, and capacity-building activities are critical for vulnerable countries to adapt to climate change and shift to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, international accords such as the Paris Agreement must be followed through on, with stronger promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions and control global warming.
Finally, climate change poses an existential threat to the poor world, with Pakistan being one of the most vulnerable states in this regard. Rising temperatures, glacier melt, extreme weather events, and agricultural issues are just a few of the negative repercussions that Pakistan has to deal with. Urgent action is required at both the national and international levels to reduce the effect of climate change, protect vulnerable communities, and promote long-term development.
Only by working together can we can confront the global issue and ensure a better future for everybody because if left uncontrolled, these effects would spread and intensify, resulting in increased animal extinction and biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and displaced communities.