PAK-STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 9th

Chapter # 4 – Land, Climate and Environment of Pakistan

4.4.4   Analyse the Impact of Global Warming on Pakistan.

Global warming

Global warming is when the Earth’s temperature gets hotter because of certain gases in the air. These gases trap heat from the sun and make the Earth warmer than it should be. This can cause problems like melting ice, extreme weather, and changes in the environment.

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Global warming, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, has a significant impact on Pakistan. Pakistan is vulnerable to the effects of global warming due to its geographical location, topography, and socio-economic factors. Here’s an analysis of the impact of global warming on Pakistan:

1. Temperature Increase:
   • Pakistan has experienced a noticeable increase in temperatures due to global warming. Rising temperatures have led to more frequent and severe heatwaves, especially in urban areas like Karachi and Lahore. These heatwaves can have deadly consequences, causing heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

2. Glacial Melting:
   • Pakistan is home to several major glaciers, including those in the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range. Global warming has accelerated the melting of these glaciers, leading to concerns about water scarcity. Glacial meltwater is a vital source of freshwater for Pakistan’s rivers, and its reduction can impact agriculture and drinking water supplies.

3. Water Scarcity:
   • Changes in precipitation patterns, combined with glacial melt, have led to water scarcity issues in Pakistan. The country relies heavily on its rivers, like the Indus, for agriculture, and reduced water flow can lead to crop failures and food security challenges. Furthermore, urban areas often face water shortages, exacerbating public health concerns.

4. Floods and Droughts:
   • Global warming has led to increased variability in precipitation. While some regions experience devastating floods due to heavy rains, others face prolonged droughts. Both extreme events can have severe economic and humanitarian consequences, affecting livelihoods and displacing communities.

5. Sea-Level Rise:
   • Pakistan’s coastline along the Arabian Sea is vulnerable to sea-level rise. Rising sea levels can lead to coastal erosion, damage to infrastructure, and the displacement of coastal populations.

6. Agricultural Impacts:
   • Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt agricultural seasons and reduce crop yields. Pests and diseases that were once limited by temperature can also expand their range, posing new challenges to agriculture.

7. Health Consequences:
   • Global warming can exacerbate health problems in Pakistan. Heat-related illnesses become more common during heatwaves. Changes in precipitation can affect the spread of waterborne diseases, while increased temperatures can create favorable conditions for disease vectors like mosquitoes.

8. Displacement and Migration:
   • Environmental stressors resulting from global warming, such as water scarcity, floods, and land degradation, can force people to migrate from rural to urban areas or even across borders. This can strain urban infrastructure and create social and economic challenges.

9. Energy Demand:
   • Rising temperatures can lead to increased demand for cooling, especially in urban areas. This can strain energy resources and contribute to power shortages, which are already a concern in Pakistan.

10. Economic Impact:
    • The cumulative impact of these climate-related challenges can have significant economic consequences for Pakistan, affecting sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Global warming poses significant challenges to Pakistan’s sustainable development, threatening water security, food production, public health, ecosystems, and socio-economic stability. Addressing these challenges requires urgent action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change impacts, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. International cooperation and support are essential for implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and achieving climate resilience in Pakistan.