Climate change has become a critical worldwide issue, with its effects being particularly pronounced in countries like Pakistan. The main cause of climate change in Pakistan, as in other parts of the world, is the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in worldwide temperatures. This temperature rise has several impacts on human health, one of the most severe being heat stroke, especially during extreme heat events. It is well known that the following major causes contribute to climate change and global environmental upsets.
The rise in weather temperature in Pakistan has several significant impacts on human health:
Main Roots of Climate
Change & Causes of Temperature Rise in Pakistan.
Global Warming:
Global warming refers:- to the long-term increase
in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the
emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane
(CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere,
leading to a "greenhouse effect," which results in the planet's warming. Here are the key aspects of global warming:
The primary driver of rising temperatures is global warming caused by
increased levels of GHGs in the atmosphere. This is a global phenomenon that
affects all countries, including Pakistan.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping the planet warm.
Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a
natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from
the sun, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. Human activities have
intensified this effect by increasing the concentration of GHGs, leading to
more heat being trapped and a rise in global temperatures.
Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces
the number of trees that can absorb CO₂, increasing the concentration of CO₂ in
the atmosphere, the country’s deforestation rate is the second highest in Asia
(WWF), as a study and report by World Bank shows that in 1990 country’s land
under forest was 49,867.9 SqKm (6.5 %) which was reduced up to 2021 as 36845.6
SqKm (4.8 %).
Local Environmental
Degradation:
Deforestation, urban sprawl, and pollution contribute to local temperature
increases. The loss of green cover reduces the natural cooling effect of trees
and plants, while urban heat islands contribute to higher temperatures in
cities.
Agricultural Practices:
Traditional agricultural practices, such as the burning of crop residues,
contribute to air pollution and temperature increases.
Industrial Activities:
Various manufacturing processes emit GHGs, and emissions from factories,
vehicles, and other industrial activities release heat and pollutants into the
atmosphere and further increase temperatures.
Urbanization: The rapid growth of urban
areas leads to the 'urban heat island' effect. Urban area till 1990 was 9769.53
SqKm 53 % and till 2015 was 39082.022
SqKm 70% because of development it needs more effective planning and acceptable
infrastructure.
Consequences of Global
Warming:
Rising Temperatures: Increased global temperatures
can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves.
Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil,
and natural gas for energy and transportation releases large amounts of CO₂.
Melting Ice Caps and
Glaciers: Higher temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to
melt, contributing to sea level rise.
Sea Level Rise: Melting ice and the thermal
expansion of seawater result in rising sea levels, which can inundate coastal
areas and islands.
Extreme Weather Events: Global warming is associated
with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such
as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
Ecosystem Disruption: Changing temperatures can
alter habitats, leading to shifts in species distributions and potentially
causing extinctions.
Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ levels are
absorbed by the oceans, leading to acidification, which affects marine life,
particularly coral reefs and shellfish.
Hottest Areas in
Pakistan
The Heat Wave of May
2024
The heat wave of May 2024 was one of the most severe in recent history,
exacerbated by the ongoing effects of climate change. The following are key
aspects of the impact of this heat wave:
Temperature Records:
The heat wave saw temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, with
Jacobabad recording 52 degrees Celsius. Sibi and other areas followed closely
with temperatures around 50 degrees Celsius.
Pakistan is home to some of the hottest areas in the world. Notable among
these are:
Jacobabad:
Known as one of the hottest cities globally, Jacobabad often experiences
extreme temperatures. During May 2024, temperatures in Jacobabad reached 52
degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Sibi:
Another city known for its extreme heat, Sibi also recorded temperatures
close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the May 2024
heatwave.
Dadu and Moenjo Daro:
These areas also frequently record extremely high temperatures, often
surpassing 50 degrees Celsius.
Sanghar, Mirpur Khas,
Hyderabad and Shaheed Banazirabad:
The areas of Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad and Shaheed Banzirabad also
record very high temperatures, often beating 50 degrees Celsius.
Impacts of Increased
Temperatures
Human Impact:
The extreme heat had devastating effects on human health. Reports indicated
that over 1,500 people were affected by heat stroke during this period. Hospitals
were overwhelmed with cases of heat-related illnesses, including dehydration
and heat exhaustion. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor
workers, were the hardest hit.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change in Pakistan is the temperature increase. This has a cascading effect on various aspects of
life, most notably human health.
Heat-Related Illnesses: Higher temperatures can increase heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration, and
heat exhaustion. These conditions can be particularly severe in vulnerable
populations such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health
conditions.
Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body is
unable to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include high body temperature,
altered mental state, and organ damage. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures
can be fatal, especially for defenceless populations like the ageing, children,
and those with earlier health conditions.
Dehydration and Heat
Exhaustion:
Increased temperatures lead to higher rates of dehydration and heat
exhaustion, particularly among those who work outdoors, such as labourers and
farmers.
Respiratory Problems: Increased temperatures can
exacerbate air pollution levels, leading to higher incidences of respiratory
problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High
temperatures can also increase the concentration of ground-level ozone, a
harmful air pollutant.
Vector-Borne Diseases:
Warmer temperatures can expand the habitat of disease-carrying vectors such as
mosquitoes and ticks, leading to a rise in vector-borne diseases like malaria,
dengue fever, and chikungunya. These diseases are particularly prevalent in
regions where healthcare infrastructure may be limited.
Water-Borne Diseases: Rising temperatures can
affect water quality by promoting the growth of harmful pathogens and algae in
water sources. This can lead to an increase in water-borne diseases such as
cholera, typhoid, and diarrheal diseases, especially in areas with inadequate
sanitation.
Food Security and
Nutrition: Heat
stress can adversely affect crop yields and livestock productivity, leading to
food shortages and higher prices. This can result in malnutrition, especially
among low-income populations who may already be struggling to afford nutritious
food.
Mental Health: Prolonged exposure to high
temperatures can also have an impact on mental health, leading to increased
stress, anxiety, and depression. The psychological burden of dealing with
extreme weather conditions, displacement due to natural disasters, and loss of
livelihoods can exacerbate mental health issues.
Increased Mortality: Overall, extreme heat can
lead to an increase in mortality rates, particularly during heatwaves. The
body’s ability to regulate temperature can be overwhelmed during extreme heat,
leading to fatal outcomes if not properly managed.
Cardiovascular and
Respiratory Issues:
Higher temperatures can exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Heat can increase the load on the heart and lungs, leading to an increased risk
of heart attacks and respiratory distress.
Emergency Measures:
Addressing the above health impacts requires a multifaceted approach,
including improving public health infrastructure, enhancing early warning
systems, promoting community awareness, and implementing policies to mitigate the
effects of climate change.
The government and various organizations implemented emergency measures to
mitigate the impact of the heat wave. Cooling centres were set up in major
cities, and public awareness campaigns were launched to educate people on how
to stay safe during extreme heat.
Long-term Consequences:
The heat wave highlighted the urgent need for climate adaptation and
mitigation strategies in Pakistan. Long-term measures such as improving urban
planning to reduce heat islands, increasing green cover, and investing in
renewable energy sources are crucial to combating the effects of climate
change.
Mitigation and
Adaptation:
Mitigation: Efforts to reduce or prevent
the emission of GHGs, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar,
wind, hydro), enhancing energy efficiency, reforestation, and adopting
sustainable agricultural practices.
Adaptation: Adjusting to the changes
brought by global warming, including building resilient infrastructure,
developing early warning systems for extreme weather, and implementing water
and land management practices.
International Efforts:
Required to enforce the international treaty aimed at limiting global
warming to decrease the Earth's average surface temperature due to human
activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Result in full Convention on Climate Change works to stabilize GHG
concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous interference with the
climate system. Global warming is a critical environmental challenge that
requires immediate and sustained action at local, national, and global levels
to mitigate its impacts and adapt to its inevitable changes.
Conclusion
However, Climate change is a pressing concern for Pakistan, with rising
temperatures being one of its most direct and deadly impacts on all living
beings. The heat wave of May 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need
to address the causes of climate change and implement effective modification
and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban
planning, and enhancing public awareness are essential steps towards a more
sustainable and resilient future. As global temperatures continue to rise, Pakistan must take proactive measures to protect its population
from the severe health impacts of heat waves and other climate-related events as
well through international steps treaties, and conventions with fruitful results.
