Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan

Outline
. Climate & Climate Change
. Factors
. Climate of Pakistan
. Climate change in Pakistan
. Impact on different fields
. Conclusion

Climate:
Climate is defined as the weather conditions and their patterns in a specific region.It involves the
temperature, precipitation, pattern of wind, humidity and atmospheric pressure.
Climate change:
It is significant changes in the all the major weather patterns of the specific area over the course
of decades or even more period of time. It includes disturbing all the major phenomena of that
area which includes
. Temperature
. Humidity
. Wind
. Atmospheric pressure
. Precipitation
Factors of climate change:
Without any doubt the very reason for these global climate changes is the burning of the fossil
fuels combined with the invent of chloroflourocarbons which are being used without any braces.
The burning of gas , petroleum and coal releases the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in
humongous quantity. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas. Greenhouse effect is
actually the natural warming effect caused in our atmosphere by trapping of solar energy by the
gases which includes Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. But the release of excess
Carbon dioxide is now over heating our atmosphere and hence is leading towards some dreadful
conditions all over the world particularly the rapidly growing regions.
Climate of Pakistan:
Pakistan is located in a temperate region and its climate is naturally bestowed with four major
seasons
Winter: Cool, dry, Dec-Feb
Spring: Hot, dry, Mar-May
Summer: Rainy, monsoon period, June-Sep
Autumn: Retreating monsoon, Oct-Nov
Climate change in Pakistan:
With the rapidly increasing vagaries of climate changes globally Pakistan is also in the lurch.
Over the past decades there have been drastic changes in the climate leading to sudden flood,
prolonged droughts, decreased rains and many other dreadful complications.
Impact on different fields:
Since the emergence of Pakistan there has been a plethora of problems which are an incessant
cause of retarded development. Among these challenges the everlasting climate change is also
listed. It has nearly affected every major field. A short count of these affects is as below
Agriculture:
Pakistan is an agricultural country and 21% GDP and 60% exports are contributed by
agriculture. There are two cultivating seasons Rabi and Kharif. All the crops cultivated are
dependent on proper temperature and water availability. But due to lack of rains and many other
climate changes there has been drastic fall in the production of two major products; wheat and
rice. More or less 6% and 15% reduction in production of wheat and rice respectively has been
reported.
Livestock:
After agriculture livestock is the second major contributor in the GDP i.e.11%. Due to
unpredictable climate change there are floods, droughts, unprecedented temperature rise which
affected the animals health and their nutrition sources. There are new diseases emerging. Poor
and less quality and quantity of fodder affected the food, meat, milk and other dairy products.
Public health:
Public health has been affected very badly due to various climate changes. New and non curable
diseases are emerging like the skin diseases and cancer etc. Poor nutrition of people is also
adding insult to injury.
Water:
The most discussed issue in the past 4-5 years is the issue of water scarcity. Increased variability
of rivers flow, less rains, increased demand of water for irrigation all are contributing is this
drastic decrease in water level.
Other:
. Forests are the best healer of this wound but the adversity of nature is that the forests are also
affected by this climate change and increased materialism further enhanced this issue.
. Energy demand is increasing with rapidly growing industries and uncontrolled population ad
well as increased number of automobiles. Flood and temperature changes has hampered the
energy supply by destroying the sources as well as the established infrastructure.
. Coastal areas are also affected by this calamity of climate change and coastal areas are no more
a safe picnic area due to sudden storms and floods.
. Urban sector is badly affected than the rural areas due to their sedentary lifestyles and ruthless
weather changes. They are more prone deadly diseases.
. Tourism is a great source of generating good annual revenue but this field is also hampered by
many climatic change hurdles.
Conclusion:
Pakistan is a developing country and all these man induced natural calamities are the real set-
backers. Stuttering growth of livestock and agriculture has badly affected our exports. Water and
energy crises are ever raising. Tourism is no more a source of generating good GDP. In fact
climate change has affected every field of life and has been the real achille’s heel for out
government. We have to come with proper strategies to combat al these challenges. Droughts,
flood and other problems must be solved otherwise this heaven will be no more a place living
worthy.

Muhammad Jawad Mahar.