LAHORE CSS ACADEMY

13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore

0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

Climate Change and Disaster Management

Past Paper Questions:

1. Elaborate the reasons and impacts on Donald Trump withdrawal from climate change Paris agreement in
2015.
2. Discuss the adverse impact of climate change on the world and the measures recently adopted by the Paris
Conference to address this issue.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is Climate Change?
3. Causes of Climate Change
4. Impacts of Climate Change on Developing Countries, particularly Pakistan
5. Climate-related Protocols and Treaties
6. What is Disaster Management?
7. Introduction and Historical Development
8. Pillars and Mechanism of Disaster Management
9. Disaster Management in Pakistan
10. Critical Evaluation of Disaster Management Institutions in Pakistan
11. Conclusion

Introduction:

Climate change is a pressing global issue that arises from the increased concentration of
greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes, contribute significantly to these emissions. As a result, the
Earth's average temperature is rising, leading to a wide range of environmental and societal
impacts. The effects of climate change include more frequent and severe heatwaves, extreme
weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity. These changes
pose significant risks to human lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources. In response
to the growing challenges, disaster management plays a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to
the impacts of climate change. It involves a range of activities, including risk assessment, early
warning systems, emergency preparedness, and community resilience building. Effective disaster
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

management strategies are essential to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and ensure
the well-being and safety of populations around the world.

"Climate change is the single greatest threat to a sustainable future, and we are already feeling its
impacts, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events... We have a responsibility to act, and we owe
it to future generations to address this challenge."

- Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, wind patterns, and
other aspects of the Earth's climate system. It is primarily caused by human activities, particularly
the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Earth's climate has naturally undergone
changes throughout its history. However, the current phenomenon of climate change is largely
driven by human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural
gas. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,
trapping heat and causing a rise in global temperatures. This process is commonly referred to as
the greenhouse effect.

Causes of Climate Change:

The primary causes of climate change can be attributed to human activities, including:

Burning of
Fossil Fuels

Anthropogenic
Industrial Activities as a Agricultural
Processes Major Cause of practices
Climate Change

Deforestatio
n
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

Impacts of Climate Change on Developing Countries, particularly Pakistan:

Developing countries like Pakistan are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
due to their limited capacity to adapt. Some of the key impacts include:

Water Scarcity

Agriculture Extreme
and Food Weather
Scurity Evenets

Displacement
Health Risks
and Migration

Climate-related Protocols and Treaties:

Several international agreements and protocols have been established to address climate change.
Here are some of the key ones:

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Adopted in 1992,

the UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty that aims to stabilize greenhouse gas
concentrations to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
2. Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, sets binding emissions reduction
targets for industrialized countries and establishes mechanisms for reducing greenhouse
gas emissions.
3. Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global treaty aimed at
limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It
emphasizes voluntary national contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
provides a framework for climate finance, adaptation, and technology transfer.
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

4. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is a scientific body

established by the UNFCCC to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the
scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and potential response options.
5. COP 27: The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (COP27), held in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh on
November 20, concluded with a historic vote to establish and operationalize a loss and
damage fund.

Although many protocols have been signed to reduce carbon emissions but no significant progress
has shown so far. As most of the of the carbon emissions come from developed Industrial states
like the U.S. and China.

You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words and yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are
suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all
you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!

- Greta Thunberg

What is Disaster Management?

Disaster management can be defined as the process of organizing, coordinating, and implementing
measures to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, aiming to reduce the
human, social, economic, and environmental impact of emergencies.

Introduction and Historical Development:

The concept of disaster management emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the
increasing recognition of the need for systematic approaches to address the impacts of disasters.
The United Nations (UN) played a crucial role in introducing and promoting the concept.

In 1971, the UN General Assembly created the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR), formerly known as the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The
UNDRR serves as a focal point for coordinating disaster risk reduction efforts globally.
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

Pillars and Mechanism of Disaster Management:

Disaster management typically consists of four pillars or phases:

Prevention
or
Mitigation

Recovery Prepardness

Response

The mechanism of disaster management involves coordination among various stakeholders,

including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and
international bodies. It requires collaboration, information sharing, and effective communication
to ensure a comprehensive and efficient response to disasters.

Disaster Management in Pakistan:

In Pakistan, disaster management is primarily coordinated by the National Disaster Management

Authority (NDMA) at the federal level and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs)
at the provincial level. Here is an overview of the disaster management mechanism and institutions
in Pakistan:

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

The NDMA is the apex federal body responsible for disaster management in Pakistan. Its primary
functions include policy formulation, coordination, and implementation of disaster management
activities at the national level. The NDMA works closely with various stakeholders, including
federal ministries, provincial governments, international organizations, and civil society, to ensure
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

an integrated approach to disaster management. It plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction,
preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the country.

2. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs):

Each province in Pakistan has its own Provincial Disaster Management Authority, responsible for
disaster management at the provincial level. These authorities are tasked with developing
provincial policies, strategies, and plans for disaster risk reduction, as well as coordinating and
implementing disaster management activities within their respective provinces. PDMAs work
closely with district-level disaster management authorities, civil defense agencies, and other
relevant stakeholders to ensure effective disaster management at the local level.

3. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs):

At the district level, District Disaster Management Authorities are responsible for disaster
management within their respective districts. These authorities play a vital role in disaster
preparedness, early warning dissemination, evacuation planning, and local-level response
coordination. DDMAs work closely with local government bodies, civil society organizations, and
communities to build resilience and enhance disaster response capacities at the grassroots level.

Critical Evaluation of Disaster Management Institutions in Pakistan:

Recent The disaster management system in Pakistan, like any system, has its flaws and areas for
improvement. Here are some common flaws in the disaster management system in Pakistan and
potential strategies to address them:

1. Lack of Effective Coordination:

One significant flaw is the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among different
stakeholders involved in disaster management. This includes improving coordination between the
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities
(PDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). Strategies to address this flaw
could include establishing clear lines of communication, sharing information in a timely manner,
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

conducting joint training exercises, and fostering a culture of collaboration among all levels of
authorities.

2. Limited Community Engagement:

Engaging and empowering local communities is essential for effective disaster management. There
is a need to strengthen community participation and involvement in decision-making processes,
early warning systems, and disaster preparedness initiatives. Encouraging community-based
organizations, conducting awareness campaigns, and integrating traditional knowledge and
practices can enhance community resilience and response capabilities.

3. Insufficient Focus on Risk Reduction:

While response and recovery efforts are important, greater emphasis should be placed on disaster
risk reduction (DRR) to prevent or minimize the impact of disasters. This includes implementing
comprehensive risk assessments, land-use planning, and incorporating DRR strategies into
development plans. Integrating DRR into educational curricula and raising awareness among
policymakers and the general public about the importance of proactive risk reduction measures
can help improve the system.

4. Inadequate Resource Allocation:

Adequate funding and resource allocation are crucial for disaster management. Allocating
sufficient financial resources to disaster management agencies, both at the national and provincial
levels, can help strengthen their capacities and enable effective response and recovery.
Additionally, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and
insurance schemes, can provide sustainable funding sources.

5. Capacity Building and Training:

Strengthening the capacity of disaster management personnel is vital for an effective response.
This includes training emergency responders, equipping them with necessary skills and
knowledge, and conducting regular exercises and simulations. Furthermore, investing in scientific
research and data collection can help enhance forecasting and early warning systems.
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

6. Improved Information Management:

Effective information management systems are essential for timely decision-making and response
coordination. Developing robust information systems, integrating data from various sources, and
ensuring interoperability among different agencies can improve information sharing and facilitate
evidence-based decision-making during emergencies.

7. Long-term Recovery and Rehabilitation:

While immediate response efforts are crucial, there is often a lack of focus on long-term recovery
and rehabilitation. Ensuring comprehensive and sustainable post-disaster recovery strategies,
including livelihood restoration, housing reconstruction, and psychological support, is necessary
to facilitate the transition to normalcy.

Addressing these flaws requires a multi-dimensional approach involving government agencies,

civil society organizations, and the community. Strengthening institutional capacities, improving
coordination, enhancing community engagement, and prioritizing risk reduction are key strategies
to improve the disaster management system in Pakistan. Regular evaluation, monitoring, and
adapting to changing circumstances will also contribute to a more effective and efficient system.

Conclusion:

Climate change is a pressing global issue that arises from the increased concentration of
greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes, contribute significantly to these emissions. As a result, the
Earth's average temperature is rising, leading to a wide range of environmental and societal
impacts. The effects of climate change include more frequent and severe heatwaves, extreme
weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity. These changes
pose significant risks to human lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources. In response
to the growing challenges, disaster management plays a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to
the impacts of climate change. It involves a range of activities, including risk assessment, early
warning systems, emergency preparedness, and community resilience building. Effective disaster
 LAHORE CSS ACADEMY
13-Sher Shah Block, New Garden Town, Barkat Market, Lahore
0331-0001110 / 0333-9800938

management strategies are essential to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and ensure
the well-being and safety of populations around the world.

Suggested Readings:

1. What is climate change? A really simple guide https://www.bbc.com/news/science-

environment-24021772
2. The Science of Climate Change Explained: Facts, Evidence and Proof
https://www.nytimes.com/article/climate-change-global-warming-faq.html
3. Pakistan’s Climate Challenges Pose a National Security Emergency
https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/07/pakistans-climate-challenges-pose-national-
security-emergency
4. In a First Study of Pakistan’s Floods, Scientists See Climate Change at Work
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/15/climate/pakistan-floods-global-warming.html
5. Pakistan Urgently Needs Significant Investments in Climate Resilience to Secure its
Economy and Reduce Poverty https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-
release/2022/11/10/pakistan-urgently-needs-significant-investments-in-climate-
resilience-to-secure-its-economy-and-reduce-poverty
6. Disaster Management Woes in Pakistan https://dailytimes.com.pk/966546/disaster-
management-woes-in-pakistan/
7. National Disaster Risk Management Framework Pakistan
https://cms.ndma.gov.pk/storage/app/public/plans/September2020/Wj3qeqvxfZguSu7N
WLI2.pdf
8. Disaster Management Mechanism https://tribune.com.pk/story/2374654/disaster-
management-mechanism