Dr Saad Javed
THE climate crisis is an imminent global threat that is already affecting every person on Earth.
However, it is often the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society who are hit the hardest. Pakistan exemplifies how climate change exacerbates pre-existing societal challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article explores the social consequences of climate change in Pakistan and discusses potential solutions to mitigate its negative impacts.
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with its geographical location in South Asia making it extremely prone to natural disasters, including floods, droughts and heatwaves. Over the past decade, these events have increased in frequency and intensity, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. For instance, the catastrophic floods of 2010, 2011 and 2014 affected more than 20 million people and resulted in economic losses worth billions of dollars. Recurrent droughts in parts of the country have also impacted millions of farmers and herders, contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition.
According to recent studies, Pakistan is the sixth most at-risk country for the impacts of climate change and has seen its greenhouse gas emissions rise some 30% since 1990. In addition, the country relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity, with close to half of its electricity coming from natural gas. This excessive dependence on fossil fuels has resulted in colossal carbon emissions, turning Pakistan into a major contributor to the world\’s greenhouse gases.
The social consequences of climate change in Pakistan are massive and myriad. The most direct impact is on human health, as extreme weather fuels the spread of diseases, malnutrition and mental health issues. Likewise, climate driven displacement is emerging as a challenge, again, in which people are compelled to vacate their places of stay as a result of flooding, droughts and environmental degradation. This in turn results in increased poverty, social conflict and displacement.
To offset the social outcomes of climate change in Pakistan and other LMICs, there is a need for collective action on the part of high-income countries (HICs) to lower their carbon footprints. Stewarding the planet is not just an environmental responsibility, it is a moral obligation. Equity and global solidarity as well as urgent action to safeguard communities in need must be our driving priorities.
—The writer is Research Fellow at Violence, Injury Prevention & Disability Unit, Health Services Academy, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Islamabad, Pakistan
