Climate change
IN the late 1800’s humans found them selves in the wild pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological wonderment. Riddles of Radio frequencies and Quantum mechanics were on the verge of being unsnarled.
The working principle of electric motors had already been unearthed. Possibilities of alternating current as home and industrial use seemed genuinely appealing.
Humans were making quantum leaps for the betterment of their species and to quench their thirst for curiosity.
Amidst all that scientific frenzy, one pessimist Swedish scientist tried to warn humanity of the catastrophic potential of climate change.
However our brilliant minds at the time paid no heed to the warnings of their killjoy fellow and single mindedly pursued scientific discoveries without taking into account the probable impact these discoveries could have on the environment.
Almost a century later, when humans had successfully reaped the benefits of technological advancement and were in the midst of finding life in the cosmos, felt the devastating aftermaths of tampering with the environment.
The realization sent world governments into delirium and the environmental organisations had been formed to combat and control the abrupt changes in the climates.
Contrary to popular belief, radio and microwaves do have an impact on the environment. These waves have the ability to manipulate the thickness of the ozone layer.
However, these impacts are almost infinitesimal when compared to the harmful ramifications of industrial productions, burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Earth is becoming hotter with each passing day and if the governments around the world will not act on exigency then our future generations would have to pay dearly.
Unfortunately, where European and Scandinavian countries are seriously taking initiatives in dealing and cutting carbon emissions and controlling deforestation, South Asian countries are failing to do enough to control precipitating weather conditions.
Accruing efforts and planning is needed to secure the lives and livelihoods of the generations to come.
Increasing instances of weather change, especially longer and harsher summer and smog during winters are becoming the norm in South Asia.
This unnatural transition of weather is having a direct impact on agriculture, which is a mainstay of not only Pakistan but many South Asian economies.
Over the last two decades or so there has been a significant rise in heat waves during summer claiming mortality every year. Flooding is also noted to increase on an annual basis because of the sudden changes in monsoon spans.
The vexatious rise in global temperatures are the prelude of melting glaciers resulting in brobdingnagian torrent of water running down hill picking up speed and destroying acres of land and hundreds of lives in its stead.
Recent heat wave in Canada, which has already claimed more than 200 lives, is proof that climate change is not a problem of any specific region or nation but of the whole world.
Scientists believe that such searing heat scorching West Canada and parts of the US is impossible without climate change.
In order to tackle the situation, we need to band together and have a collective acknowledgement and understanding of the consequences of climate change and resolve to make this planet liveable for the future generations.
As an agricultural country, Pakistan needs to double down its efforts in combating climate change.
The government should raise public awareness among its citizens to plant trees and deforestation should be treated as a major offence. Old and faulty vehicles need to be banned or replaced and the use of electrical vehicles should be encouraged.
Climate change is not a hoax. It is as real as living organisms and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. —The writer is an Engineer, based in Rawalpindi.
