AS September draws to a close in Pakistan, the weather’s unpredictability is becoming an intriguing phenomenon and a reminder of climate change. There are days when the air is thick with humidity making every breath feel heavy and oppressive. While on some days dark clouds gather, suggesting the possibility of a sudden downpour causing floods. The once predictable transition from summer to autumn now feels like a chaotic dance between extremes. Over the past few years Pakistan has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwave. Our northern regions that are home to some of the world’s largest glaciers are experiencing rapid glacial melt due to rising global temperatures. This has created numerous glacial lakes some of which are at the risk of sudden outburst floods. These events can cause widespread destruction, displacing communities and exacerbating feelings of insecurity and stress.
It is to be highlighted here that weather and climate conditions are not just influencing our physical comfort but also our mental and emotional states. This connection between the environment and our mood can be seen in various aspects of life, from increased frustration and crime rates to heightened laziness and procrastination. Extreme heat has been shown to significantly affect human behavior. As temperatures rises, so does the level of discomfort leading to increased irritability and aggression.
Studies have found that higher temperatures are associated with a rise in violent crimes, such as assaults and homicides. A US research indicated that 1°C increase in average temperature could result in a 6% increase in violent crime rates, potentially leading to 25,000 more serious assaults annually. Whereas a study of Los Angeles found that violent crime rates were almost 10% higher on extremely hot days as compared to cooler days. This phenomenon can be attributed to the physiological stress that heat places on the body that can impair cognitive function and reduce our ability to cope with stress.
Hot weather not only makes us more irritable but it also saps our energy and motivation. High temperatures can lead to physical exhaustion making it harder to stay focused and productive. This can result in increased laziness and a tendency to procrastinate. Procrastination is often linked to emotional regulation rather than time management. When faced with uncomfortable weather conditions, people may delay tasks as a way to avoid the additional stress. Increased temperatures and extreme weather events even contribute to health issues including heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. In addition to this, Pakistan is also facing more frequent droughts which can lead to water scarcity and agricultural challenges. This is impacting our livelihoods, leading to an economic stress and increased frustration among affected populations.
The changing weather pattern in Pakistan is a clear indication of the broader impact of climate change. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach including improved infrastructure, better resource management, and increased awareness of the psychological impacts of climate change. The Pakistani government has been actively working on several initiatives to combat climate change and its impacts. In July 2023, Pakistan unveiled its first-ever National Adaptation Plan (NAP), aimed to enhance the nation’s resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change. This plan focused on large-scale environmental adaptation, building climate resilience, promoting inclusivity and facilitating collaboration among different stakeholders.
Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project is an ambitious reforestation project to combat deforestation, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity. This initiative is a part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Clean and Green Pakistan campaign focuses on improving environmental sustainability through various measures including waste management, sanitation and tree plantation. Recharge Pakistan initiative aims to improve water management and recharge groundwater resources. It includes measures to enhance water conservation, build infrastructure for water storage and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The government has announced new protected areas initiative to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. This initiative aims to protect biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystems.
Pakistan is actively seeking international support and investments to fund its climate resilience projects. The government is working on creating policy frameworks to attract private investment in sectors such as water management, agriculture, urban infrastructure and housing. They are also promoting the development of solar, wind and hydropower projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the country’s carbon footprint. It is to be noted here that Pakistan’s contribution to global greenhouse emissions is minimal yet the country bears a disproportionate burden of climate change impacts. This highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to help Pakistan adapt to challenges and build resilience against future climate-related events.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
