Remedies to Lessen Effects of Global Warming on Pakistan

This article suggests specific and well-thought-out remedies to reduce global warming effects on Pakistan.

What is Pakistan’s contribution to global warming?

Pakistan makes a tiny contribution to industrial emissions causing the problem of global warming. Industrially developed countries with more than 90 percent carbon emissions in the atmosphere are the main culprits. The issue of global warming needs an international effort forcing developed nations to reduce emissions. Unfortunately, such an international action does not seem to happen sooner.

What are the remedies to reduce global warming effects in Pakistan?

What Pakistan can do is, ‘putting measures in place that can help mitigate the impact of global warming on its economy. The suggested measures are as follows: 

Institutional and Community Capacity Building

The first step that government should take is to build the capacity of institutions dealing with natural disasters. The government should equip such institutions with modern technology and skills required in risk mapping, assessment, and rescue efforts. Similarly, capacity building of communities is also essential to enable them to cope with disaster-induced effects. The institutions can support and collaborate with community-led organizations to create a sense of ownership in the efforts.

Climate change adaptation

Development programs without taking climate change impact into consideration can prove less productive in the long run. This necessitates the integration of climate change adaptation measures in development plans to mitigate relevant issues. The issues potential issues that demand due consideration can be scarce water resources, extreme weather conditions, floods, etc.

Resilient agricultural sector

The agricultural sector is the backbone of Pakistan providing food to an increasing population. Frequently occurring drought conditions and flooding can damage agriculture. Therefore, a more resilient agriculture sector is essential. The government needs to invest in agricultural infrastructure. For instance, the government should improve the irrigation system to counter the increasing scarcity of water in the country.

Ecosystem conservation

Forest fires, droughts, desertification, etc. caused by climate change have put ecosystem and biodiversity in jeopardy. Therefore, it is very important to promote ecosystem conservation and biodiversity protection with the integration of climate change considerations.  

Women-specific interventions

According to different survey studies the mortality rate of women during and after natural disasters has been more than men. This is due to the lack of survival skills e.g. swimming, climbing, etc. The government and NGOs should undertake capacity-building for women as to how to cope with the situation during and after the disasters.

In this regard, the women of vulnerable areas,e.g. Gilgit-Baltistan, Khacha area in Sindh, etc. require the first attention. Measures enhancing the capacity of women concerning disaster risk reduction and recovery efforts are of vital importance. This will help reduce women’s mortality caused by climate change-stimulated disasters.

International Funding

The government should allocate an appropriate amount of GDP to undertake research, planning, and implementation of disaster-related programs. Since global warming is an international issue primarily caused by most developed countries.  Therefore, the government should make efforts to get funding from international donor agencies for adaptation projects.

Promotion of research

Lack of research on the climate change issue is acting as a barrier in efforts to strengthen adaption planning and action in Pakistan. The promotion of continuous research can help identify and better understand how climate-induced changes will affect available resources i.e. water resources and drought in the country.

Similarly, Pakistan needs funding and encouragement to assess the glacier meltdown, outburst of glacial lakes, and their impact on communities for future planning and action.