CLIMATE CHANGE: AN URGENT GLOBAL THREAT

By Ghulam Mustafa Syed

Save our planet before it is too late.

The blanket of smog that envelops the atmosphere of Lahore, large parts of Pakistan’s Punjab province, and Delhi in India grows thicker and wider every year. The smog crisis in late 2024 has been particularly severe, with Lahore frequently ranked as the world’s most polluted city. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Lahore exceeded hazardous thresholds, often 15-50 times above World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits, reaching values over 700. Delhi faced similarly alarming figures, with AQI levels surpassing 400. This toxic air has drastically reduced visibility, increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy—up to 8.5 years for long-term residents.

Widespread Impact and Future Risks

The smog crisis severely affects public health, economic productivity, and ecosystems. Prolonged exposure to polluted air damages crops, disrupts biodiversity, and drives up healthcare costs. If left unaddressed, the problem is poised to worsen, with larger populations exposed to hazardous air and long-term environmental degradation becoming more profound.

While various factors contribute to smog—such as crop residue burning, industrial and vehicular emissions, and geographic and meteorological conditions—there is a broader and more pressing driver that demands attention: climate change.

Climate Change: The Underlying Catalyst

Climate change exacerbates smog by altering weather patterns that intensify and prolong pollution episodes. Shifting precipitation patterns and rising temperatures extend the “pollution season” and hinder the natural dispersal of pollutants. The scientific consensus is clear: human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are significantly accelerating climate change.

Consequences for Pakistan and South Asia

Pakistan and South Asia are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The region faces severe challenges, including:

  • Heatwaves
  • Erratic monsoons, resulting in floods or droughts
  • Glacial melt, impacting water resources
  • Increased disease prevalence
  • Food insecurity

Economic Challenges

Developing nations like Pakistan often lack the resources to effectively counter the adverse effects of climate change. The resultant challenges—poverty, food insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure—intensify existing vulnerabilities.

Impact on the Planet

Globally, the consequences of climate change are already evident:

  • Rising sea levels
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Frequent and severe natural disasters
  • Disruptions to agriculture and food security
  • Threats to human health

Severity of the Issue

The seriousness of climate change cannot be overstated. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems and endanger livelihoods worldwide. Scientists predict 2024 will be the hottest year on record, continuing a trend of escalating temperatures. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that June 2024 was the hottest month ever recorded, marking a 13-month streak of record-breaking temperatures since June 2023.

In 2023, extreme temperatures caused devastating heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, resulting in $28 billion in climate-related losses in the United States alone. Countries like Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., Mexico, Kenya, China, and Brazil experienced catastrophic events that exacerbated flooding and wildfires.

Human-Induced Factors

Scientists attribute these extreme weather patterns to human activities, including fossil fuel consumption and deforestation. In 2023, global temperatures were 1.48°C warmer than pre-industrial levels, nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold established by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Despite international commitments, emission reductions have been insufficient, leaving temperatures perilously close to this limit. Exceeding the 1.5°C threshold could dramatically amplify storms, droughts, heatwaves, and floods beyond manageable levels.

Responsibility of Industrialized Nations

Major industrialized nations, including the United States, European countries, China, and increasingly India, have contributed significantly to global carbon emissions. While these nations bear a significant responsibility for addressing the crisis, every country must play its part in combating climate change. Failure to act will result in devastating consequences, including:

  • More severe natural disasters
  • Water scarcity
  • Population displacement
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Global instability

Overcoming Climate Change

Although the challenge is daunting, it is not insurmountable. Solutions include:

  • Collective global action: Countries must collaborate to reduce emissions and invest in sustainable technologies.
  • Technological advancements: Innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture are critical.
  • Policy interventions: Governments must enforce stricter environmental regulations and incentivize green practices.
  • Public awareness: Educating individuals and communities about their role in reducing carbon footprints is vital.

By prioritizing sustainability and resilience, we can pave the way toward a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet and future generations. The time to act is now, before it truly becomes too late. (The writer is a Karachi-based Journalist and Writer).

END

Recommended For You

About the Author: Tribune