UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI

Name: Muhammad Hasnain Azam

Seat No: H-2077066 (Repeater)
Faculty: Arts and Social Science
Department: International Relation
Major Department: Subject Sociology
Submit to: Sir Amjad
Question: Climate Change and Its Impacts On Pakistan

Climate change:
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth's climate
patterns and systems, primarily resulting from human activities that release
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases, such as
carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat
from the sun and cause the Earth's surface temperature to rise, leading to
various environmental and societal impacts.

The primary driver of modern climate change is the burning of fossil

fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and
industrial processes. When fossil fuels are burned, CO2 is released into the
atmosphere, increasing its concentration. Deforestation and land-use
changes also contribute to climate change by reducing the Earth's capacity
to absorb CO2.

The consequences of climate change are wide-ranging and include:

1. Rising temperatures: The average global temperature has been

increasing, resulting in heatwaves, heat-related illnesses, and altered
weather patterns.

2. Extreme weather events: Climate change intensifies the frequency

and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods,
droughts, and wildfires.

3. Melting ice and rising sea levels: Higher temperatures cause

glaciers and ice caps to melt, leading to rising sea levels. This
threatens coastal areas with increased flooding, erosion, and the loss
of land.

4. Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leads to

acidification, harming marine ecosystems and coral reefs, which are
vital habitats for marine life.
 5. Shifts in ecosystems: Climate change disrupts ecosystems and
alters the geographical ranges of plant and animal species, affecting
biodiversity and potentially leading to species extinction.

6. Agricultural impacts: Changing climate conditions can affect crop

yields, agricultural practices, and food security, leading to challenges
in meeting global food demand.

Addressing climate change requires collective efforts to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable and cleaner energy
sources, conserve forests and natural resources, adopt sustainable land-
use practices, promote energy efficiency, and develop climate-resilient
infrastructure. International cooperation and policy initiatives, such as the
Paris Agreement, aim to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts
while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
IMPACT ON PAKISTAN:
Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
due to its geographical location, socio-economic characteristics, and
reliance on agriculture as a significant sector of the economy. Here are
some of the key climate change impacts on Pakistan:

Water Scarcity:
Climate change affects the water cycle, leading to irregular rainfall
patterns, reduced snowfall in the mountains, and increased evaporation.
Pakistan heavily depends on the Indus River system for agriculture and
water supply, and any disruptions to the water availability can lead to water
scarcity, affecting both rural and urban areas.

Glacial Melting:
Pakistan is home to several glaciers, including those in the Himalayas
and Karakoram ranges. Rising temperatures are causing these glaciers to
melt, which can lead to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and changes
in river flow patterns, posing risks to communities downstream.

Increased Flooding:
Climate change contributes to intense rainfall events and an
increased risk of flooding in many parts of Pakistan. Flash floods and
riverine floods can cause loss of life, damage infrastructure, and lead to the
displacement of communities.

Heatwaves and Droughts:

Rising temperatures have led to more frequent and severe
heatwaves in Pakistan. Heatwaves can result in heat-related illnesses and
fatalities, particularly in urban areas. Droughts are also becoming more
common, affecting agricultural productivity, livestock, and water availability.

Agricultural Impacts:
Pakistan's economy heavily relies on agriculture, making it highly
susceptible to climate change impacts on crops, livestock, and livelihoods.
Changes in rainfall patterns, water availability, and increased pest
infestations can significantly impact agricultural productivity and food
security.

Coastal Vulnerability:
Pakistan has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, which is
vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased storm surges. Coastal
erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of coastal ecosystems pose risks to
communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

To address these challenges, Pakistan has been implementing various

adaptation and mitigation strategies, including the development of climate-
resilient infrastructure, promotion of renewable energy sources, water
management initiatives, afforestation programs, and climate-smart
agriculture practices. However, additional efforts, both at the national and
international levels, are needed to effectively tackle the impacts of climate
change on Pakistan and build a more sustainable and resilient future.