“Climate change threatens the entire human family. Yet it also provides an opportunity to come together and forge a collective response to a global problem. It is my hope that we will rise as one to face this challenge, and leave a better world for future generations.”
Ban Ki- moon, Secretary General of the United Nations
How Climate Change Is Defining Our Times?
11 of 12 warmest years since 1850 occurred between 1995 and 2006
262 million people were affected annually from climate disasters between 2000 to 2004
Drought cycles are frequent and prolonged
Glaciers are retreating at a rate of 10-15 meters a year in the Himalayas
How Climate Change Is Impacting Pakistan:
Pakistan is home to some of the worlds most beautiful and varied landscapes and wildlife. However, like many countries, Pakistan is experiencing the effects climate change. The world is becoming warmer. Over the past 200 years average temperature of the earth's surface has risen by 0.74 degrees C. It is expected to increase by another 1.8° C to 4° C by the year 2100. The primary explanation for the rise in temperature is human activities. The growing rate of industrialization, the burning of greater quantities of fossil fuels (e.g.: coal, gas and oil) and the unchecked destruction of forest cover has resulted in increased levels of Carbon-dioxide (CO2) being emitted into the atmosphere. This carbon covers the earth, trapping its heat, causing global warming.
In Pakistan a number of indigenous species of plants and animals are facing extinction as a result of climate change. Rising sea levels, and accelerated melting of glaciers in the Himalayas are threatening the natural habitat of rare animals such as the Markhor and Ibex. Climate change is also causing dramatic changes in weather patterns such as increased droughts and flooding, and changes in freshwater supply. In the plains the Blind Dolphin is threatened by extinction due to declining water levels in the Indus River. While along the coastal areas rare coral reefs which sustain hundreds of species of marine life are threatened as a direct result of increased surface temperatures.
By disrupting the entire ecosystem, climate change ultimately affects the way millions of Pakistanis live. However, there is still hope, if we take urgent action to control climate change now. Youth, are the future and have the most at stake. They can play an important role in helping bring about this change.
The risks of climate change for Pakistan
Changing weather patterns, such as increased flooding, droughts, changes in freshwater supply and an increase in extreme weather events
Reduced Agricultural output
Himalayan Glaciers melting rapidly
Increased air pollution in Pakistani cities such as Karachi and Lahore
Biodiversity loss: hundred of rare plants and animals in danger of extinction
What Will Happen If We Don’t Take Action?
Increased health risks
Extinction of rare plant and animal life
Increased exposure to extreme weather events
Heightened water insecurity
Reduced agricultural productivity
(Source UNDP Pak)
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