Since the beginning of 2025, we have witnessed severe waves of climate and environmental disruptions in the form of natural disasters. Winters have been dry and noticeably warmer compared to the last five years. The summer season has brought extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 47°C and even touching 50°C at their peak. Currently, the region is facing cloudbursts, floods, landslides, and extreme humidity, clear signs of abnormal and escalating climate change impacting South Asia’s normal weather patterns.

The snowfall at Babusar Top in July is an alarming deviation from historical climate norms.

In India, heavy rainfall across the country has brought summer temperatures down to 25°C-28°C in July. Similarly, in Pakistan, temperatures have dropped to as low as 24°C, a stark contrast to the typical July range of 38°C-45°C. These anomalies reflect the increasingly alarming impact of climate change in South Asia.

Recent floods in northern Pakistan and India, triggered by cloudbursts, have not only devastated mountainous regions but have also severely impacted urban centres, including Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and multiple Indian states. The Asian Development Bank has already allocated significant funds to South Asian countries to support climate resilience and reduce carbon emissions.

In an unprecedented event, snowfall was recorded last week at Babusar Top, a popular tourist destination in Pakistan, during July, a summer month. Such unseasonal weather highlights the seriousness of climatic disruption, driven by elevated carbon emissions in the atmosphere. These shifts pose grave risks to communities and ecosystems in the region.

Floods, storms, heatwaves, glacial melt, acid rain, and infrastructure damage are becoming increasingly common. Although South Asian countries contribute comparatively little to global carbon emissions, especially when measured against European industrial output, they remain among the worst affected by climate change, along with nations in the Middle East.

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Asian Development Bank has released funds to support South Asia’s fight against climate change.

The melting of glaciers is contributing to rising sea levels and increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable regions such as Pakistan, the Maldives, and the southern coast of India. Each year, the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convenes to assess global progress; the most recent COP was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to address climate change collectively, encouraging states—particularly UN members—to transition away from carbon-intensive practices. A global shift is underway, moving from coal-powered transport and industry toward electric and renewable energy systems.

Automobiles are transitioning from petroleum-fueled engines to electric vehicles, promoting environmental sustainability. Similarly, the rise in green energy production—especially solar power in Pakistan and wind energy initiatives globally—represents a vital step in reducing emissions and fostering climate resilience. These measures not only alleviate economic burdens, such as high electricity costs, but also promote eco-friendly living standards in the modern era.

The escalating impacts of climate change pose serious threats to both human life and national infrastructure. One overlooked consequence is the intensification of ultraviolet radiation, leading to more severe sunburns and skin damage. Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is already displacing communities and damaging ecosystems. Global inaction and political maneuvering around this issue only exacerbate the crisis. With water scarcity and extreme flooding looming as real threats, urgent and unified global action is essential. The value of water and the sustainability of life on Earth demand nothing less.

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South Asia contributes little to global emissions but suffers disproportionately from its consequences.

South Asia, being the most affected region by climate change, requires increased attention from the international community and global powers. New policies must be strong enough to benefit human life in these regions, because if South Asia is currently affected, many other regions, including Western countries and the polar areas, could also face severe impacts, disturbing the planet’s balance and water levels. These policies require strong implementation and focused global attention to minimize this deadly threat and safeguard future generations.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.