Neither wars with adversaries, nor terrorism, nor any other threat, but climate change is becoming a major threat to Pakistan. In the era of autonomous weapons, climate change itself is an even bigger threat because it has no deterrent. 123K deaths occur annually in Pakistan due to climatic phenomena, including floods, rains, heatstroke, etc. There is no war, no enemy, and no such threat that has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people in a single year.

“There is no war, no enemy, and no such threat that has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people in a single year.”

Climate change has emerged as the most dangerous non-traditional security threat to the world, particularly to developing countries. Pakistan is a country that is a much lower contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, even less than 1% carbon emissions, but Pakistan is the country most vulnerable to the effects of climate devastation.  The incidents of cloudbursts and floods in different districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan are a stark reminder of the beginning of this disaster, which has been feared for years.

1000 people have died in floods in different districts of KPK, including Bonera Shangla, Bajaur, Mansehra, Swat, Battagram, Lower Dir Five, and Abbottabad, according to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). If nothing is done to address climate change, then a complete catastrophe is inevitable.

After the floods in Pakistan in 2022, Pakistan has been included among the most dangerous countries in the world that are most vulnerable to climate change, according to the European Think Tank German Watch. As a result of the floods in 2022, 1800 deaths and 13,000 people were injured, 200K people were displaced, and about 30 million people were affected.

Pakistan’s economy suffered a loss of more than $30 billion, including infrastructure damage, which was an alarming bell that indicated the destruction to come. More than 7000 glaciers are found in Pakistan, which is the second highest after the Polar region. And with the increase in global temperature, the speed of melting of glaciers has increased a lot, which is especially alarming for countries like Pakistan.

The melting of 7000 glaciers will bring the whole of Pakistan underwater. Global warming is a major contributor to the melting of glaciers, which is projected to raise the temperature of the world by approximately 1.5 °C by 2050, and if there is no reduction in CO2 emissions, then the temperature could rise to 5 °C by the end of this century. Cloud-bursting incidents have been seen in the floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. when there is continuous rain in a particular area and water is recorded at up to 10cm, it leads to cloud bursting.

“The melting of 7000 glaciers will bring the whole of Pakistan underwater.”

Pakistan is among the countries in the world that produce the most carbon, but the greatest effects are also coming to Pakistan. If this situation continues, climate change will affect Pakistan and destroy its future. By 2050, the production of crops in Pakistan is likely to decrease by 20-40 percent, according to Asian Development Bank reports. Due to low production of crops, we may face a famine.

Due to food shortages and land barrenness, the agricultural profession is facing serious threats, which will definitely affect industrial production as well, and could have serious consequences for the country’s economy. And this threat is no longer in remote or tribal areas, but the important cities of Pakistan, Lahore and Karachi, are now also under its target.

Urban flooding is posing serious threats to the important cities of Pakistan. This will badly affect the drainage system of major cities as well. It is time for the authorities of Pakistan to put serious efforts into addressing this issue; otherwise, the situation could be worse. The one factor will lead to others. Poverty, famine, food insecurity, and water scarcity are some situations that will increase in the future due to climate calamities that will ultimately lead to institutional failure.

The development projects in major cities can only be sustained if disaster management is effective. There is a need for a National Climate policy to address the issue. Climate journalism, climate awareness, and climate justice are some factors that could play an important role in disaster management and saving lives. There is a need for improved planning and guidance for people in areas prone to danger and disaster.

“By 2050, the production of crops in Pakistan is likely to decrease by 20-40 percent.”

The incident that took place in Swat, which resulted in the drowning of nine members of the same family, happened due to the lack of proper guidance for people at tourist places. There is a need to establish Disaster Cells in areas prone to disasters, where they can inform people about which places are at risk and which are safe for tourism. The media needs to play a better role.

Climate journalism should be promoted so that it can create awareness among the people. There is a need for a National Action Plan for Climate, rather than just taking regional measures to address the current disaster and then waiting for another disaster to strike.

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.