**Global Perspective**
ISSUE: 2
Climate Change
Climate change is an urgent and multifaceted crisis, reshaping our planet in profound
ways. At its core, it is driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities,
primarily the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. According to
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these activities have led to
unprecedented increases in global temperatures, with the Earth's average surface
temperature rising by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels (IPCC, 2021).
This warming has far-reaching consequences, including more frequent and severe
heatwaves, intensified storms, and rising sea levels.
The effects of climate change are not uniformly distributed. For instance, the melting of
polar ice caps contributes to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities
worldwide. The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes
and typhoons, have increased, causing devastating impacts on human lives and
economies. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates existing health issues by
expanding the range of vector-borne diseases and increasing the frequency of heat-
related illnesses (World Health Organization, 2022).
**National Perspective: Pakistan**
In Pakistan, the impact of climate change is particularly acute due to its geographical
and socio-economic context. The country is highly vulnerable to the effects of global
warming, with rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affecting its agricultural
sector and water resources. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the
country has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, with some areas recording
temperature increases of up to 1.5°C over the past few decades (Pakistan
Meteorological Department, 2023).
The consequences for Pakistan are severe. The Indus River, a critical water source for
agriculture and drinking, has been adversely affected by glacial melting and erratic
rainfall patterns. This has led to increased flooding during the monsoon season and
prolonged droughts in other periods, severely impacting crop yields and food security
(Asian Development Bank, 2022). Moreover, Pakistan's coastal areas are threatened by
rising sea levels, which jeopardize the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing and
agriculture.
**Local Perspective: Karachi**
In Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and economic hub, the effects of climate change
manifest in increasingly tangible ways. The city is facing extreme heatwaves, with
temperatures often soaring above 40°C during the summer months. This not only
exacerbates public health issues but also places a strain on the city's infrastructure and
energy systems (Karachi Climate Change Action Plan, 2021).
Karachi is also vulnerable to flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. The
city's inadequate drainage systems and rapid urbanization exacerbate the impact of
heavy rains, leading to frequent waterlogging and property damage. Additionally, rising
sea levels pose a threat to Karachi's coastal areas, increasing the risk of erosion and
saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies (Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, 2023).
**Conclusion**
Climate change is a global challenge with local ramifications that are deeply felt across
various regions. From the global rise in temperatures and extreme weather events to
the specific impacts on Pakistan and Karachi, the need for comprehensive and localized
adaptation strategies is clear. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts
at all levels—from international agreements to national policies and local initiatives—to
mitigate the effects and build resilience against the inevitable changes ahead.
**References**
1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). *Sixth Assessment
Report*. Retrieved from [IPCC Website](https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/)
2. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). *Climate Change and Health*. Retrieved
from [WHO Website](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-
and-health)
3. Pakistan Meteorological Department. (2023). *Climate Data Report*. Retrieved from
[PMD Website](http://www.pmd.gov.pk/)
4. Asian Development Bank (ADB). (2022). *Pakistan: Climate Change and Water
Resources*. Retrieved from [ADB Website](https://www.adb.org/projects/sector/climate-
change)
5. Karachi Climate Change Action Plan. (2021). *City Government of Karachi*.
Retrieved from [Karachi Climate Action](https://www.karachiclimateaction.gov.pk/)
6. Karachi Water and Sewerage Board. (2023). *Annual Report*. Retrieved from
[KW&SB Website](http://www.kwsb.gos.pk/)
