Impact of Global Warming on Pakistan

The theme explores climate change and its multifaceted effects on a vulnerable nation. Specifically, it highlights how global warming impacts Pakistan's environment, economy, and society.

It emphasizes the urgent need for Climate Action (SDG 13). The unit addresses challenges such as:

• Rising temperatures
• Glacier melting (Himalayas & Karakoram)
• Extreme weather events (floods, droughts)
• Coastal erosion
• Loss of biodiversity

The text discusses the serious impacts of global warming on Pakistan. Pakistan is particularly vulnerable due to its geographic diversity and large rural population dependent on agriculture.

Key impacts include rapid melting of glaciers leading to water scarcity, heatwaves in cities like Karachi, and rising sea levels threatening coastal areas. In response, Pakistan is taking steps like the Heatwave Management Plan, GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) monitoring, and mangrove rehabilitation to build climate resilience.

Pakistan has seen a significant rise in average temperatures. This trend is driven by global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Urban Impact: Cities like Karachi and Lahore face "Urban Heat Island" effects, where concrete structures trap heat.
• Extreme Records: In 2022, Jacobabad recorded temperatures around 51°C.
• Health Risks: Severe heatwaves lead to heatstrokes and health emergencies.
• Response: The Heatwave Management Plan includes early warning systems and public awareness campaigns.

Pakistan is home to prolonged glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Global warming is accelerating their melting.

• Short-term effect: Increased river flows and flash floods (GLOFs).
• Long-term effect: Reduced river flows, leading to water scarcity for agriculture and hydropower.
• Statistic: About 30% of glaciers have already melted or shown signs of retreating.

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy but is highly sensitive to climate change.

• Problems: Irregular rainfall, heat stress, and water shortages reduce crop yields.
• Wheat Yield: Projected to decline by 6-8% by 2050 due to changing climate conditions.
• Food Security: Reduced productivity threatens food security for the growing population.

Rising sea levels threaten the coastline of Sindh and Balochistan.

• Threats: Saline water intrusion into agricultural lands, loss of infrastructure, and displacement of communities.
• Projection: By 2100, sea levels could rise by 0.6 meters, potentially displacing up to 2 million people.
• Mitigation: Mangrove Rehabilitation Projects aim to plant trees that act as natural barriers against erosion.

Climate change disrupts natural habitats, leading to species loss.

• Deforestation: Pakistan loses approximately 43,000 hectares of forest annually.
• Endangered Species: Snow leopards and Indus River dolphins are losing their habitats.
• Action: The Protected Areas Initiative and Billion Tree Tsunami aim to conserve ecosystems and increase forest cover.